Charger review
Pod Point Solo 3 review: the UK's most popular home EV charger.
The Pod Point Solo 3 is the go-to choice for most home EV charger installations in the UK. It is not the cheapest or the most feature-rich, but it is the most consistently reliable and straightforward to use.
Verdict
The Pod Point Solo 3 earns its market-leading position through reliability and simplicity rather than headline features. For a driver who wants a home EV charger that installs quickly, works every time, and costs a reasonable amount, it is the right choice. Its main limitation is the absence of solar divert: if you have solar panels, choose a Zappi instead.
Pod Point was acquired by EDF in 2020, which gives it one of the most established support and installer networks of any UK charger brand. The Solo 3 is on its third generation of hardware, and years of iteration show in the installation experience and ongoing reliability.
Key specifications
| Output | 7.2kW (single-phase 32A) |
| Solar divert | No |
| Cable type | Tethered (Type 2, 5m) or untethered socket |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, 4G (SIM built in as backup) |
| OZEV approved | Yes |
| Installed cost (UK) | ~£800–£1,000 |
Smart charging and tariff integration
The Solo 3 is a smart charger as required by law for all new UK installations since June 2022. Through the Pod Point app, you can:
- Set a charge schedule (charge only during off-peak hours)
- View charging history with session energy and cost estimates
- Set a maximum state of charge to protect battery longevity
- Manage multiple charge points from one account
The app integrates with Octopus Go, E.ON Drive, and other overnight tariffs by letting you set the tariff window in the app. It is not as automatic as Ohme: you set the cheap-rate hours manually, and the app schedules charging within that window. It works reliably but requires a one-time setup when you change tariff.
The built-in 4G SIM is a differentiator: if your home Wi-Fi drops or the charger loses the network, it falls back to mobile connectivity. This keeps remote features (scheduling, monitoring) working where other chargers would go offline. For most drivers it makes no practical difference, but it is a sensible engineering choice.
What the Pod Point does well
- Most widely installed home charger in the UK: installer experience is extensive
- Competitive pricing: typically the lowest installed cost of the main brands
- Simple and reliable: setup takes minutes, almost no ongoing configuration needed
- Good app with scheduling and tariff integration (Octopus Go, E.ON Drive, etc.)
- OZEV approved: eligible for the EV Chargepoint Grant
- Compact, clean design that suits most driveways
Where it falls short
- No solar divert function: if you have panels or plan to, buy a Zappi instead
- App is capable but less polished than Ohme
- Tariff integration works but requires manual setup compared to Ohme's automatic approach
- No load balancing for multi-unit installs in the basic version
- EV integration (seeing car state of charge in the app) limited compared to some rivals
Design and installation
The Solo 3 has a plain white rectangular enclosure: functional rather than designed. It sits discreetly on most house walls without drawing attention. It is not as slim as the Hypervolt or as distinctive as the Andersen, but its size and shape suit the vast majority of driveways.
The tethered version comes with a 5m cable on a fixed holster. For most driveways where the charger is on the wall near the car's charging port, 5m is adequate. The untethered socket version suits drivers with two cars or who prefer to store the cable separately.
Installation is well-documented and Pod Point's installer training is thorough. Most OZEV-authorised electricians have fitted Solo 3 units before, which reduces the chance of installation issues.
Cost and the OZEV grant
The Pod Point Solo 3 is typically the lowest-cost option among the main brands, at around £800–£1,000 fully installed. After the OZEV grant (75% up to £500 for eligible renters and leasehold flat owners), the net cost is typically £300–£500.
See our EV charger grant guide to check if you qualify and how to apply.
Who should buy the Pod Point Solo 3?
- Drivers who want simplicity: plug in, charge, done. Minimal configuration.
- Those without solar panels: no point paying for solar features you cannot use.
- Budget-conscious buyers: typically the lowest installed price of the main brands.
- Anyone unsure what they want: the Solo 3 is a safe default that you will not regret.
Common questions
Is the Pod Point Solo 3 compatible with all EVs?
Yes. The tethered version has a Type 2 cable, which is the standard for all EVs sold in the UK for AC home charging. The untethered version has a Type 2 socket, compatible with any Mode 3 cable. There is no brand restriction.
Can I add solar integration later?
No. Solar divert is not available on the Solo 3 and cannot be added via a firmware update. If you later install solar panels and want to use solar divert, you would need to replace the Solo 3 with a Zappi. The cable run from the fuse board can typically be reused, reducing the cost of the swap.
What warranty does Pod Point offer?
Pod Point offers a 3-year warranty on the Solo 3 hardware. The installation is covered by the installer's standard warranty, typically 1–2 years. Pod Point's UK-based support team handles warranty claims directly.
How does the Pod Point app compare to competitors?
The app is reliable and covers the core functions well: scheduling, charge history, and cost tracking. It is not as visually polished as Ohme or as configurable as myenergi's app. For most drivers who set a schedule once and rarely change it, the app experience is not a meaningful differentiator.
Get quotes for Pod Point Solo 3 installation
Most of our OZEV-authorised installers have fitted Pod Point units before. Enter your postcode for free, no-obligation quotes.
Get free quotes