Which EV Charger in 2024? Minefield of Electric Car Chargepoints!

[@GaryDoesSolar]

Thanks UDF for an informative video on the topic 👍🏻 I had a Zappi V2 fitted just under 18 months ago at the same time as my solar and battery installation. I didn’t have an EV then, but I was planning for the future. Only got an EV in the last few months but am very pleased with the performance and capability of the Zappi - it’s pretty robust, looks good and has never failed to charge. It’s also intergrated into Octopus Energy so I can access Intelligent Octopus Go. That particular tariff is very, very good as it will calculate 7p cheap slots even if I need more than the standard 6 hours. I should say that although some chargers like the Zappi allow you to charge your EV with excess solar, but if you’re receiving a great rate for your export, it doesn’t make sense to do that.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! My thinking behind the requirement for solar divert as well as Octopus Intelligent integration is just future proofing in case of shifts in the tariffs. Short term I'm going to keep playing the game on Agile. It looks as though we do low enough mileage that we can surf between the very cheap periods every couple of weeks. 🤞

[@markgarnett3521]

I completely agree to consider tethered; if not you are forever plugging/unplugging the cable and putting it (wet) into your car becuase a) you want the cable on board in case needed while out and about and b) I assume it is not locked so is nickabke if left in the charger (this concern may not apply to your layout but would for most people).

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@silverkopking]

I’ve had pod point, currently got a Zappi, 2 reasons why I got a Zappi:1st solar divert. 2nd: opens up Octopus Intelligent tariff.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@paddylogan13]

I've got a Zappi. It's excellent and very easy to download lots of data.

[@colinharvey1049]

I have a zappi V2. Like the monitoring, like the fact with tethered cable it’s all in one, works if internet is down, can be locked with a PIN code.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@JonathanTracey]

Have two Zappi’s , one tethered and one un teathered. If I was doing it again would probably do un teathered for both just for ease of changing cables if needed. Had them nearly two years, no issues so far. Not the prettiest charge point but very functional. Works well with hybrid home battery, easy to configure so it does not drain the battery. Haven’t set them up with octopus yet as they dont yet support twin zappi’s on a single account. Good integration with home assistant so plenty of ways to add functionality if you want

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@ashleycarr1275]

I have the Hypervolt 3. It's very neat cable management was a big tick. Bit better than "reasonable", so surprised your score was significantly less than the Zappi. Mine is on show so I turn off the lights. It still acknowledges when plugged in etc but then goes dark. I've found the support is very good (they replaced and paid for installation of new led's) and I'm waiting for the Octopus Intelligent roll out to take advantage of that tariff. It's also now compatible with OVO too. 18 months in and it has always charged the car every time. Easily configured charging schedules and reporting. Remote locking if you forget. They are also working on an app that integrates with home solar and battery to allow for full integration and management, not just car charging.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting. I was just nitpicking on the cable management. One of the areas that it doesn't seem as good as some others is the plug holster. It does seem to tick many of the boxes and look great whilst doing so! Thanks for sharing your real world experience.

[@ashleycarr1275]

@@UpsideDownFork Sorry but I must disagree again. It is very solid and clicks into place in a very assuring manner. You really should try to get to interact with one. I saw they exhibited at the Everything Electric Show. Try and get along to one if you can.

[@UpsideDownFork]

@@ashleycarr1275 I know Hypervolt have updated the charger in many ways. Someone in the neighbourhood has an older faded one, not sure if it's a V1 or V2 and the holster on that is flimsy as well as exposed screw heads which there is no excuse for in 2024. Judging by your comment they have significantly upgraded that part for the V3.

[@ashleycarr1275]

@@UpsideDownFork They have. If I were you I would pay the little extra for the 3.0 Pro. The higher IP rating makes it worthwhile. Read too many stories of poor outdoor performance of charge points.

