Disclosure: Manufacturer links on this site are plain links, not affiliate links yet. If that changes we may earn a commission at no cost to you, and this notice will say so. We have not tested any charger. Specs come from ENERGY STAR certification data and EPA/DOE fuel economy data; charging-time, range-per-hour and cost figures are estimates. Not electrical advice: have a licensed electrician size and install your circuit. Learn more.

What size breaker does an EV charger need?

EV charging counts as a continuous load, so the circuit and breaker are sized at 125% of the charger's maximum current. Many chargers have a setting to match a smaller existing circuit.

Charger setting	Power at 240 V	125% load	Typical breaker	Common hookup
16 A	3.84 kW	20 A	20 A	Plug-in on 6-20/14-30 class circuits
24 A	5.76 kW	30 A	30 A	Plug-in on 6-20/14-30 class circuits
32 A	7.68 kW	40 A	40 A	Hardwired
40 A	9.60 kW	50 A	50 A	NEMA 14-50 plug-in max is typically 40 A
48 A	11.52 kW	60 A	60 A	Hardwired
64 A	15.36 kW	80 A	80 A	Hardwired
80 A	19.20 kW	100 A	100 A	Hardwired

General guidance only, not electrical advice. Your local code, wire size, panel capacity and the charger's manual decide; use a licensed electrician. Background: DOE AFDC: charging at home.