Charger guide
Do I need a smart EV charger?
Since June 2022, all new home EV chargers installed in the UK are required by law to be smart. Here is what that means.
What is a smart EV charger?
A smart charger connects to your home Wi-Fi or mobile network and can be controlled remotely - via an app or automatically. It can be programmed to charge at off-peak times when electricity is cheapest, and your energy supplier or the charger itself can adjust charging in response to grid demand.
Are smart chargers required by law?
Yes. Since June 2022, the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 require all new home charge points to be smart. Any OZEV-authorised installer will only fit compliant smart chargers - so if you are getting a new home charger installed, it will automatically be a smart one.
What are the benefits?
Smart chargers do more than just comply with the law - they give you real control over your charging costs and habits.
- Charge at off-peak tariff times (e.g. midnight to 6am can be significantly cheaper than peak rates)
- App control and charge scheduling from your phone
- Real-time energy monitoring so you can track exactly what charging costs
- Compatible with smart tariffs like Octopus Go and OVO Drive Anytime
- Some chargers integrate with solar panels for solar-first charging
Popular smart chargers
Several well-regarded smart chargers are available in the UK. The Zappi from myenergi is popular for its solar panel integration, letting you charge from excess generation first. Ohme is designed around smart tariff optimisation and pairs tightly with Octopus Energy. Pod Point and Hypervolt are reliable all-rounders with solid app experiences, and Andersen offers a premium finish suited to driveways where aesthetics matter. All of these are installed by our network - get a quote to find the right one for your home.
Do I need to do anything extra?
Not much. You will need to connect the charger to your home Wi-Fi during installation - your installer will walk you through this and help you set up the manufacturer app. After that, the charger handles everything automatically, or you can adjust schedules in the app whenever you like.