[@GurungyNoHamuster]

In the end I got a good local electrician to do it. It's not hard. Much cheaper than all the franchised and branded chancers. One thing with mine (Tesla v3) is it has a 2.4 but not 5 wi-fi connection. Software updates are a bit clunky. Cable management-wise: Ours is just a few loops hanging over the unit and that is good. I could coil it up nice and tidy and stick the NACS plug into a thing but that's a chore.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@ians3328]

Ohme Pro over 3 years great and works with Octopus. I also wanted a Tethered one. I sell the Solar for double the import cost so no point using Solar in the car. I was surprised it was only 4G but it does work.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@JOOI525]

Zappi V2 - faultless over last 14 months and works with IOG and MG5 without issues. - Had it fitted by Octopus, very happy.

[@UpsideDownFork]

@@JOOI525 thanks for commenting! 👍

[@McOw123]

Untethered Zappi for me, works brilliantly, both with solar charging and Octopus integration. App works great and with good reporting, and I’ve got 3 CT clamps on it to also monitor solar and battery (the latter helps avoid battery drain, although these days I use HA integration to boost batteries whenever we’re in an IOG slot). Also has HA integration as well.

[@mentality-monster]

Does it work with intelligent go now?

[@McOw123]

@@mentality-monster yeah, Zappi has worked with IOG for quite a while now.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@edc1569]

Had a pod-point for 8 years, works great, about as exciting as any other wall socket as far as I’m concerned, think it fell off the WiFi years ago when I dropped wpa2, don’t really care tho. All my cars do all the charge scheduling fine.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@adrianflower3230]

Really useful thank you 👍 I'll be starting with a 13A weatherproof plug my electrician reckons about £100. I only do small milages, so it will be enough. As I have solar I'll need the features of these next summer. What I'm watching for is a workable bi. Directional vehicles to Grid charger. Sadly DNO are just not ready for them

[@mikebarry229]

Not many car manufacturers are ready for bidirectional charging either! Your weatherproof 13a socket will be more expensive than you expect if you factor in the need for PEN fault detection, but if you are going that direction a 32amp commando socket gives access to some pretty nifty plug in car chargers.

[@adrianflower3230]

@@mikebarry229 Yes, limited to the Leaf, which I have, hence the interest, and a few others. Disappointing really, a lot of grid challenges could be solved by smart integration of EVs. The vested interests of the large DNO's dont align with that though

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting. I too would love to hold off until there is market standardisation of V2x but that appears to be at least 2-3 years off.

[@EverydayLife621]

We have an Ohme Pro, we have it set to only charge over night at cheap rates, it just works well with no issues to todate, we dont pay anything for the 4G connectivity. You set up 'solar' charging in the app, by defining your own Ohme EV profile ( by setting the max charge rate & 🔋size )

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@bencampbell2041]

Have had the HV v2 for a few years. Quite a few people have issues with wifi connectivity but mine has been hardwired and apart from an occasional cloud outage had no issues. The cloud outages hasnt prevented charging its kept to the preset schedule but could be annoying if you were wanting to chnage something. Im hoping for some local network control in the future but development isnt rapid.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@dougbamford]

We've got a Givenergy EVSE: Pros: Works seamlessly with our Givenergy solar/battery inverter and controlled by the app, charge rate can be ramped up and down, can do solar divert Cons: Not (yet) compatible with Octopus Intelligent Go. May have fewer registered installers (not sure), may have high losses (again, not totally sure). Hypervolt was my second choice if Givenergy didn't get theirs out in time for our EV.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@carlarrowsmith]

I had a Delta and changed to a Zappi to get Octopus Intelligent Go. My advice is go for the cheapest charger you can and let the car do the timer charging if you can. My first charge was dumb and gave no information, it was the best one to use, just simple.

[@Thetyrerepairer]

Does a dumb charge mean you just plug the car in without setting a time. I get my car next week and don’t need to charge during the evening, Just want to keep it simple.

[@carlarrowsmith]

@@Thetyrerepairer Not sure any new charger is dumb, just go for something basic unless you want Octopus Intelligent Go.

[@cad4246]

I control my Ohme from home assistant. I could control the car from home assistant but I've read that Kia frequently lock accounts if you use the API too much. No issues with the Ohme after three months (although I don't use the app, which is not great compared to home assistant). Octopus agile tariff so I need precise control over charging times which change daily.

