As the UK moves towards a greener future with a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an integral part of everyday life. Charging your electric car efficiently at home is essential for convenience and cost-effectiveness. This blog will look at the top 10 EV home chargers available in the UK
Whether you’re a new EV owner or considering upgrading your current home charger, this guide provides valuable insights to simplify the process.
What to Consider When Choosing an EV Home Charger
Before we look at the individual chargers, it’s important to know the key factors you should consider when selecting the right charger for your home. Here are some critical points:
- Charging Speed: EV chargers are measured in kilowatts (kW). Most home chargers are either 3.6kW or 7kW, but faster chargers (11kW or 22kW) are available for homes with three-phase power.
- Smart Features: Many modern chargers come with apps that allow you to schedule charging, monitor energy usage, and even integrate with smart home systems.
- Installation Costs: Installation fees can vary depending on the type of charger and your existing electrical setup. Some manufacturers offer free installation with their chargers, while others may require you to hire a certified electrician.
- Government Grants: The UK Government offers an EV charge point grant for homeowners, so it’s worth checking whether you’re eligible.
Now, let’s explore the top 10 EV chargers available in the UK, their features, and how they stack up against each other.
1. Wallbox Pulsar Plus
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus is one of the most popular home EV chargers in the UK, thanks to its compact design and smart features. It offers a charging rate of up to 7.4kW, which is ideal for most EV owners. The charger is compatible with all EV models and comes with a smart app that allows you to control and monitor the charging process remotely.
Pros:
- Compact and stylish design
- Easy to use smart app
- Compatible with all electric vehicles
- Adjustable power output
Cons:
- Installation can be expensive
- No cable holder included
Key Features:
- 7.4kW charging speed
- Compatible with all EV models
- Smart app for monitoring and control
For more information on the Wallbox Pulsar Plus, visit the Wallbox website.
2. myenergi Zappi
The Zappi charger by myenergi is a favorite among eco-conscious EV owners. It’s unique because it can charge your EV using surplus energy from your solar panels or wind turbine. Even if you don’t have renewable energy, the Zappi still works as a fast, efficient charger. It’s available in 7kW and 22kW versions, making it suitable for single-phase or three-phase homes.
Pros:
- Can use renewable energy sources
- Flexible charging modes
- Built-in safety features
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Complex installation process for renewable energy integration
Key Features:
- Works with solar panels and wind turbines
- Fast charging with 7kW or 22kW options
- Smart app for monitoring
For more details, check out myenergi’s official website.
3. Hypervolt Home 2.0
The Hypervolt Home 2.0 charger stands out with its elegant design and top-tier smart features. It offers a fast charging speed of 7.4kW and integrates seamlessly with your home automation systems. One of the most appealing features is its silent operation, making it a favorite for those who value quiet technology.
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Quiet charging process
- Smart home integration
- Energy monitoring and scheduling via app
Cons:
- Higher price tag
- Limited availability of 22kW version
Key Features:
- 7.4kW charging speed
- Silent operation
- Smart app with monitoring and scheduling features
Visit Hypervolt’s website for more information.
4. Ohme Home Pro
Ohme Home Pro is known for its intelligent charging capabilities and user-friendly app. It can automatically adjust your charging times to save you money by taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates. It also offers real-time insights into your energy usage and CO2 savings, making it one of the most eco-friendly options on the market.
Pros:
- Smart charging capabilities
- Cost-efficient
- Easy installation process
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- No solar integration
- Limited to 7kW charging speed
Key Features:
- Automatic charging based on off-peak rates
- Easy-to-use app
- Real-time energy usage monitoring
Learn more at the Ohme website.
5. Easee One
The Easee One is a sleek, future-proof charger designed for both single-phase and three-phase power systems. It is compact, weather-resistant, and offers dynamic load balancing to ensure safe and efficient charging. Its minimalist design is complemented by a powerful backend that allows you to manage your charger via a mobile app or cloud software.
Pros:
- Compact and durable
- Future-proof with support for three-phase power
- Dynamic load balancing
Cons:
- Expensive installation
- No built-in cable holder
Key Features:
- 7.4kW and 22kW charging options
- Durable, weather-resistant design
- Remote control and monitoring via app
More information is available at the Easee website.
