This is a summary of 5 EV Charging Points that I install in the Local Area - and to be completely frank - they all do the same thing, however some will have better Apps or integrate better with certain energy tariffs, however no electricity supplier is going to deny you the opportunity to become a customer! Before choosing which one is right for you it might be worth giving your supplier a call and you may need to upgrade to a Smart Meter to get the lower tariffs, but that doesn't mean you can't have the one you want!

The only difference between many of the chargers is the look and the App that the EV Charging Point utilises -- but they will usually all have the following Smart Features (N.B all EV chargers now have to be "Smart" due to Government Recommendation):

• Scheduled Charging

• Auto Charging

• Locked

• RFID

• Charging History

Charging Made Simple: The Tesla Wall Connector (Gen 3)

If you're thinking about getting an electric vehicle—or already have one—the Tesla Wall Connector is one of the best home charging options out there, especially if you drive a Tesla.

Here’s a down-to-earth look at what makes it a smart bit of kit, especially for drivers around Somerset.

________________________________________

✅ Key Features & Electrical Protections

✅ Fast home charging - Delivers up to 48 amps (11.5 kW) – roughly 44 miles of range per hour. That’s miles quicker than plugging into a standard socket.

✅ Wi-Fi enabled - Connects to the Tesla app, so you can schedule charging, get updates, and monitor usage right from your phone.

✅ Auto-sensing handle - Opens your Tesla’s charging port automatically. Simple, slick, and no fiddling with buttons.

✅ Built for all weather - Rated for indoor or outdoor use, with a tough IP55 casing and a 7.5 m (24 ft) cable—though it’s a bit long for easy storage.

✅ Premium finish - Glass front, colour options for faceplates, and solid build quality—looks smart on any wall.

⚠️ Important:

This charger must be hardwired by a qualified electrician. It doesn’t have built-in PEN fault detection, so external protections like RCDs or an earth rod are needed to make it safe and regulation-compliant.

________________________________________

👍 Pros

✅ Rapid charging speeds - Much quicker than a 3-pin plug—ideal for overnight top-ups or high daily mileage.

✅ Tesla app integration - Super convenient if you already use Tesla’s app for your car.

✅ High-end design - Solid, stylish, and feels premium—not like some of the plastic-y third-party units.

✅ Weatherproof - You can mount it outdoors—no need to hide it away in the garage.

✅ Smart load sharing - Future-proofed to work with multiple EVs or Tesla Powerwall systems.

________________________________________

⚠️ Cons

⚠️ Higher upfront cost - Between the unit, proper install, and external protections, it’s not the cheapest setup.

⚠️ Fixed installation - It’s hardwired and not portable—so you can't just unplug and take it with you if you move or travel.

⚠️ No built-in PEN fault detection - Extra electrical work is needed—like an earth rod or additional RCD, which adds cost.

⚠️ Long cable can be awkward - The 7.5 m lead is generous but a bit of a faff to wind neatly— and there’s no plug cap, so the end can get mucky if left dangling.

⚠️ Limited app features for non-Tesla users - Still works, but non-Tesla drivers may find the app a bit basic for now.

________________________________________

💬 What Real Users Say

From EV forums like Reddit:

"The Tesla wall connectors are about the cheapest available, and are arguably some of the highest quality ones as well."

"A properly installed Wall Connector can charge up to 48 amps. It’s dedicated, fast, and easy to use."

In a nutshell: People like the peace of mind and speed, especially if they’re already in the Tesla ecosystem.

________________________________________

🔌 Product Highlight

Tesla Wall Connector – 48A Hardwired Charger

💷 Priced around £425–£500 (excluding installation)

✅ Weatherproof (IP55), sleek design

✅ Built-in safety features (short-circuit, over-voltage, temperature protection)

⚠️ Needs external PEN fault protection added during install

________________________________________

🔚 Final Thoughts

The Tesla Wall Connector is a brilliant long-term home charger, especially if you're a Tesla owner. It's fast, good-looking, and plays nicely with your app. For non-Tesla drivers, it’s still a solid option—but make sure you're aware of the extra protections needed and potential app limitations.

______________________________________

The Hypervolt Home 3 Pro

If you're serious about EV charging at home, the Hypervolt Home 3 Pro is a top contender. Built right here in the UK, it's got the brains, the brawn, and the good looks to match. Ideal for anyone who wants a reliable, future-proof charger that’s simple to use and built to last.

Here’s what makes it a standout choice 👇

_______________________________________

⚡ Electrical Safety & Protection – Built Tough for UK Homes

✅ IP66 + IK10 Rated - Fully sealed against dust and protected against high-pressure water – perfect for outdoor installs, even when you’re washing the car. IK10 also means it’s tough enough to handle bumps and knocks.