[@MikeGleesonazelectrics]

​@@Thetyrerepaireryou can probably schedule a charge using the car if required.

[@MikeGleesonazelectrics]

​@@carlarrowsmithyou can use a mode 2 charger, these are dumb. Usually up to 16A using a commando plug and socket. But can't see why 32A can be used also. They also have 5 charging currents to choose from. About £200.

[@markgarnett3521]

Ohme intelligent EV smart charger (discontinued) £199 via octopus (discounted from £249). Plugs into a blue “caravan socket” so cheap home install too. Working well for many years My main concern is how to replace it with similar value when it does fail. Certainly the current expectation of over £1000 for supply and install seems excessive (I accept that routing on site is where costs can accumulate but mine is essentially as easy an install as possible) Support (getting advice when first installed) was very good and they are able to set the rating down if required (when first installed my garden circuit was really rated for full-on 7kW). I too like good value and like your opinion of the hardware. Obviously we won’t really know until year 4 and beyond…

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@northbreezehuskies]

We went for a zappi for are Ford e transit and it's amazing. Couldn't fault it in any way Your KZbin channel is amazing as well and I wish I had put in a sunsynk at the start of my solar system. But I'm looking to install a sunsynk off grid with my solaredge 3.6 10kw battery and 6kwh of solar panels.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for the comment and the positive feedback!

[@SteveForth]

I’ve had a ohme home pro for a year now. It’s been faultless. Works really well with octopus intelligent go. ( ps. I don’t have solar )

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thank you for commenting!

[@stevechelt1]

I've had an an ancient early Rolec for the last 7 years which still works well. I don't use charge timing but if I wanted to my Ampera can deal with it. Chargers are expensive so I won't change until I have to, maybe when I'm eventually forced to have a smart meter. My 60 year old spinning wheel meter suits me at the moment as I have solar PV :)

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! Hang on to your 'grid battery' meter as long as you can!

[@alanbrad3727]

Ome home pro now has Solar charging. We have had the original for nearly 3 years now no issues so far. App is very reliable. The 4g connection is £2 a month after 3years.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! A bit sour for them not to be more transparent about the £2 per month after the first 3 years.

[@alanbrad3727]

@@UpsideDownFork To be fair I did know there was going to be a fee after 3 years when we purchased it. But I knew it worked with Octopus and our WiFi could be temperamental back then. Shame it's not both WiFi & mobile! As long as it keeps working then I've not much to moan about. £24 annually is a drop in the ocean compared to what I'm saving in energy costs.

[@bamber119]

I’ve just got a pod point solo 3s 7kw installed yesterday. Seems good enough so far but early days.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@TheAdamRBell]

7kw Zappi tethered. Like some of the other commenters, got it integrated into HA so not a "typical" user. Had a few teething issues early on until I realised there was only one CT installed meaning it didn't see the home battery. Assumed since the charger and battery were installed at the same time that it would've been configured correctly. If you wanted an aesthetically pleasing charger check out the Andersen EV. Just make sure you're sitting down when you see the price 😉

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@robwoodphotos]

Zappi v2 installed two years ago when I got my first EV. At the time it was the only charger that could connect to my solar panels and battery … there may be others now? As I have two cars that are not in Octopuses list but the Zappi is on their list of chargers it means it can be used with the Intelligent Octopus GO tariff I’m on. It’s been reliable but software updates could be made easier if not automatic

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@oldgitflying]

Zappi V2 here, love it. Go wired Ethernet not wifi. Have an Eddi, they integrate nicely, used to use Eddi for solar diver but with Intelligent Octopus its now better to export. Eddi now nelps go curtail export. Definitely tethered, I dont want to take a cable out of the boot every time I charge. Tariffs have changed and could change again, it's nice to have the flexibility to be able to go back to solar self consumption if required. Some of the Zappi faults were historical and no longer relevant.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! That's my thinking behind the requirement to have solar divert as well as Octopus Intelligent integration.