6. Andersen A2
If aesthetics are important to you, the Andersen A2 might be the perfect EV home charger. This premium charger is known for its elegant design and customizable finishes, which allow it to blend seamlessly into your home. Aside from its looks, the Andersen A2 offers excellent functionality, including a powerful smart app and a built-in cable holder.
Pros:
- Stylish, customizable design
- Smart app with energy monitoring
- Built-in cable holder
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other chargers
- Limited availability of 22kW version
Key Features:
- 7.4kW or 22kW charging options
- Customizable design finishes
- Integrated cable management
Visit Andersen’s website to learn more.
7. Pod Point Solo 3
Pod Point is one of the most established EV charging brands in the UK, and their Solo 3 model continues to deliver quality and reliability. The Solo 3 offers fast charging and is compatible with all EV models. It also comes with a three-year warranty and optional Wi-Fi connectivity for smart features.
Pros:
- Well-established brand
- Fast, reliable charging
- Three-year warranty
Cons:
- Smart features require Wi-Fi
- Limited app functionality
Key Features:
- 7.4kW charging speed
- Compatible with all EV models
- Optional Wi-Fi connectivity for smart features
Check out more at Pod Point’s website.
8. Rolec WallPod
HomeSmart
Rolec is known for providing affordable and reliable EV chargers. The WallPod
HomeSmart model offers great value for money, combining basic smart features with an easy installation process. It’s a no-frills option, but it gets the job done efficiently, making it ideal for budget-conscious EV owners.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Basic smart features
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features
- Basic design
Key Features:
- 7.4kW charging speed
- Basic smart app for monitoring
- Affordable price point
Visit Rolec’s website for more information.
9. EO Mini Pro 2
As the name suggests, the EO Mini Pro 2 is one of the smallest EV chargers on the market, making it a great option for homes with limited space. Despite its small size, it doesn’t skimp on features. It offers smart charging capabilities and is compatible with solar panels for those who want to use renewable energy.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Solar compatibility
- Smart charging features
Cons:
- Limited to 7.4kW charging speed
- Smaller than average cable length
Key Features:
- 7.4kW charging speed
- Compact and discreet design
- Solar panel compatibility
For more information, visit EO Charging’s website.
10. Tesla Wall Connector
For Tesla owners, the Tesla Wall Connector is an obvious choice. It offers fast charging specifically designed for Tesla vehicles, but it is also compatible with other EVs using an adapter. It’s easy to install and has a sleek design that matches Tesla’s aesthetic.
Pros:
- Fast charging for Tesla vehicles
- Sleek design
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Limited to Tesla vehicles (without adapter)
- No smart app for non-Tesla users
Key Features:
- 7.4kW or 22kW charging speeds
- Tesla-specific design
- Adapter required for non-Tesla EVs
Visit Tesla’s website for more details.
Comparison Table of Top 10 EV Home Chargers in the UK
Charger | Charging Speed | Smart Features | Solar Compatibility | Price Range | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wallbox Pulsar Plus | 7.4kW | Yes | No | £500-£700 | 3 years |
myenergi Zappi | 7kW/22kW | Yes | Yes | £800-£1,200 | 3 years |
Hypervolt Home 2.0 | 7.4kW | Yes | No | £600-£900 | 3 years |
Ohme Home Pro | 7.4kW | Yes | No | £500-£700 | 3 years |
Easee One | 7.4kW/22kW | Yes | No | £700-£1,000 | 3 years |
Andersen A2 | 7.4kW/22kW | Yes | No | £1,000+ | 3 years |
Pod Point Solo 3 | 7.4kW | Yes | No | £500-£700 | 3 years |
Rolec WallPod | 7.4kW | Yes | No | £400-£600 | 3 years |
EO Mini Pro 2 | 7.4kW | Yes | Yes | £600-£900 | 3 years |
Tesla Wall Connector | 7.4kW/22kW | Yes | No | £500-£800 | 4 years |
Choosing the right EV home charger depends on your specific needs, whether it’s charging speed, smart features, solar compatibility, or aesthetics. The Wallbox Pulsar Plus and Ohme Home Pro are fantastic choices for those seeking reliable, mid-range chargers. For eco-conscious individuals, the myenergi Zappi provides a unique opportunity to charge using renewable energy. Meanwhile, Tesla owners may find the Tesla Wall Connector the perfect fit for their vehicle.
By carefully considering your budget, installation requirements, and preferences, you’ll be able to select the ideal home charger to power your electric vehicle.