32 Amp vs. 40 Amp EV Chargers: What You Need to Know Before Installing an EV Charger at Home

Introduction: Understanding Amps in EV Charging

When considering installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger at home, one of the key specifications you'll encounter is “amps.” While many of us have heard the term, not everyone recalls exactly what it means. In electrical terms, amps, short for amperes, measure the strength of an electrical current. Think of it as the volume of electricity flowing through your charger. The more amps, the faster electricity flows—translating into faster EV charging times.

Choosing between a 32 amp and a 40 amp EV charger might seem like a small technical decision, but it can have significant impacts on charging speed, electrical infrastructure requirements, and cost. In this article, we’ll walk you through what amps mean in EV charging, how 32A and 40A chargers compare, and which might be the best fit for your EV and home.

What Are Amps and How Are They Used at Home?

Every appliance or electronic device in your home draws a specific amount of electrical current—or amps—to function. For example, a microwave, refrigerator, and washing machine may all run on different amp levels. Your home's electrical panel manages how these devices get power, distributing a finite number of amps through various circuits.

Typical homes are equipped with a 100 to 200 amp electrical service, divided across multiple circuits. This total amp capacity must support everything that’s plugged in and running at the same time—from your toaster to your EV charger. If you use more electricity than your system can handle, you risk tripping a circuit breaker or worse—creating a fire hazard.

Therefore, before installing a higher-amp EV charger, it's essential to understand your home's electrical capacity and how much “room” is left for a new device like a 32 or 40 amp charger.

What Is a 40 Amp EV Charger?

A 40 amp Level 2 EV charger is a high-capacity charging device that delivers up to 9.6 kilowatts (kW) of power to your electric vehicle. Compared to lower amp chargers, a 40A charger dramatically reduces the time required to recharge your EV battery—making it an excellent choice for vehicles with larger batteries or for drivers with longer commutes.

Typical Charging Time with a 40 Amp Charger:

Let’s break it down:

A typical electric car with a 60 kWh battery would take about 6 to 7.5 hours to fully charge using a 40A charger.

The math: 60 kWh ÷ 9.6 kW = ~6.25 hours.

That said, real-world charging times can vary depending on:

The onboard charger capabilities of the vehicle

The state of the battery

Ambient temperatures and the vehicle’s thermal management system

Some EVs can’t fully utilize the 40 amps of current if their onboard charging system is limited. In these cases, even if you use a 40 amp charger, your car may only accept 32 amps or less—charging at a reduced rate.

Will a 40 Amp EV Charger Work with Any EV?

In general, yes—a 40 amp EV charger is compatible with most electric vehicles currently on the market. However, compatibility is subject to how much current your EV's onboard charger can accept.

If your EV supports 40 amps or higher: You’ll enjoy the fastest possible charging from this type of Level 2 charger.

If your EV supports only 32 amps or less: The charger will still work, but charging speed will be limited to your vehicle’s maximum capacity.

Importantly, using a charger with more amps than your vehicle supports won’t damage your vehicle. The vehicle regulates how much current it accepts, and the charger simply supplies what's requested—no more, no less.

What Is a 32 Amp EV Charger?

A 32 amp EV charger is also a Level 2 home charging station that delivers up to 7.7 kW of charging power. While slightly slower than its 40 amp counterpart, a 32 amp charger still provides an efficient solution for overnight charging.

Typical Charging Time with a 32 Amp Charger:

For a 60 kWh battery, a 32 amp charger takes approximately 8 hours to reach a full charge.

The math: 60 kWh ÷ 7.7 kW = ~7.8 hours.

While slower, this charging rate is still more than sufficient for most EV owners—especially those with daily driving habits that consume less than 60 kWh per day.

Benefits of a 32 Amp Charger

Cost-Effective Installation: 32 amp chargers often require fewer upgrades to your home’s electrical system, saving money on installation.

High Compatibility: Most EVs are compatible with 32 amp chargers and can utilize their full capacity.

Portable and Flexible: Many 32 amp chargers are portable and easy to mount, making them ideal for home and on-the-go use.

In short, for drivers who commute less, charge overnight, or drive smaller EVs, a 32 amp charger may be all they need.

Side-by-Side Comparison: 32 Amp vs. 40 Amp EV Chargers

Choosing the Right Charger for Your Needs

Go With a 32 Amp Charger If:

You drive fewer miles daily and can charge overnight.

Your home electrical system is limited and cannot accommodate higher loads.

You want to minimize installation costs.

Your vehicle doesn’t support high-amp charging.

Go With a 40 Amp Charger If:

You drive longer distances and need to recharge quickly.

You own an EV with a larger battery capacity (like a Tesla Model X, Ford F-150 Lightning, or Rivian).

Your home’s electrical system can support a higher-capacity circuit (e.g., 50A breaker).

You’re preparing for future vehicle upgrades with faster onboard chargers.

Installation Considerations: What to Know Before You Buy

Before purchasing a 32A or 40A charger, consult with a licensed electrician. Key factors include:

Available breaker size in your electrical panel

Distance from the panel to the charger location (longer distances may require heavier-gauge wire)

Local electrical codes and permits

Whether you want a hardwired or plug-in model

For a 40 amp charger, you’ll typically need a 50 amp circuit breaker (to allow for 125% continuous load capacity per NEC requirements). For a 32 amp charger, a 40 amp breaker is generally sufficient.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, your choice between a 32 amp and 40 amp EV charger comes down to balancing cost, convenience, and compatibility. If your EV supports 40 amps and you want faster charging—even at a higher installation cost—the 40 amp charger is an excellent investment. On the other hand, if your driving needs are moderate and your home’s electrical system isn’t ready for a 50 amp load, a 32 amp charger provides excellent performance with easier installation.

Recommended Brand: Autel EV Chargers

When you’re ready to choose an EV charger, consider the Autel range of Level 2 chargers. Autel is a trusted brand in the EV technology space, known for its reliability, smart charging features, and safety. Whether you choose a 32 amp or 40 amp model, Autel chargers offer:

Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity

Dynamic load balancing

Mobile app control

Robust safety features like ground fault protection, overcurrent protection, and surge suppression

With Autel, you can be confident your EV is ready to go when you are—charged safely, efficiently, and intelligently.

Conclusion: Power Your EV Smarter

As EV adoption continues to grow, the importance of home charging infrastructure becomes more critical. Understanding the difference between 32 amp and 40 amp EV chargers ensures that you choose the right charger for your vehicle and lifestyle. Whether you prioritize installation ease or charging speed, the right solution is available—and with quality options like Autel chargers, you don’t have to compromise.

Your EV charger is more than a plug—it’s the gateway to electrified mobility. Make your choice with confidence and charge into the future.