Compare Top Smart Charging Solutions for Electric Vehicles
EV Charger Installations in South London from NOD Electrical Services
What “Smart Charging” Means Today
Smart EV charging generally refers to chargers (or networks) that offer advanced features beyond just supplying electricity:
Scheduled/off-peak charging — you can set charging times to match cheaper electricity tariffs or better grid demand. Cyberswitching+2plugin-stations.com+2
Energy management & load balancing — chargers adjust how much power they draw so they don’t overload your home supply, or adapt if you have solar panels. Evergy+1
Integration with solar or renewable energy — some chargers can prioritise solar or surplus home-generated energy. Evergy+1
App & smart-tariff support, remote control, usage tracking — let you monitor usage, schedule charging, and save money. McNally EV+1
For public networks: widespread coverage, reliability, easy payment/authorization, speed — important if you’re on the road a lot. Fleet News+1
Depending on your situation (home charging vs frequent travel, solar panels or not, appetite for automation, etc.), different solutions shine.
Quick take:
myenergi Zappi 22 kW Eco‑Smart EV Charger — The go-to for solar homeowners. Its “Eco” and “Eco+” modes let you prioritise home-generated solar power, and dynamic load balancing helps avoid overloads. Great if you want to maximise green energy and savings. Evergy+1
Ohme Home Pro Smart EV Charger 7.4 kW — Often considered the best “all-rounder” for typical home owners on smart tariffs. It automates charging during off-peak hours to reduce electricity costs and integrates with many UK energy plans. McNally EV+1
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro 10 m Tethered EV Charger — A premium choice: combines app control, scheduling, solar compatibility, and automatic load balancing. Good if you want a future-proof, feature-rich charger with a sleek design. Evergy+1
Easee One 7.4 kW EV Charger — A flexible and user-friendly option, offering both tethered and untethered modes, useful for renters or those who want portability + smart scheduling.
Rolec Evo 22 kW Smart EV Charger — Higher-power home charger (22 kW), suitable if you want faster charging at home and possibly have a 3-phase supply. Good for heavier EV usage or larger battery vehicles.
Masterplug 7.4 kW Tethered Smart EV Charger, BG SyncEV 7.4 kW Smart Wall Charger, and EVEC VEC01 7.4 kW EV Charger — Solid budget or mid-tier options. They cover basic smart charging needs (off-peak scheduling, load balancing, weather-resistance) without the premium features or solar integration. Suitable if you want simplicity and reliability at lower cost.
Summary: If you want to optimise for renewable energy and longer-term savings, Zappi or Hypervolt are excellent. If you prioritise ease, cost savings and a balance of features, Ohme Home Pro is hard to beat. For budget-conscious users wanting smart functionality, Masterplug, BG SyncEV, or EVEC are sensible picks.
Smart Public / Rapid Charging Networks & Services
While home chargers are great for daily use, public and rapid-charging networks play a key role when travelling or on long trips. In the UK, a few standout networks and trends emerge:
Smart Charge — Since launching in 2024, it quickly built a network of 335 rapid/ultra-rapid devices across 84 locations. In 2025, it was named the UK’s “Best EV charging network (medium rapid/ultra-rapid)” by a major ranking. Fleet News+1
BeEV — Ranks closely behind Smart Charge, often chosen for good customer support. Carparison Leasing+1
Fastned — Known for simple payment options and easy-to-use stations; a solid option if you value convenience and reliability when on the road. Carparison Leasing
Emerging networks and providers continue to expand — the landscape is evolving fast, improving accessibility to EV drivers across the UK. Carparison Leasing+1
Why these matter: Smart public charging networks can reduce range anxiety, offer easy payment and reliability, and complement home charging — especially for longer journeys or EV owners without home installation options.
How to Choose — What’s Right for You
Here’s a simple decision-matrix depending on your situation:
You primarily charge at home, drive daily commutes: go for a smart home charger (like Ohme, Hypervolt, or Zappi).
You have solar panels / care about sustainability: pick a solar-compatible charger (e.g., Zappi, Hypervolt).
You drive long distances or often travel: choose a combination — a reliable home charger + access to a good public network (Smart Charge, BeEV, Fastned, etc.).
You want lower upfront cost but smart features: budget chargers (Masterplug, BG SyncEV, EVEC) offer decent balance.
You need faster charging and have the electrical infrastructure (e.g. 3-phase supply): higher-power chargers (e.g. Rolec 22 kW) may make sense.