Smart EV Charger Features Explained: What's Worth Paying For?
Smart chargers offer many features, but which ones actually save you money or make life easier? Here's our analysis.
Features That Save Real Money
Smart Tariff Integration
Worth it: Yes - can save £400-600/year
Chargers that integrate with time-of-use tariffs like Octopus Go can automatically charge during cheap overnight periods. This is the single most valuable smart feature.
Solar Integration
Worth it: Yes - if you have solar panels
If you generate solar electricity, a charger that can divert excess to your EV means free fuel. Zappi's ECO modes are the gold standard here.
Energy Monitoring
Worth it: Helpful
Knowing exactly how much energy you're using helps track costs and efficiency. Most smart chargers include this.
Convenience Features
Smartphone App
Worth it: Yes
Being able to control and monitor charging from your phone is genuinely useful. Start charging remotely, check progress, adjust schedules.
Scheduled Charging
Worth it: Yes
Essential for using cheap overnight electricity. Set it once and forget it.
Voice Assistant Integration
Worth it: Nice to have
"Alexa, start charging" sounds cool but you'll rarely use it. Your car/charger schedule does the same thing automatically.
Features You Probably Don't Need
4G Connectivity
Worth it: Usually not
Most homes have WiFi. 4G is only valuable if your charger is far from your router.
RFID Access
Worth it: Only for shared chargers
For home use, you don't need RFID. It's designed for multi-user commercial settings.
Built-in Screen
Worth it: No
Your phone shows everything a built-in screen would. Save the money.
Our Verdict
The features worth paying for: smart tariff integration, solar integration (if applicable), app control, and scheduling. Skip the fancy extras unless you have specific needs.