Which EV home charger?

powerful_Rogue

I'm not sure which one to go for so hoping someone might be able to advise!

I have solar and batteries (6.2 and 13) and have just purchased a Nissan Leaf.

Would like to be able to take advantage of the Intelligent Octopus tariff, so limited to a few chargers - https://octopus.energy/get-an-ev-charger/

I did look at V2H, but there are none available at the moment.

Months ago I was looking at the Zappi before I purchased an EV, however with the export rate on IO being 15p, a lot of people seem to say the fact you can charge from solar is irrelevant. As such, i'm thinking of the Ohme Home Pro.

Happy to hear from anyone else that has been in this dilema!

thevilla

I don't have a battery but I'd suggest charging a home battery from solar has the same financial status as charging the car.  I think!

The Zappi doesn't support IO yet but it is imminent: in beta.  You'll obviously need a charger which supports IO since the Leaf isn't supported.

Screwdriva

If you had a SolarEdge system, this would make the most sense to me

https://investors.solaredge.com/news-releases/news-release-details/intersolar-2023-solaredge-unveils-new-bi-directional-dc-coupled

Otherwise, a Zappi gets my vote. 

powerful_Rogue

Thank you both for your replies. I spent ages comparing and researching and decided to go for the Wallbox Pulsar Max. I think it's a bit nicer looking then the Zappi and has IO intergration already.

They are also working on the Quasar 2, which will be V2H. Also hoping that might have IO intergration as their current model does.

Reed_Richards

I had a quick look at the Wallbox Pulsar Max. but could see no mention of IO integration.

powerful_Rogue

Reed_Richards said:

I had a quick look at the Wallbox Pulsar Max. but could see no mention of IO integration.

Think it's a recent thing. It's listed on the Octopus site as IO intergration - https://octopus.energy/get-an-ev-charger/

thevilla

powerful_Rogue said:

Thank you both for your replies. I spent ages comparing and researching and decided to go for the Wallbox Pulsar Max. I think it's a bit nicer looking then the Zappi and has IO intergration already.

They are also working on the Quasar 2, which will be V2H. Also hoping that might have IO intergration as their current model does.

UK manufacturer and solar integration pushed me to Zappi.  The shape may look like a loo seat but it's handy for cable storage 😁

Netexporter

On a general note, I've just asked Givenergy if their new charger will have bi-directional capabilities. Sadly, it won't. No definite release date, either.

Heedtheadvice

I would have a lot of confidence in the Zappi having IO capabilities soon especially if Myenergy say so.

It has been for a long time the best charger on the market for integration with solar and batteries plus you get excellent  and quick support. Any software and app/Web issues etc are soon resolved. If you want really fast charging a three phase version is available.

Downside not the cheapest.

I do not have any issues with cosmetics and it( as above) has storage for  a tethered cable.

Ectophile

One thing that's put me off buying a Zappi is buried on their web site:

We constantly update our mobile applications to ensure we provide the best possible customer experience. Our mobile application requires the latest version of iOS for iPhone or Android OS for Android.

So I'm fine at the moment, but in a year or two's time, I will have to buy a new phone just to use their app!  My phone is getting on a bit, and I have no idea how much longer Samsung are going to push updates out to it.

thevilla

There's been some pressure on myenergi to provide a local API, which they have resisted, allowing other apps more access to the charger.

On the other hand, the Zappi can be controlled through a web portal via any web browser and also the in-built buttons and screen.  It can be integrated into Home Assistant if you're that way inclined.  I also doubt their app will be the first to break as your phone ages.

Edit.  I'm not a salesperson for myenergi but I've had no issues in the 2 years I've owned a Zappi.