Choosing the Right Amp Guide
Pick the perfect Primecom charger by matching your EV, home, and daily miles — in 30 seconds.
Amps, Volts & kW — The 60-second version
What “amps” do
Amps = how much electricity can flow. More amps → more power (if your EV & home allow it).
Charging power (kW) ≈ Volts × Amps ÷ 1000
Level 1 is 110–120V · Level 2 is 220–240V (typical home EV charging)
What limits speed
Your EV’s onboard AC charger max (OBC), your breaker/circuit, and how long you’re plugged in.
If your EV’s OBC is 32A, a 40A unit won’t exceed 32A.
Electricians size EV circuits with a 125% continuous load rule.
Step 1: What your EV and home can handle
Your EV’s onboard AC limit (OBC)
- We cap Level-2 amps to your model’s typical OBC automatically.
- All EVs work on Level 1 (usually up to ~12A @ 120V ≈ 1.4 kW).
- Trims/years vary; check your manual for exact specs.
Your home electrical setup
- Panel capacity, breaker space, wire gauge & run distance.
- Most homes support 16–40A additions; higher may need upgrades.
- A licensed electrician can confirm quickly.
Step 2: Quick estimator — “What do I need?”
We prefill typical efficiency (mi/kWh) and cap Level-2 amps to your EV’s onboard charger.
Recommended: —
Enter your details to see amps, miles/hour, and coverage.
Step 3: Compare common amp levels
| Amp Level | Approx kW @ 240V | ~Miles/Hour (typical EV) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16A | 3.8 kW | 12–15 mi/hr | PHEVs, light daily miles | Budget-friendly |
| 24A | 5.8 kW | 18–24 mi/hr | Most daily drivers | Balanced speed & cost |
| 32A | 7.7 kW | 27–31 mi/hr | Faster top-ups | Check EV OBC limit |
| 40A | 9.6 kW | 33–38 mi/hr | Higher daily miles | Needs suitable circuit |
| 48–50A | 11.5–12.0 kW | 42–48 mi/hr | Max Level-2 speed | Verify OBC & panel |
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FAQs
No. Your EV’s onboard AC charger controls the draw. A higher-amp station only offers more current; the car decides how much to take.
If you expect a future EV with a higher AC limit or you drive more miles, stepping up amperage reduces charge time—as long as your home circuit supports it.
Level 1 (~1.4 kW) typically adds ~4–6 mi/hr. Level 2 (3.8–12 kW) adds ~12–48 mi/hr depending on charger amps, your EV’s OBC limit, and efficiency.