Three phase: What does it mean?

A type of electricity supply that allows for 11kW or 22kW charging at home.

Three phase: The long answer

In the context of cars, "three-phase" refers to a type of electrical power supply commonly used in the UK. It is a system that provides electricity with three alternating currents, each offset by 120 degrees from one another. This type of power supply is typically used for charging electric vehicles (EVs) at public charging stations or at home with a dedicated charging point.

For UK drivers, understanding the concept of three phase is important when considering EV charging options. It allows for faster charging speeds compared to single-phase charging, enabling EV owners to charge their vehicles more quickly and efficiently. Public charging stations that offer three-phase charging are often referred to as "rapid chargers" or "fast chargers" due to their ability to replenish the EV's battery at a faster rate.

It is worth noting that not all electric vehicles are compatible with three-phase charging. Some smaller or older EV models may only support single-phase charging, which is typically slower. However, most modern EVs are equipped with onboard chargers that can take advantage of three-phase power, allowing for faster charging times and greater convenience for UK drivers.