If you have ever seen a red five-pin socket in a shed or workshop, you have seen three-phase power. Many newer Australian homes and plenty of rural properties have it, and it opens the door to much faster home charging, as long as your car can use it.
How to tell if you have three-phase
- Look at your switchboard: three-phase homes usually have a three-pole main switch (three switches joined together) and more circuits spread across three phases.
- Check your electricity bill or meter. Your retailer or distributor can confirm it.
- A red five-pin outlet in a garage or shed is a strong clue, but ask an electrician to confirm what it is rated for.
How fast is three-phase charging?
- 16A three-phase: about 11 kW, roughly 45–75 km of range per hour
- 32A three-phase: about 22 kW, roughly 90–150 km of range per hour, if your car accepts 22 kW
For comparison, a single-phase 32A circuit delivers about 7.2 kW, or 30–50 km per hour.
The catch: your car sets the limit
Every EV has an onboard charger that converts AC power from the grid into DC for the battery. That onboard charger has a maximum. Many popular EVs in Australia accept up to 11 kW AC, some only accept 7 kW, and only a smaller number accept 22 kW. If your car’s limit is 11 kW, a 22 kW supply will not charge it any faster. Some single-phase-only cars cannot use three-phase at all. We explain this in 11 kW vs 22 kW: why your car might not charge any faster.
Is it worth it?
For most people who charge overnight, 7 kW is already plenty. Three-phase makes sense if you:
- Drive long distances most days, or share one charger between two EVs
- Have short charging windows, like cheap off-peak or free midday solar hours
- Already have a three-phase outlet in the garage or shed
Portable three-phase chargers
Our 11 kW and 22 kW portable chargers plug straight into a three-phase outlet. That makes them ideal for farms, workshops and homes that already have one, and you can take them with you. Each comes with a bonus adapter for a normal 10A power point, for when three-phase is not available. Always set the charger to 10A before using the adapter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need three-phase for an EV?
No. Most owners are well served by single-phase charging. Three-phase only helps if your driving needs it and your car can accept it.
Can a three-phase charger be used on single-phase?
With the right adapter and at a lower current, yes, but it will charge at single-phase speeds.
Is three-phase installation expensive?
If your home already has three-phase, adding an outlet is usually straightforward. Upgrading a single-phase home is more involved, so get a quote from a licensed electrician.
Key takeaways
- Three-phase homes usually have a three-pole main switch
- 11 kW adds about 45–75 km/h and 22 kW about 90–150 km/h
- Your car’s onboard charger sets the real limit
- Portable three-phase chargers suit homes, sheds and farms that already have the outlet