Choosing the Best Home EV Charger in the UK
As OZEV-approved EV charger installers, we fit all four of the leading home EV chargers across the North East: the MyEnergi Zappi, Ohme Home Pro, Tesla Wall Connector and Wallbox Pulsar Max. Each has distinct strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific setup, priorities and whether you have solar panels.
This guide shares our real-world installation experience with each charger to help you make an informed decision.
MyEnergi Zappi
Best For: Solar Panel Owners
The Zappi remains the go-to charger for homeowners with solar panels. Its standout feature is the ability to divert excess solar energy directly to your electric vehicle, effectively giving you free motoring from sunshine. The Zappi monitors your home electricity usage and solar generation in real time, and can be set to charge only from surplus solar (Eco mode) or a blend of solar and grid power (Eco+ mode).
Build quality is excellent. The Zappi is designed and manufactured in the UK by MyEnergi, a Lincolnshire-based company. It is available in a range of colours and comes in both tethered and untethered versions. The companion MyEnergi app provides clear data on how much solar energy has been used for charging versus grid electricity.
The main drawback is that the Zappi is the most expensive option in this comparison. However, if you have solar panels, the fuel savings from solar-powered charging can recoup the price difference within 12-18 months.
Ohme Home Pro
Best For: Smart Tariff Users
The Ohme Home Pro has the deepest integration with smart energy tariffs of any charger on the market. If you are on Octopus Intelligent Go, Octopus Go, Agile Octopus or similar time-of-use tariffs, the Ohme automatically schedules charging during the cheapest periods. You simply plug in and tell the app when you need the car ready by, and it handles the rest.
The Ohme app is straightforward and reliable. It shows exactly how much each charging session cost and which tariff slots were used. For drivers who want to minimise charging costs without thinking about it, the Ohme is unbeatable.
Installation is straightforward. The unit is compact and lightweight. The main limitation is that it does not have solar diversion capability built in, so if you have solar panels and want to charge from surplus generation, the Zappi is the better choice.
Tesla Wall Connector
Best For: Tesla Owners
The Tesla Wall Connector is a sleek, premium charger that integrates seamlessly with the Tesla app and Tesla vehicles. It supports up to 22 kW charging on three-phase supplies (7.4 kW on single-phase, which is the UK residential standard), and communicates directly with Tesla vehicles over Wi-Fi.
For Tesla owners who also have a Powerwall, the integration is exceptional. The Tesla app shows your solar generation, battery storage, home consumption and EV charging in a single interface. You can set the car to charge from excess solar via the Powerwall, creating a fully integrated energy ecosystem.
The Wall Connector works with all electric vehicles via a Type 2 connector, not just Teslas. However, the smart features are optimised for Tesla vehicles. Non-Tesla owners will get a reliable charger but may find better smart features in the Ohme or Zappi.
Wallbox Pulsar Max
Best For: Build Quality and Versatility
The Wallbox Pulsar Max is a compact, well-built charger with a strong feature set. It offers up to 7.4 kW charging on single-phase, has a clear LED status ring, and the Wallbox app provides detailed charging statistics and scheduling. It supports OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) and is one of the most future-proof options available.
The Pulsar Max sits in the mid-price range and offers a good balance of features, build quality and value. It is a solid all-rounder that works well regardless of your energy tariff or vehicle brand.
Which EV Charger Should You Choose?
- Got solar panels? Choose the Zappi for solar diversion.
- On a smart tariff? Choose the Ohme Home Pro for automatic cheap-rate charging.
- Tesla owner with Powerwall? Choose the Tesla Wall Connector for full ecosystem integration.
- Want a reliable all-rounder? Choose the Wallbox Pulsar Max.
All four chargers are eligible for the OZEV grant of up to £350. ALPS Electrical installs all four brands and handles the full process including OZEV grant application, installation and commissioning. Contact us for a free quote.