30-Second Explainer: The US uses 120V, so how does a 7kW US-standard charger run on 240V? 🔌🇺🇸
If you’re in the business of exporting charging stations, this question has likely baffled you: You visit a US customer’s home, and every wall outlet is 120V. Yet, the 7kW home AC charger you sold them is clearly rated for 240V—so how does it actually charge?
The US power grid actually pulls off a clever “split-phase” trick:
1️⃣ Outdoor transformers actually output 240V: For safety reasons, they simply “cut it down the middle” (by connecting a neutral wire).
Take just one half, and you get 120V—perfect for watching TV or blow-drying your hair.
When you need power for heavy-duty appliances like EV chargers or electric ovens, you combine both sides, instantly getting 240V!
2️⃣ US-standard 7kW AC chargers don’t use a neutral wire!
China/Europe: Live + Neutral + Ground = 220V charging.
US Homes: Live 1 + Live 2 + Ground = 240V charging (no neutral wire required at all).
3️⃣ Key takeaway for US-standard chargers: When installing a 7kW unit in the US, don’t go hunting for a neutral wire. Just pull two different live wires from the distribution box and connect them; the voltage naturally becomes 240V, easily hitting the full 7kW output!
Next time a US customer asks about wiring, just send them this post!