[@metalhead2550]

Its also worth thinking about features such as vehicle to grid and smart grid integration to allow utility companies to take control for charging on smart tariffs

[@oldgitflying]

Genuine question - are there any chargers that can do this today, indeed and cars? My belief is no. My MG4 does V2L but will not commercially integrate with a charger to back feed the house. I think these are standards that have not yet been defined. Happy to be wrong and educated

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! Unfortunately V2x is still several years away at least. The chargers listed here are all compatible with Octopus Intelligent.

[@Lewis_Standing]

Wallbox pulsar plus (they now call it max/ new version) It's grand but it's WiFi signal is not the strongest and only just works. There's no physical buttons so it's a pure app interface. Works with intelligent octopus for cheap smart charging. Fault free for me. I got a tethered as simple and no need to mess about with a plug in the rain. They can all do solar diversion these days, Intelligent octopus/ OCPP standard is very useful though. Zappi has a manual interface which is an interaction.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@andrewdeans2179]

I have a Zappi and it’s been great. Unit was replaced under warranty and the company replaced it Using one of there own engineers. I wired it directly with cat6 cable as connection intermittent otherwise. I use untethered as I don’t like seeing cable. App is easy and get integration with home assistant. Good luck Cheers Andrew

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@ecoterrorist1402]

Up to about 2 days ago my go to would have been Zappi, & I've installed plenty. Fast forward to an X post offering civil servant discount on Zappi, as I hate manufactures alienating against others, I have chosen to take them off my list for installations. My go to will be any of the others that uses solar divert and octopus intelligent tariff.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@melhiore]

Zappi user here. I do not use Zappi's app - everything is connected to the Home Assistant, so I can actually do things with the charger (like preventing FOXESS storage battery from discharging to EV)... So far everything is great, works with Octopus Intelligent. I am now in the process of obtaining Eddie, as all those devices integrate with Home Assistant perfectly...

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@ekolekol4389]

Zappi, works well with solar & home assistant but you can't select charge current.

[@MikeGleesonazelectrics]

I'm fairly sure you can but anyway there are eco and eco+ modes which reduce the current.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@SolAce-nw2hf]

Some solar inverter brands also have EV chargers. It's also good to take future home battery storage into consideration as you don't want these loads to compete without a central point of management.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! Unfortunately it looks like only Tesla and Givenergy have both solar inverters and EV chargers in the UK I don't think either work directly with Octopus Intelligent Go at the moment but both seem to have promised this functionality to customers in the future.

[@SolAce-nw2hf]

@@UpsideDownFork In the Netherlands we have a lot of brands with 40% of homes on solar power now. Sigenergy and Growatt both sell EV chargers here for example.

[@davidcoates6768]

Granny charger 10m plugged into a Tapo P110 monitoring plug here for over 12months, wound up in a garden cube in front of garage door, because renting. My car is intelligent compatible - Seat Mii, but if I wasn't renting I'd go for the Givenergy (intelligent by xmas), zappi or ohme.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@MikeGleesonazelectrics]

Ive had 3 zappis now, the original mk 1 and 2 of the mk 2. Ive installed several and they are easy to fit and seem reliable, the one i did have an issue with they replaced straight away. They have a display which others cant match i believe, i love watching the smiley face, customer support is excellent, you can wire in 3x CT,s, which means you can use one for a battery as well as solar, best to run a cat 5 cable to it if possible which has 4 x twisted pairs leaving you a spare. The app is good and the display will give you quite detailed usage data in the options. You can grid limit the total supply if desired ie limit the grid load to obviate overloading eg 80A or whatever. You can also prevent battery drain in options; I found an untethered is neater but nothing wrong with tethered. Have fitted a rolec and Qube but no others, would always recommend Zappi as their options are many, not the nicest looking but for me that comes way down the list. Just my honest opinion.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@grahamleiper1538]

