40 Amp vs 48 Amp EV Charger: Is the Faster Charger Worth It?
The difference is about 1.9 kW of power — but whether you'll notice depends on your car, your commute and your panel.
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Key takeaways
- 40A ≈ 9.6 kW; 48A ≈ 11.5 kW at 240V.
- 48A requires a 60A breaker and usually hardwiring.
- Most drivers fully recharge overnight on 40A.
The math
Power = volts × amps. At 240V, a 40A charger supplies about 9.6 kW and a 48A charger about 11.5 kW. Real-world range added per hour depends on your car's efficiency, but the 48A unit is roughly 20% faster — only if your car's onboard charger accepts 11.5 kW.
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Circuit requirements
EV charging is a continuous load, so the circuit must be rated at 125% of the charger's current: 50A for a 40A charger and 60A for a 48A charger. A 48A charger must be hardwired because standard plug-in receptacles top out at 50A.
Who should buy 48A?
Drivers with large-battery trucks or SUVs, long daily commutes, or two EVs sharing one charger benefit most. Everyone else will likely never notice the difference overnight.
Safety note: This article is general information, not professional electrical advice. Working with 240V circuits can cause serious injury or fire. Hire a licensed electrician and follow local codes and permit requirements.
Sources & further reading
Written by
LarryLeoLarryLeo started EV Charging while researching his own next car purchase. He digs into the pros, cons and real cost savings of going electric — using government, standards-body and manufacturer sources — and shares what he finds so other buyers can decide with confidence.
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