+353 87 130 4511
If you have recently bought an electric car, one of the first questions you will probably ask is: what is the best EV charger for my home?
There are quite a few options available in Ireland now, and it can be difficult to know which one is actually worth buying. We install a range of home chargers at EV Power Ireland, including Andersen, Ohme and Zappi, and the honest answer is that there isn’t one charger that is best for everyone.
The right choice depends on your car, your electricity tariff, whether you have solar panels and how you want to use your charger.
So, what is the best EV charger in Ireland?
For most homeowners, we would look at three main options: Zappi, Ohme and Andersen.
They are all good chargers, but they have slightly different strengths.
Zappi – a great choice for solar households
The Zappi from myenergi is particularly popular with homeowners who have solar panels, or who may install solar in the future.
One of the main advantages of Zappi is its ability to work with solar generation, allowing you to make better use of electricity produced by your own panels.
It is also a well-established charger with a good range of features and a straightforward app.
If you have solar panels, Zappi would be high on our list when choosing the best EV charger for an Irish home.
Ohme – excellent for smart tariffs
Ohme is another charger we install regularly.
Where Ohme really stands out is smart charging. If you are on an electricity tariff with cheaper periods, Ohme can automatically manage when your car charges.
This can be particularly useful if you normally charge overnight and want to take advantage of cheaper electricity.
For someone without solar who is mainly interested in keeping charging costs down, Ohme is definitely worth considering.
Andersen – premium looks and neat installations
Andersen takes a slightly different approach.
The chargers have a more premium appearance, with the cable neatly stored within the unit. For homeowners who are conscious about how the charger looks on the front of their house, this can be a big advantage.
If you want something that looks more like part of the house rather than an electrical box attached to the wall, Andersen is worth a look.
Don’t forget the SEAI grant
The cost of a home charger and installation is usually one of the biggest considerations.
The SEAI Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant currently provides up to €300 towards the purchase and installation of an eligible smart charger. The installation must be carried out by a Safe Electric Registered Electrical Contractor.
SEAI also states that a typical home charger and installation costs around €1,200–€1,600, although the actual price depends on the property and the installation required.
You can find the latest information directly on the SEAI website.
Which charger should you choose?
Our advice is not to choose a charger simply because someone says it is the “best”.
Think about how you charge your car.
Have solar panels? Look closely at Zappi.
Want to make the most of cheaper electricity tariffs? Ohme is an excellent option.
Want a premium-looking charger with integrated cable storage? Andersen could be the right choice.
And if you’re still unsure, that’s where a good installer should help.
At EV Power Ireland, we can look at your car, your home, your electricity supply and where you want the charger installed before recommending an option.
You can contact EV Power Ireland for advice or a quotation, or take a look at our EV charger installation service.
Choosing the best EV charger in Ireland doesn’t have to be complicated. The best charger is usually the one that fits the way you actually use your car and your home.
And if you’re still deciding between Zappi and Ohme, we’ve also put together a more detailed comparison of the Zappi vs Ohme Home Pro.