Got an untethered Zappi since 2020 and on Intelligent Octopus since end of 2023. It does look very plastic but other than that generally been happy. It hasn't got any visible signs of aging after 4 years but it's inside a garage and doesn't get UV. Support is good, did have a couple of issues - just the solenoid for the untethered connection - had it been tethered I'd have had no issues but I wanted a longer cable. Came with a CT clamp and modern ones come with ethernet. (Old ones can add ethernet but still need a hub to connect to) Plenty of room for cables inside so install is generally painless. If I was buying now I'd be tossing a coin to choose between Zappi and Hypervolt. If I was installing outside I'd probably go Hypervolt - does seem more toughly built - Artisan electrics definitely a big fan. Suspect Zappi has a better app but I don't know that for sure.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@tonyfeasby1437]

Ohme pro. Works sweet with agile. Does the job for me.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@mentality-monster]

Ohme is working on adding solar charging. Not sure where it is at the moment in terms of development. I have the old ohme and it's worked fine for 4.5 years. App has improved over time. In the early days it would sometimes fail to charge or charge out of cheap rate, but it hasn't done that for a while. Think you're right about no WiFi and I do find that an annoyance. Occasionally I have to reboot it by switching off and on at the fuse box when it stops responding. That's probably a couple of times a year, which is about the same amount as any other electronic device that's on 24/7. Was not too difficult pairing to the octopus app and getting onto intelligent go. But we charge multiple EVs, so we don't use it like that as it's not compatible with multiple.

[@norfolkecokiwi]

Ohme actually do have Solar Charge option enabled on my Ohme (installed just over a year ago). I haven't needed to use it as I want to export as much as possible.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@Sean_S1000]

I think like most things you need to asl your self are you going to use the nice to have features or not then pick what best suits your needs. I personally would choose hyper volt based on looks, follow by my price based buying choice i would a cheaper model, i have seen the evec chargers quite a bit no idea if they are any good but they look alright stuck om the wall

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! I'm heading towards the Hydra Cubus because it has all the features just in case I find I need them or future proofing but it's also the cheapest...

[@Sean_S1000]

@@UpsideDownFork its not a bad looking unit either

[@StephenLyons1984]

Wall box pulsar plus Can make with solar. But depends on your size of solar. 3.6 don't worry about solar. Better exportingvand getting some money back exporting. Plus if the sun goes away the charger will pull from the grid or battery maybe causing extra cost.locking isn't needed. Just put a timer on it does the same thing

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@sdtunstall]

Indra smart pro, as it was free under promotion with a new EV order. Has locking and timing features, and solar matching but no solar yet, though hopefully soon ..

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@crm114.]

I’ve got an Andersen A2. Tidy looks but expensive.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! I don't think that has Octopus integration. Does it have solar diversion?

[@timminsit]

Isn’t vehicle-to-grid (V2G) something to be considered? I know that it’s VERY early days for that technology, but it seems to have potential. Personally, I’m holding off on an EV and associated charge point until V2G is more mature and widely available… I know that’s not your situation, but I’d be interested in hearing some thoughts on that.

[@UpsideDownFork]

I believe V2G is the future, but right now, it's looking like a distant future. Personally I wouldn't wait for it. Widespread mass adoption is definitely many years away. No one can seem to agree on protocols and whether the bidirectional inverter should be fitted in the vehicle or in the home. There are several cars that are currently being produced that support V2G in theory. Unfortunately they don't have support from charge points, energy companies and DNO's. Sadly, so much to overcome before it becomes reality.

[@timminsit]

I think that's fair, @@UpsideDownFork, an EV is certainly in my future, but it'll be a couple of years so I'll see how V2G is doing at that time.

[@herrtomas6729]

EVEC untethered. Comes with CT clamp etc, but not listed as compatible with suppliers. Bought over a year ago for a PHEV which I control manually. Also the EVEC can be set internally to limit to 3.6kW (which is what my car's limited to anyway). Cheap, and good app. WiFi works, and can have RJ45(cable) connection for sophisticated control.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@janhenkins]

