Back to blog
IrelandCharging SpeedsBeny 7.4 kW

Is a 7.4 kW Home Charger Right for You? BENY Explained

3 min read
Updated

A 7.4 kW AC charger is an option for a suitable single-phase home installation. Its rating is a maximum, not a promise that every car receives that power continuously. Our BENY BCP-A2N-P package combines a fixed 5 m Type 2 cable, Z-BOX scheduling, RFID access and installed dynamic load balancing.

How long does a 7.4 kW charger take to charge a car?

Start with the energy you need to add, not the full advertised battery size. Divide the required supply energy in kWh by the average charging power in kW. Include losses if your energy requirement is measured at the battery.

Illustrative time calculations at a constant 7.4 kW
Energy from the supplyTime
10 kWhAbout 1 hour 21 minutes
20 kWhAbout 2 hours 42 minutes
40 kWhAbout 5 hours 24 minutes

These are arithmetic examples, not measured charging tests. The vehicle’s AC limit, charge settings, temperature and household load management can extend the time. Energy from the supply is greater than energy stored in the battery. A fixed “40 km per hour” claim is not reliable for every car or journey.

Can my home supply a 7.4 kW charger?

A 7.4 kW single-phase charger can draw about 32 A. The installer checks the actual supply and household demand rather than inferring capacity from the service-fuse label. Agreed Maximum Import Capacity, cable condition, earthing, bonding and protection also matter. ESB Networks explains the checks before adding low-carbon technologies.

Installed load balancing can reduce or pause charging when other loads need capacity. It does not repair unsafe equipment or guarantee full output alongside a heat pump, shower or second EV. Unknown supply information is a reason for contractor assessment.

What does the BENY package do?

  • A 5 m attached Type 2 cable stays with the charger. Check that it reaches your car without obstructing paths.
  • The Z-BOX app provides scheduling so you can match charging to your confirmed tariff.
  • RFID access control helps manage who can start a session.
  • Our installation includes dynamic load balancing, commissioned for the assessed home.

These are the features of our offered model, supported by the BENY BCP documentation and Z-BOX manual. This is a specification and suitability guide, not a hands-on performance test. Automatic solar-surplus diversion or third-party home automation is not established for this package; see our BENY scheduling and integration guide.

Should I charge to 80% or 100%?

Follow the instructions for your exact vehicle and battery. A universal percentage based only on a broad battery-chemistry label is not enough. Set the vehicle limit and charger schedule together, allowing the time needed before a trip. A charger cannot override a limit imposed by the car.

What is the installed price?

The BENY package is €1,599 including VAT for Standard Installation, or €1,299 after an approved €300 grant. Additional property work is assessed and agreed separately. Compare all installed prices and the installation scope.

The SEAI Home Charger Grant uses the Smart Charger Register. Check the exact equipment and your applicant, property and parking eligibility. Obtain approval before eligible expenditure or work starts, then complete the installation and claim within the offer period. A listed charger does not guarantee approval. Our packages show the upfront price separately from the conditional €300 refund.

If the cable reaches and scheduling fits your needs, start a property assessment. If you need a socket, a screen, longer cable or automatic solar control, compare the other models before choosing.

Reviewed 30 October 2026 against the linked official guidance and our current catalogue. Product features depend on the exact model and commissioned installation.

Check your home for installation

€1,299 after the €300 SEAI grant (€1,599 payable upfront). Start with your property details, then add photos and a short walkthrough video. We check the installation scope and confirm the price before payment. You can save your progress and come back.