22kW AC Charging: A Growing Trend in German Luxury EVs

As premium German car manufacturers move deeper into electric vehicles, 22kW AC charging is becoming an increasingly important feature for luxury EV buyers.

The reason is simple: premium and luxury EVs are typically larger and heavier, often designed to deliver longer driving ranges while consuming more electricity in the process. As a result, their owners increasingly expect their home charging systems to offer greater flexibility and faster AC charging. This becomes particularly valuable for households with a three-phase electrical connection, where a 22kW AC charger can make significantly better use of the available electrical capacity.

The new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric SUV is part of this broader trend. Mercedes-Benz offers high-capacity AC charging capability on the GLC Electric, alongside its advanced 800-volt DC fast-charging system. This gives owners greater flexibility between fast public charging and convenient overnight home charging.

Porsche is taking a similar approach.

Most Porsche electric vehicles — including the Taycan, Macan Electric and the upcoming Cayenne Electric — feature an 11kW maximum AC charging rate as standard, while an optional 22kW onboard AC charger is available on applicable models.

This is an important distinction for EV buyers. A wall charger rated at 22kW does not automatically mean that every vehicle will charge at 22kW. The actual AC charging speed depends on the vehicle's onboard charger, the home's electrical supply and the installation.

However, the growing availability of 22kW onboard chargers in premium German EVs highlights an important direction for the market: high-capacity AC charging is becoming a valuable feature for luxury EV owners who want to make the most of their home electrical infrastructure.

From Luxury EVs to the Mainstream

There is a familiar pattern in the automotive industry: new technology often appears first in premium and luxury vehicles, before gradually becoming more widely adopted across the mainstream market.

Features that were once associated primarily with luxury cars — such as advanced driver assistance, adaptive LED lighting, large infotainment screens, wireless smartphone connectivity and sophisticated safety systems — have progressively made their way into more affordable vehicles.

The same evolution is now happening with electric vehicle charging technology.

For many owners, however, the biggest advantage isn't necessarily charging as quickly as possible every night. It's having the charging capacity available when you need it.

22kW + Solar: Turn Free Sunshine Into Smarter EV Charging

There is another reason 22kW AC charging is particularly relevant to Australian EV owners.

Australia has one of the world's highest rates of residential rooftop solar adoption. For households with a large solar system and three-phase power, a high-capacity smart EV charger can provide a much more flexible way to use surplus solar energy.

The iEV 22kW Smart Solar Wall Charger is designed around this concept.

With a suitable three-phase installation, the charger can provide up to 22kW AC charging capability. More importantly, its Solar Smart functions allow owners to choose between Solar Only, Hybrid and Grid charging modes, helping them decide how they want their EV to use available solar and grid electricity.

As the premium EV market continues to evolve, 22kW AC charging is likely to become increasingly relevant across the entire EV market — not just for luxury brands. As more advanced charging technology moves from Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and other luxury manufacturers into mainstream brands such as BYD, Tesla and Hyundai, EV owners are increasingly looking for faster, more flexible and future-ready home charging.

Even if your current BYD, Tesla or Hyundai EV can only accept 7kW or 11kW AC charging, an  iEV 22kW Smart Solar Charger keeps your home ready for the EV you’ll drive tomorrow. 

And with iEV’s industry-leading 5-year manufacturer warranty, you’re not just investing in smarter charging today — you’re choosing long-term reliability, confidence and peace of mind for years to come.