Believe it or not, I don't have a charger yet in spite of having two EVs. We are still rocking the three-pin granny charger at a blistering 1.8KW (set to 10 amps for safety) to charge both my MG5 and wife's Nissan Leaf. It can get tight-ish sometimes, but our driving patterns don't really need a 7KW charger up to now, but we will be installing one towards the end of the year. Your list of chargers looks similar to mine, the Ohme being at the top of mine simply because it is installed by Octopus (and it's quite small and stealthy). I don't have solar, so the Zappi is a bit of a waste for me in terms of features. I like the reviews I have read about the Hypervolt, and the Artisan Electrics channel rates it above all others they have installed so far. The light-show does put me off somewhat, I like being as inconspicuous as can be due to cable theft. With that in mind, I also think that it's worth considering un-tethered chargers, simply because of the fact that it removes the possibility of somebody running off with your expensive cable while you're not at home.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! The speed of the granny charger isn't a concern for us. It's the ability to exploit the cheap periods on the Agile tariff that make it a deal breaker in our case. If I had a timer so I could start the car charging at 2am that would improve things greatly. I've been put off the Ohme for several reasons, reading the comments on this video from Ohme owners has cemented my thoughts. The Hydra Cubus offers 4g, wifi, ethernet and bluetooth, whereas the Ohme only offers 4g and charges after the first 3 years for their service. Although I don't plan to use solar diversion, I want to specify it to future proof. I don't know where the various tariffs may be in a couple of years and diverting solar may become the cheapest way to charge. The hypervolt lights can apparently be totally disabled.

[@JasGawera]

You have probably seen it, but artisan recently had a look at the new hypervol 3? Looks good.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@steve_787]

I has an old ChargeMaster one we got with our Zoe but changed it for the Zappi 2 once that was compatible with Octopus (my ZS ev isn't). I changed it myself as all the other electrical work had been carried out so was only £700ish with a Harvi. I knew I was getting solar so the divert was an option I wanted (although overnight charging is still cheaper) and personally prefer the untethered version, just looks a bit neater IMO. I also prefer the charger being compatible with Octopus so I can have any car and it's also easier to manage a second car as you just set it up on the larger battery car and then adjust the charge % in the Ocotpus app as needed (i.e. main car is 80kWh and 2nd car is 40kWh) you just halve the % needed for the same charge. The Zappi is a bit bulky so not the nicest looking. Only think I don't like is the flap does snap back and is a bit loud when it's late at night/early morning. Not the end of the world but wish it was a bit quieter.

[@steve_787]

Just another point on the solar divert. Whilst I was aware it was more profitable to charge overnight and sell as much solar, I still wanted the option just in case they ever updated the tariffs and it was to swing back the other way. Can't see it happening, but you never know. I just wanted a good all round system that I could adapt as needed.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! That's my exact line of thinking. Future proofing is never a bad idea!

[@alibro7512]

I have a Pre Facelift MG5 so no way to control the charging from the car (not that I know of anyway). Before I took delivery of the car I bought a used Vorsprung Nano charger off ebay that I believed was intelligent and got a local electrician to install. It does have an app to control various settings but it's a bit rubbish. Really slow and clunky to use and it appears to be a generic IOT app that Vorsprung made their charger compatible with, called Smart Life. It does allow me to schedule a charging period overnight so mostly does what I need except the car is charged to 100% every time but that's the cars fault, not the wall charger, charging during the day requires some intervention which is not easy due to the slow clunky app but is something I almost never do. I would have liked an all singing all dancing charger but I didn't fancy paying for one, mine cost £130 plus installation. I went with tethered as I couldn't be bothered digging the cable out of the boot every night.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for your comment!

[@AnotherBoring43yearold]

I have the Hypervolt 2 and it’s not compatible with octopus intelligent yet which is annoying I’m not paying £400+ to change to v3 as it works and its just a charger I heard the pulsar one which can charge two cars is interesting and works with intelligent tariffs good for those with two evs One thing they all have in common is grim cables Someone needs to make a retractable cable system as I detest the bloody cables with a passion.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@fintrollpgr]

The most important bit has not been talked about. Are they cloud independent or not!?

[@grahamleiper1538]

Smart tariffs need cloud integration to work - the electricity company picks the charge times daily and has to tell the charger. Dumb tariffs (cheap at set times) don't.

