Zappi EV Charger Review – Driving on Sunshine

When you hear myenergi Zappi, one word likely comes to mind – solar. And for good reason. Since its launch in 2016, myenergi’s sustainable tech and heavy marketing have reached all corners of the UK, making the Zappi EV charger one of the most heard of chargers to date.

Hailing from Lincolnshire and brought to life by green tech pioneer Jordan Brompton, the EV charger Zappi is not only a charger – it’s part of a cutting-edge home energy ecosystem. Eddi, Eddi+, Libbi, Harvi, and Zappi offer a seamless way to integrate solar and wind energy into your home, creating a smarter, greener, and more self-sufficient lifestyle.

But is Zappi the right move for you? Our Zappi EV charger review gets into the details. From perks to disadvantages, we cover everything you need to know.

What is myEnergi Zappi?

Officially the first solar EV charger in the UK, the myenergi Zappi is a British-made home EV charger with a core focus on sustainability. Available in both tethered and untethered Type 2 options, as well as 7kW and 22kW fast charging speeds, the Zappi EV charger works with every electric car on the market.

Across the board, you’re looking at roughly £799 without installation and £1,099 for the Zappi and installation.

Now we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the pros and cons of the Zappi.

Zappi EV Charger Review: Pros

1. Charge your EV with green energy

One of the biggest perks of the Zappi is the advanced solar EV charging features. With the right charging set-up, you can charge your electric car with 100% green energy from solar PV systems or wind.

Not only that, but this renewable surplus energy will be entirely free. A win for the planet. A win for your bank account.

On top of this, the Zappi offers more control and self-sufficiency for solar charging. Of course, some EV chargers offer solar as a baseline (VCHRGD Seven) but lack the additional management. In contrast, the Zappi comes with three options – Eco+, Eco, and Fast.

Top up your EV with purely solar energy, a blend of electricity from the grid and solar, or if you’re in a rush, fully charge with 100% power from the grid. Maximum flexibility. Maximum sustainability.

Explore solar EV charging in detail.

2.  Advanced smart features

Overall, Zappi’s portfolio of smart features may not be as extensive as other home chargers on the market, but they are far from basic. You get your essential features, such as charge scheduling. However, others are unique to Zappi charging – and more advanced. With advanced solar charging and PIN lock, Zappi’s smart features are something to be recognised as a positive.

Here is an extensive list of the Zappi EV charger’s features:

• Load balancing
• Scheduled charging
• Set a PIN code to lock your EV charger
• Monitor power consumption and energy at home – more so when there is a symbiosis between the app, Zappi and other Zappi products.
• Multiple controls – LED screen and app
• Numerous charging modes – ECO Mode, ECO + Mode, FAST Mode
• Remote access – manage your charging and energy usage from anywhere in the world.

3.  Tough, durable and weatherproof

On the whole, the Zappi has one of the highest IP ratings for a home EV charger. Rated IP65. What does this mean? It means the Zappi is entirely weatherproof. Rain or shine, it’s built to last. So, while you can take advantage of the sun to recharge, you don’t have to worry about rain on your parade.

4.   Compatible with Intelligent Octopus Go

Charge scheduling offers cheaper electric car charging. As standard. It’s what makes charging with a home charger so special. Simply set your car to charge overnight for the best savings.

However, if you add in a home charger with tariff integration, you can save even further. Especially if your home setup is compatible with leading energy companies.

We’re pleased to say the Zappi is fully compatible with the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff. What does this mean? Luckily, you charge your EV for as little as 7p per kWh during off-peak hours. Pair it with solar panels for even greater and greener savings.

Zappi EV charger Review: Cons

1. Function over form

Unfortunately, the Zappi won’t win any beauty contests. Favouring function over form, the Zappi’s plastic shell leaves little to be desired. Despite coming in two different colour schemes – black/grey and white/grey – the Zappi finds itself in the lower part of the aesthetic scale.

While taste is, of course, objective, the Zappi lacks the same je ne sais quoi as other home EV chargers on the market. Whether it’s the plastic material, large size, or the overall look of the charger, the Zappi is not renowned for its look. Some have gone as far as suggesting it looks almost bin-like.

In terms of size, specifically, the Zappi is on the larger size of life compared to other charging points. In millimetres, the Zappi is sized 439 x 282 x 122mm. Compare this to the neat and discreet Ohme Home Pro at 170mm x 200 mm x 100mm, and you can imagine how big the charger is.

2. Myenergi App could need some development

At first glance, the app looks well-designed, with handy visualisations to manage your charging and energy ecosystem. But the experience isn’t all sunshine, ironically. It can be slow to load, and the split-centre design makes navigation feel clunky and hard to decipher. The dark interface doesn’t help—other home charging apps are sleeker and more minimalist, making them easier to use.

The backend could use a tune-up, as some users find the interface sluggish. That said, with strong Wi-Fi and a bit of practice, the Zappi app becomes manageable. While the hardware shines, the app still has room for improvement to match it.

That said, once you have the gist of the Zappi app, this won’t be a struggle.

Is the Zappi worth it?

The Zappi snagged the title of Best Home Charger at the 2023 Auto Trader New Car Awards. Impressive, right? But that’s not all—it proudly claims to be the number-one best-selling solar EV charger.

So, is it worth the investment?

That depends on you.

If sustainability tops your priority list, the Zappi EV charger is absolutely worth it. The Zappi is built tough, works seamlessly with renewable energy, and offers smart charging modes. It’s ideal for eco-conscious drivers who value self-sufficiency over aesthetics.

That said, if looks matter more to you, then the Zappi EV charger isn’t for you. In this case, we’d recommend the Hypervolt or Easee One for a more aesthetic home ev charger. Or, if budget is king, the evec offers a all-round EV charger at an affordable price.

In conclusion, for green energy enthusiasts, the Zappi is a clear winner.

Ready to start saving with a home EV charger?

Still unsure which charger is right for you after our Zappi EV charger review? Contact us today for unbiased advice. With close partnerships with the leading EV chargepoint manufacturers, we offer a wide range of the best EV chargers on the market. From advice to supply to EV charger installation – our EV charging solutions are fully comprehensive.

Browse our EV home chargers, get a free quote, or contact a member of our team directly on 03333 44 96 99 now. As the experts in EV charging, we offer nationwide coverage with our DBS-checked, accredited and experienced engineers.