✅ Built-in PEN Fault Protection - No earth rod needed – makes for a neater and quicker install.

✅ Dynamic Load Balancing - Avoids tripping your main fuse – it automatically adjusts the charge rate depending on what else is running in your house.

✅ DC Residual Current Detection - Adds an extra layer of safety by detecting DC faults, working alongside your usual AC protection.

________________________________________

📱 Smart Features That Make Charging Easy

✅ App Control (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Use the Hypervolt app (iOS & Android) to:

• View real-time energy use

• Set charging schedules

• Lock/unlock the charger

• Update settings remotely

✅ Solar-Ready Charging - Pair it with your solar panels and choose from 3 smart modes:

• Super Eco – charges only from excess solar (above ~1.4 kW)

• Eco – prioritises solar, but tops up with grid if needed

• Boost – uses max available power (up to 7 kW)

✅ Energy Tariff Integration - Works with cheap rate plans like Octopus Intelligent Go and OVO Charge Anytime to help you charge when rates are low – saving you money.

✅ Voice Control with Alexa - Check your charge status, switch modes, or dim the LED lights – all with your voice (Alexa supported for now).

________________________________________

🧱 Looks & Build – A Charger That Doesn’t Hide

✅ Modern, Clean Design - Available in Ultra White, Space Grey, or Ultra Black – it’s a nice step up from the usual chunky boxes.

✅ LED Lightning Bolt Indicator - Adds a futuristic touch – or switch it off in the app if you prefer subtle.

✅ Tethered Setup - Comes with the cable attached, so it’s always ready to plug in – no faffing about.

✅ Cable Options - Choose from 5 m, 7.5 m, or 10 m lengths to suit your driveway. Built-in holder keeps it all tidy.

________________________________________

👍 Pros & Cons 👎 at a Glance

✅ Pros ❌ Cons

Rugged, weatherproof build (IP66 + IK10) Bigger and heavier than some units

Built-in PEN protection (no earth rod needed) Higher price – you’re paying for premium

Solar + smart tariff support Smart home control limited to Alexa

Great mobile app with energy tracking Custom tariff setup can feel a bit fiddly

Excellent customer support Tethered only – no untethered option

________________________________________

💬 Final Thoughts – Is the Hypervolt Home 3 Pro for You?

If you're after a high-spec, reliable, and smart EV charger—and don’t mind spending a bit more for quality—the Hypervolt Home 3 Pro ticks a lot of boxes.

It’s especially great if:

✅ You’ve got (or plan to get) solar panels

✅ You want to take advantage of off-peak charging

✅ You like a charger with a bold, modern look

That said, if you’d prefer something smaller, simpler, or untethered – there are other good options worth looking at.

________________________________________

🔌 Meet the Easee One: Smart, Stylish, and Safe

Thinking about getting an EV charger installed at home? The Easee One is a solid bit of kit that blends smart tech, solid safety features, and a sleek design and I personally love to install this unit! It’s a 7 kW single-phase charger (roughly 28–30 miles of range per hour), perfect for most UK homes.

Let’s take a look at what makes it a good choice – especially if you’re after something future-proof, safe, and good looking on the wall.

________________________________________

⚡ Safety & Electrical Protections (The Boring but Important Bits)

✅ Integrated Type B RCD Protection - Built-in protection for both AC and DC faults. No need for a separate RCD in your consumer unit – it’s all covered.

✅ Open PEN Conductor Protection - Stops dangerous voltages if the earth connection fails. No earth rods needed, which keeps your garden intact.

✅ Overheat Sensors - Monitors the temperature and shuts off if it gets too hot – great for our unpredictable British weather.

✅ Self-Testing RCD - Automatically checks itself every time you plug in. If there’s a fault, it shows a red light and won’t charge.

✅ Tough Build (IP54 Rated) - Rain? Dust? Cold? No worries – the Easee One is built to handle the elements.

✅ Load Balancing for Multi-EV Setups - Planning to get more than one EV in the future? You can connect up to 3 units on a single circuit with dynamic load balancing.

________________________________________

👍 Pros – What It Does Especially Well

✅ Tethered and Untethered Modes - Lock the cable in or remove it – up to you. Flexible setup that suits how you use it.

✅ Sleek, Minimal Design - Scandinavian styling, solid build, and five colour options: black, white, grey, red or blue. Looks tidy on any wall.

✅ Smooth App Experience - Easy-to-use app to track usage, lock/unlock the cable, schedule charging, even change LED colours.

✅ Built-in 4G + Wi-Fi - Comes with lifetime 4G connectivity (no SIM needed) and Wi-Fi as backup – always connected.

✅ Automatic Firmware Updates - New features roll out automatically, so your charger keeps getting smarter.

✅ RFID Tag Access - Only people with a tag can start charging – handy if you’ve got kids, lodgers or guests.