[@fintrollpgr]

@@grahamleiper1538 True for that one use case. Otoh your charger could query the electricity company, which would have pretty much the same effect. But you should not need the cloud to control your charger. Because the moment the charger company goes bankrupt, or decides it is not supporting your device anymore it stops working. Or they start charging you money suddenly, which you will have to pay because otherwise all the charger smarts stop.... Not to mention not having local access is a big stumbling block to integrate things in your own home automation system.

[@grahamleiper1538]

@@fintrollpgr you can do Octopus Agile the way you describe, but Intelligent Octopus Go means giving control of the charger, or the car, to Octopus. I decided I was happier giving Octopus access to the charger rather than the car. The tariff requires them being able to do a test charge. No successful test charge, no smart tariff. Charger still works if I disconnect from the internet, does mean going through the menus on the device rather than the app, but Zappi does at least have an offline interface not reliant on an app or a network connection. Possibly a good reason to single it out.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! The Hydra has become my front runner and that does at least work off line with the simple addition of it's RFID cards.

[@timfield385]

If you are on Octopus Agile you should check if the charger app can read the agile prices and use those to decide when to charge - Or if the charger has a API that allows some external automation to decide that. ( Ohme - app can integrate with Octopus Agile to and them use a charging cost limit that use set to decide when to charge) If on Intelligent octopus go, need to find out if your car is on the Octopus list for a supported API - if not need charger with API that Octopus supports) ) Also should check if the charger support your cars API so that its app can show your car's charge %. I think Ohme charger provides basic Solar support via the app - can be set to charge car when CT clamp on meter tails can detect power being exported. (Have a Ohme charger but not Solar yet so not been able to try this) You might want to research chargers with a open API where you have a choice of app to control the charger. You might want to consider if the charger has a 'home automation' driver and if this is official or unofficial.

[@UpsideDownFork]

@@timfield385 thanks for commenting 👍

[@chrisharding4026]

The Ohme requires you must pay a monthly fee after the “free” period runs out. I was not told this! The unit and App are reliable and work well but it’s hard to control charging rates and despite promising solar compatibility from the outset it’s still is not available and might require additional equipment to be fitted when available, to work fully.

[@cad4246]

My Ohme install was quoted in sep 23 and fitted in Jun 24 (no price increase). I just checked my quote it says 3g/4g app connectivity is free for live.

[@chrisharding4026]

@@cad4246 my installer also said it was free but when I spoke with Ohme, they said they will begin charging next year but couldn’t give a date.

[@UpsideDownFork]

That's really sour of Ohme. Thanks for commenting!

[@hicksonb]

Zappi here, tethered, less likely to get cable stolen. The charger is good but the interface is clunky and difficult to use both in app and on device.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@ecoterrorist1402]

Hydra seems to be the way to go RFID is a plug-in and go

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! I agree 👍 Top of my list now.

[@richardrussell7082]

Dull Side Note: IP ratings are two numbers. So IP66 is six six, not sixty six. The first number is for solids (dust) and the second is for water.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! Excellent pedantry!

[@richardrussell7082]

@@UpsideDownFork Proud member of the Dull Men's Club on FaceBook doncha know 😜 🤣

[@vivhenderson8628]

Take advice from a chap called SOTA electrical who I think is in your local area. Top electrician with his own You Tube channel fits loads of EV chargers and would certainly be able to recommend the best and most reliable charger for your requirements.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! His channel is really great! It was actually one of his videos that highlighted the Hydra Cubus to me.

[@johngouge686]

He was a disappointment for me - did a video call survey with him on August bank holiday as I am in Kent. He knew where I was located before arranging the call and advised that he does travel a considerable distance for customers. Never heard from him again, no quote, no message to state that he wasn't interested, nothing! I ended up going direct to Hypervolt and have just had a HV V3 Pro fitted. It replaced an old Project EV charger so was virtually a straight swap

[@barrywilson5041]

Please help, I'm getting a BYD Seal 8.25 Excellence. Can anyone recommend a charger and compatible supplier?

