A Guide to 3.6kW EV Chargers
If you’re currently researching home EV chargers, you’ve probably come across the term 3.6kW EV charger. But what does 3.6kW actually mean? Is it fast enough to charge your electric car? And how does it compare to 7kW units or public charge points?
Pro EV are here to explain what a 3.6kW EV charging unit is, how long it typically takes to fully charge an electric vehicle, and how it compares with faster home and public charging options. We’ll also explore whether a 3.6kW charger is suitable for your home setup and explain the key differences between standard home charging, rapid chargers and ultra-rapid charging stations. If you’re deciding between a 3.6kW home charger and other EV charging options, this guide will help you understand what to expect and which solution may work best for your needs.
What Is a 3.6kW EV Charger?
A 3.6kW EV charger is a home charging unit that supplies electricity to an electric vehicle at a maximum rate of 3.6 kilowatts. In simple terms, kilowatts (kW) measure the power delivered during charging, and the higher the kW rating, the faster the vehicle can recharge. Compared with modern 7kW home chargers, a 3.6kW unit is considered a slower charging option. These chargers typically run on a single-phase domestic electricity supply and draw around 16 amps. While they were more common in early EV installations, 3.6kW chargers can still be suitable in certain situations today, particularly where electrical capacity is limited or charging demands are relatively low.
How Fast Is a 3.6kW Charger?
Charging speeds depend on both the charger output and your vehicle’s battery size.
A 3.6kW home charge point typically adds around 10–15 miles of range per hour.
Example Charging Times
| Battery Size | 3.6kW Charging Time | 7kW Charging Time |
| 40kWh | 11–12 hours | 6–7 hours |
| 60kWh | 16–18 hours | 8–9 hours |
| 77kWh | 20+ hours | 10–12 hours |
If you have an EV with a larger battery, charging at 3.6kW may take nearly a full day to reach a full charge from empty.
However, most EV drivers don’t charge from 0% to 100% daily. Overnight top-ups are far more common.
Is 3.6kW Considered Slow Charging?
Yes, by modern standards, 3.6kW is classified as slow charging.
For comparison:
- 3.6kW = slow charging
- 7kW = standard home charging
- 22kW = faster AC public charging
- 50kW+ = rapid charging
- 150kW+ = ultra rapid
That doesn’t mean it’s unusable. It simply means it delivers power at a lower rate than many newer home charger models.
How Does a 3.6kW Charger Compare to a 3-Pin Plug?
Some EV owners charge their vehicles using a standard 3-pin domestic socket, which typically provides around 2.3kW of power. A 3.6kW home charger offers a noticeable improvement. It delivers faster charging than a standard socket, is designed for sustained EV charging, and is installed on a dedicated electrical circuit for greater safety.
What’s the Difference Between 3.6kW vs 7kW EV Chargers
The most common modern home charger in the UK is 7kW.
Key Differences
|
Feature |
3.6kW Charger |
7kW Charger |
|
Power Output |
3.6kW |
7.4kW |
|
Charging Speeds |
10–15 miles/hr |
25–35 miles/hr |
|
Future-Proofing |
Limited |
Better |
A 7kW charger can charge an electric car roughly twice as fast as a 3.6kW unit. For drivers covering higher daily mileage, that can make a huge difference.
Who Is a 3.6kW Charger Suitable For?
Despite its slower charging speeds, a 3.6kW charger can still be suitable for certain drivers. It may work well for low-mileage drivers, plug-in hybrid owners, households with limited electrical capacity, or anyone who follows a regular overnight charging routine. It can also suit drivers who prefer to top up their battery daily rather than charge from empty. For example, if you typically drive around 10–20 miles per day, a 3.6kW charger is often sufficient to replenish that energy overnight, meaning your vehicle can still be fully charged and ready by morning.
How Does 3.6kW Compare to Public Charging?
When comparing home charging with public charging stations, the difference in charging speed is quite significant, but that speed comes at a higher cost.
Public charge points can include 22kW fast chargers, 50kW rapid chargers and ultra-rapid hubs capable of delivering 150kW or more. These systems are designed to provide much faster charging, making them ideal for long journeys or quick top-ups when you are away from home. However, public charging usually costs more per kWh than charging at home. For this reason, most EV drivers rely on home charging for everyday use and only use public charge points when necessary as an add on to their normal charging routine and not as their main charging solution.