✅ Compact & Lightweight - At just 1.5 kg and 256×193×106 mm, it doesn’t take over the wall.

________________________________________

👎 Cons – Things to Keep in Mind

❌ No Built-in Solar Integration - If you want to use excess solar to charge your car, you’ll need to buy the optional Easee Equalizer.

❌ Limited Smart Tariff Features - You can schedule charging, but it doesn’t fully sync with EV tariffs like Octopus Go. Not as smart as Ohme or Zappi in that area.

❌ No Display Screen - It uses LEDs for status – which looks clean, but some people prefer a proper screen.

❌ Basic Cost Tracking in the App - You can only input one price per kWh. Not great if you’re on a variable tariff.

❌ eSIM Lifetime Not Guaranteed - It includes free 4G for now, but no promises long-term. Still, there’s always Wi-Fi as a backup.

________________________________________

🔧 Final Thoughts from a Your Local Electrician

The Easee One ticks a lot of boxes for families who want a safe, clean-looking, and reliable EV charger that’ll last for years. It’s especially good if you:

• Want flexibility between tethered/untethered

• Like a clean install with minimal mess

• Value safety features like PEN protection and overheat shutoff

If you're big on solar or want deep tariff integration, there are other options (like Zappi or Ohme). But for most households just wanting a no-fuss, stylish, and safe charger – the Easee One is a very smart pick.

________________________________________

The BG SYNC EV Charger

Why It’s Safe as Houses?

Electrical safety isn’t something to mess about with. This charger comes packed with built-in protections to keep you (and your car) safe.

✅ Built-In RCD & DC Fault Protection

Comes with a Type A RCD (30 mA) and 6 mA DC leakage detection. Basically, if anything goes wrong—it knows and shuts down safely. No need to cram extra bits into your consumer unit.

✅ No Earth Rod Needed (Open PEN Protection)

Lots of EV chargers still need an earth rod (which means digging up your garden or drive). Not this one. It’s got open PEN fault protection built in, so the install’s quicker, cleaner, and cheaper.

✅ Weatherproof & Hard-Wearing - Whether it’s lashing down or blazing sunshine, this charger can handle it. It’s rated IP55/IP65 for weather and IK10 for knocks and bumps—ideal for outdoor fitting.

✅ Fully Compliant & Future-Ready - It ticks all the right boxes for UK smart charging laws (EV Smart Charge Points Regs 2021) and connects via OCPP 1.6J for over-the-air updates.

That means it’ll stay current even as tech moves on.

In short: It’s safe, compliant, and saves you time and money on the install.

________________________________________

Smart Features That Actually Make Sense

📱 App Control (via Monta or Sync Energy App)

Set charge times, track your usage, or control the charger straight from your phone. Handy if you’re on a tariff with cheaper night rates.

🌐 Connect How You Like

Wi-Fi, LAN, 4G, or RFID—you’ve got options depending on your setup.

☀️ Solar & Tariff-Aware Charging

Got solar panels? It’ll use excess energy. On a time-of-use tariff? It’ll only charge when your rate is lowest. Win-win.

🎨 Changeable Fascia Colours

Don’t want a big ugly box on the wall? No worries—swap the front panel to match your home. Choose from white, black, green and more.

________________________________________

The Honest Pros & Cons

👍 The Good Bits

• No earth rod = cleaner, faster install

• Brilliant safety features—RCD, DC fault, PEN protection

• Works with solar & smart tariffs

• Looks smart and feels solid

• 3-year warranty with UK support

• App control & multiple ways to connect

• Customisable front panels

👎 Things to Watch

• If your Wi-Fi is patchy, you might need the 4G version (extra cost)

• App setup can be fiddly for some—get a decent installer

• Tethered cable needs winding back (comes with a decent wrap though)

• Pricier than “dumb” chargers—but you’re paying for features and peace of mind

• Features can vary between models—so check specs before buying

________________________________________

So, is It Right for You?

If you want a reliable home charger that’s safe, smart, and doesn’t need an earth rod digging up your lawn—this one’s a top choice.

Yes, it costs more than a no-frills unit. But the added safety, app control, and future-proof tech make it a smart long-term investment—especially if you’re planning to keep your EV for a few years.

Plus, it doesn’t look like an eyesore on the side of your house.

________________________________________

Final Thought

You want a charger that’s smart but not over-complicated. Safe, easy to use, and looks the part. The BG Sync / Sync Energy charger fits the bill—and if you're not sure which model to go for (tethered vs untethered), I’m happy to help.

Drop me a message or give me a bell—I’ll get you sorted, no nonsense.

Any electrical work, no matter how small, you can call me now on 01761 325 007 or you can visit my website: www.spellerssparks.co.uk