Switching to an electric car is exciting but when it comes to charging at home, things can get a little confusing. You’ll quickly discover there isn’t just one type of charger. In fact, the choice you make can affect how much you pay for electricity, how easily you integrate solar panels, and even how future-proof your home energy setup is.
In this post we’ve chosen four of the most popular home EV charging points currently available in the UK, which are Ohme, Hypervolt, Zappi and Tesla Wall Connector.
Why Smart Chargers Matter
A few years ago, a home EV charger was little more than a plug on the wall. Today, most models are smart chargers, which means they connect to Wi-Fi (or sometimes 4G) and allow you to control when and how your car charges.
The benefit? Lower running costs as a smart charger can utilise off-peak tariffs to make significant savings, and beyond the money aspect smart charging also helps balance the grid and reduces demand when electricity is most expensive to generate.
This means when you install EV charge points for home, you’re powering your car and you’re becoming part of a smarter energy system.
Ohme Home Pro – For the Tariff-Conscious
If your goal is to keep charging costs as low as possible, Ohme has made a name for itself with its Home Pro charger. It links directly to smart energy tariffs such as Octopus Intelligent Go, automatically shifting charging to the cheapest hours of the night.
Unlike some rivals, the Ohme doesn’t rely solely on Wi-Fi. It has a built-in 4G SIM card, so even if your internet drops out, it can still follow your tariff rules. For anyone juggling fluctuating energy prices, this level of reliability is a game changer.
What also makes Ohme particularly clever is its ability to adapt in real time. If energy prices spike unexpectedly during your usual charging window, the system can postpone charging until rates drop again. This dynamic approach means you’re always paying the lowest possible rate, without having to lift a finger or check an app constantly.
The Ohme app also provides detailed breakdowns of your charging sessions, showing exactly how much you’ve saved compared to standard rates. For drivers who like to track their costs and optimise every penny, this transparency is invaluable.
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro – The All-Rounder
The Hypervolt has become one of the most recognisable home EV charging points in the UK and for good reason. With a sleek design, app-based control and even Alexa integration, it blends practicality with a premium feel.
Its real strength lies in flexibility. If you have solar panels, the Hypervolt can prioritise solar charging but fall back on the grid when the sun dips. Or, if you need a rapid top-up before heading out, it can switch to full-speed charging at the tap of a button. It’s robust, weatherproof and designed with future-proof features like dynamic load balancing built in, so your home’s electrics are always protected.
The load balancing feature is particularly important for older properties. If you’re running a washing machine, electric oven and EV charger simultaneously, the Hypervolt automatically adjusts charging speed to prevent overloading your main fuse. This eliminates the need for expensive electrical upgrades in many cases.
Another standout feature is the scheduler. You can set different charging schedules for weekdays and weekends, matching your routine perfectly. If you typically need a full charge by Monday morning but only a top-up on Saturdays, the Hypervolt handles this automatically. Combined with energy tracking that shows your consumption patterns over weeks and months, it gives you complete visibility and control.
Myenergi Zappi – The Solar-First Option
For eco-conscious homeowners, Zappi is often the dream choice among EV charge points for homes. Unlike other chargers that treat solar as an add-on, Zappi is built around the idea that your EV should be powered directly by your own renewable energy.
Its unique ECO+ mode allows you to pause charging entirely unless there’s enough spare solar generation, ensuring you’re charging 100% green. This makes it particularly appealing if you’re aiming to reduce your reliance on the grid as much as possible. For drivers who prefer guaranteed charging speeds regardless of weather conditions, the Zappi does also offer flexible modes that blend solar and grid power to suit your needs.
The Zappi works seamlessly with other Myenergi products which creates an integrated home energy ecosystem. If you already have a Myenergi Eddi (which diverts excess solar power to your hot water tank) or a Libbi battery, the Zappi communicates with these devices to prioritise energy use intelligently. Your car might charge first, then any remaining solar power can heat your water or top up your battery storage.
For households serious about energy independence, this level of integration is transformative as you’re reducing bills while taking control of where every kilowatt goes. The Zappi’s detailed energy monitoring shows exactly how much of your charging came from solar versus the grid which gives you a clear picture of your environmental impact.
Tesla Wall Connector – Sleek but Limited
The Tesla Wall Connector is instantly recognisable for its minimalist design and seamless integration with Tesla cars. If you’re a Tesla driver, the convenience of pressing a button on the connector to open your car’s charge port can feel effortless.
It’s also one of the cheapest upfront options, starting at around £475. However, this can be misleading. Essential features like dynamic load balancing require an extra add-on, so by the time you’ve matched the functionality of other EV charge points for home use, the cost can be higher than expected.
While it’s perfect for the brand loyalist who wants everything Tesla, those looking for the most comprehensive feature set may find more value in alternatives like Hypervolt or Zappi.
The Tesla Wall Connector does offer faster charging speeds than many competitors, up to 11.5kW compared to the standard 7.4kW. For Tesla owners with larger battery packs, this can shave hours off charging time. However, this advantage only applies if your home’s electrical supply can support the higher power draw, which may require additional electrical work.
It’s also worth noting that the Tesla charger works with other EV brands, but the experience is optimised for Tesla vehicles. Non-Tesla drivers miss out on features like automatic charge port opening and seamless app integration, making it a less compelling choice unless you’re committed to the Tesla ecosystem.
Cost, Grants and Installation
Most homeowners spend between £800 and £1,500 on a full EV charge point for home installation, depending on the model, cable length and electrical work required. Carwow estimates that complex installations, for example, if your charger is far from your fuse box, can push costs up further.
While the old EVHS grant has ended, renters, flat owners and landlords may still qualify for the government’s EV Chargepoint Grant, which covers up to 75% of installation costs (up to £350). Full details are available on the UK Government’s grants portal.
Installation complexity varies significantly between properties. A straightforward installation where your fuse box is adjacent to your parking space might take just 2-3 hours.
However, if cables need to run through walls, across gardens, or if your consumer unit requires upgrading, costs can climb quickly. This is why getting a proper site survey before committing to home EV charging points is essential.
So, Which Charger Should You Choose?
By now, you’ve probably realised there isn’t a single “best” charger when it comes to EV charge points for your home.
- Ohme is brilliant for tariff-driven savings.
- Hypervolt offers a balanced mix of design, flexibility and smart features.
- Zappi is the go-to for solar-powered homes.
- Tesla provides brand integration for Tesla owners, but may need extra kit.
The truth is, the right choice depends on your car, your home setup, your energy tariff and even how you plan to use solar in the future. What works perfectly for your neighbour might not be the smartest investment for you.
Let’s Make It Simple
Choosing a charger is complicated but that’s where we can help. At Viable Power, we don’t just sell you a box. We look at your home’s electrics, your energy tariff, your future solar plans, and your driving habits. Then we recommend the right home EV charging point for your home, installed by our qualified team.
Ready to find the best charger for your home? Get in touch today for a tailored quotation.