Charging an EV at Home vs Public Charging
|
Charging Type |
Key Benefits |
Considerations |
|
Home Charging (3.6kW or 7kW) |
Lower cost per kWh Convenient overnight charging No queues or waiting Fits easily into a daily routine |
Slower than public rapid chargers |
|
Public Charging |
Rapid and ultra-rapid charging speeds Useful for motorway journeys and long trips |
Higher cost per kWh Often includes time-limited parking or waiting for availability |
Installation Requirements for a 3.6kW Home Charger
A 3.6kW home charger requires:
- A dedicated circuit
- Professional installation
- RCD protection
- Compliance with UK smart charging regulations
Even though it’s lower power than 7kW, it must still be installed correctly.
Can You Upgrade from 3.6kW to 7kW?
Yes, in many cases you can upgrade. If you have been driving an EV since the early days and originally had a 3.6kW charger installed, it should be relatively easy to upgrade to a 7kW charger. If your property has sufficient supply capacity, a suitable consumer unit, and passes an electrical assessment, our installers can often upgrade your home charge point to a higher-output model.
Just get in touch and speak to our team about your options.
Cost to Charge at 3.6kW
The cost of charging your EV always depends on several factors, including your electricity rate (pence per kWh), the size of your vehicle’s battery and whether you use a smart or off-peak energy tariff.
For example, if electricity costs around 30p per kWh, charging a 60kWh battery from empty would cost approximately £18. However, many EV drivers reduce this cost significantly by charging overnight on cheaper off-peak tariffs. In most cases, charging at home remains considerably cheaper than relying on public charging stations.
|
Advantages of a 3.6kW Charger |
Limitations of a 3.6kW Charging Unit |
|
Lower electrical demand on your property |
Slower charging speeds |
|
Suitable for smaller properties or limited electrical capacity |
Less future-proof for larger EV batteries |
|
Ideal for plug-in hybrid vehicles |
May not suit high-mileage drivers |
|
Less strain on the household electrical supply |
Longer time required to fully charge |
|
Usually cheaper installation than higher-capacity systems |
Future-Proofing Your EV Charging
Modern EVs are increasingly equipped with larger battery packs, longer driving ranges, and higher onboard charging limits, making them a more desirable option for those who may have previously been worried about range anxiety. While a 3.6kW charger can still charge an EV effectively, a 7kW home charger generally aligns better with the capabilities of most current and future models.
If you expect to upgrade your vehicle in the coming years, choosing a faster home charging option may provide greater convenience and better long-term compatibility.
Should You Choose a 3.6kW Charger Today?
In 2026, 7kW chargers are generally recommended for most households.
However, a 3.6kW charger remains a viable solution if:
- Your driving habits are low mileage
- Electrical upgrades are limited
- You charge primarily overnight
- You own a plug-in hybrid
It ultimately depends on your usage. A 3.6kW EV charger sits between a standard domestic socket and the more common 7kW home charging units we regularly install today. While it is slower than a modern 7kW charger, it is still faster and safer than charging from a regular household socket and can be perfectly suitable for low-mileage drivers or plug-in hybrid owners. For many households, it also provides a cost-effective way to charge overnight.
If you’re unsure whether a 3.6kW or 7kW charger is the best option for your property, a professional assessment can help determine the most suitable solution.
Install the Right Home Charger with Pro EV
At Pro EV, we assess your property, electrical capacity and driving habits to recommend the most appropriate home charging solution. Our service includes checking your electrical supply, carrying out safe and compliant installation, setting up smart charging features and providing guidance on future-proof charging options.
Whether you choose a 3.6kW or 7kW charging unit, our team ensures your EV charging point is installed safely and efficiently, and ready for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3.6kW fast enough to charge an electric car?
For low daily mileage, yes. For larger batteries or high-mileage drivers, it may feel slower than 7kW chargers.
How long does it take to fully charge at 3.6kW?
Depending on battery size, 11–20+ hours from empty. Most drivers charge overnight rather than from zero.
Is 3.6kW faster than a 3-pin plug?
Yes. A standard pin plug provides about 2.3kW, while a 3.6kW charger delivers more power safely.
Can I use public charging instead of home charging?
Yes, but public charging is usually more expensive. Rapid and ultra-rapid charging is best for long journeys.
Are 3.6kW chargers still installed today?
Yes, though 7kW units are more common. A professional installer will assess your home supply and recommend the best option.
Still have questions?