[@UpsideDownFork]

You probably want to start with selecting the tariff that will work best for you and then ensuring that you have a compatible charger for that. Here is a great place to start. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnKVXmakm792mtE

[@shrugitov]

Whichever you decide on, if you’re considering in the future adding a home battery, make sure your electrician connects it directly at the meter tails, to avoid draining the battery when using the charger.

[@norfolkecokiwi]

Agreed. I had this setup too and although you can't monitor the EV charging usage on your inverter, you avoid discharging your home battery.

[@MikeGleesonazelectrics]

The Zappi has an option to prevent this..

[@edc1569]

If you normally charge off peak why does it matter? If you charge at peak well also why does it matter if it’s the house or the car using peak rate.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting! My understanding is that it doesn't necessarily matter how it's connected, as long as it has a CT clamp wired on the correct position as well as the settings configured correctly.

[@goatschessefan]

Zappi v2 tethered + Very reliable + Tethered + IOG compatible - App could be more intuitive

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@nigell1652]

We have a zappi. Expensive but perfect IOG integration. App or screen. Not pretty.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@Musky-l2k]

I have a Hypervolt v2. The v3 is different but if I was starting again I wouldn’t touch it with a barge pole. WiFi connection was always poor and it should have been hard wired in the first place. Info from it has always been unreliable. But the single worst thing is the quality of badly faded exterior plastic. Was white now cream after 2 years. NOT covered by the warranty. V3 May be better and works with Octopus but it might not!

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@craigwalton0]

Zappi for me 😊

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@pete_pump]

I’ve got a mg5 and zappie (Also PV, 10kWh battery and a heat pump for context). I really really dislike the zappie. It has loads of features, but not the only one that I want. When I plug the car in a want it by default to charge to a maximum of 80% during the cheapest tariff periods (octopus cosy in my case). I then want a simple way to say, actually can you fill it up the 100% on cheapest period. And also a simple way to say, charge immediately at full rate to 100% unless I stop it before it gets there. Without the above feature I am always messing about trying to get it to charge up enough but not too much. Re tethering, I have an untethered cable which is locked in place at all times unless I enter a PIN code if I want to take it with me. I’m not fussed about charging from PV because I intent to switch to a flux tariff where I am paid to same for import and export.

[@carlarrowsmith]

@@pete_pump You will not find a charger with that feature. Unlike rapids the standard AC chargers have no idea of the car state of charge.

[@pete_pump]

@@carlarrowsmith would it not be possible for an AC charger to communicate with the car using the CCS communications interface if it included the required comms link hardware and software? In my view the benefit would worth paying for.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Did I not read somewhere that Ohme can communicate with your vehicle not through the charge port but through the API if your vehicle has an app and cloud connectivity. Clearly not helpful for an early MG5 like mine without that functionality but I'm sure it does exist in some form at least. Thanks for commenting!

[@pete_pump]

@@UpsideDownFork you are right. Ohme had a product that go charge level information for the leaf through some server api that in turn communicated with the car.

[@leew6609]

I have both the zappi and ohme pro.My go to is the zappi due to solar charging and ease of use.I really cannot get on with the ohme,it’s App is truly atrocious and I design mobile Apps for a living! The ohme App had a recent update which has helped but still confusing and clunky.The octopus integration is a bit mehhh where as the zappi is straightforward both charge equally well as expected.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@BillsCountrysideAdventures]

Ohme pro user, app was poo and now it's better with solar. But I flipping hate that bracket, So flimsy

[@EverydayLife621]

?? mines rock solid (stainless steel?)

[@BillsCountrysideAdventures]

Mines only just been fitted in last 6 months and it's plastic crap

[@UpsideDownFork]

Thanks for commenting!

[@BassPunk]

Please call them charging points, it triggers me 😂 as the EV charger is in the vehicle. With car batteries storing in DC which needs AC conversion for home connections right now, this is not converted in the charging points. We can call them chargers when they are DC points 😆

[@UpsideDownFork]

Very true. It surprises me that the majority of charge point manufacturers call them chargers on their own websites! 😲