The Indra Smart Pro EV Charger is marketed as one of the most advanced and intelligent chargers available today, its got a nice blend of high-tech features, efficiency, and user-friendly design. This review will explore the key aspects of the Indra Smart Pro, highlighting its design, technical features, pros and cons, and customer feedback.
- Performance and Charging Speed: 9/10 (Variable output, up to 32A, optimized for solar and cheap tariffs)
- Ease of Use and Smart Features: 8/10 (App scheduling, solar power matching, smart tariff integration)
- Installation & Maintenance: 7/10 (Some issues reported with Wi-Fi connectivity in remote areas.)
- Design and Durability: 8/10 (Sleek design, durable polycarbonate casing, tethered/untethered options)
Methodology: How Electric Car Guide Rates EV Chargers
Indra Smart Pro Features At A Glance
| Feature | Indra Smart Pro Spec |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Indra Smart Pro |
| Weight | 3.5kg (excluding cable) |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 80°C |
| Operating Humidity | 10% to 85% |
| Communications | Ethernet or Cellular Network |
| Communications Protocol | Kaluza proprietary |
| Charging Cable Length | 5m (tethered) |
| Rated Power | 7.4kW |
| Charging Current | 6A-32A variable |
| Standby Consumption | <5W |
| Nominal Frequency | 50Hz |
| Input Voltage | 230V, AC ± 10% (single phase) |
| Output Voltage | Variable up to 32A |
| Overvoltage Category | CAT III |
| Degree of Protection | IP64 |
| Dimensions | 420mm x 200mm x 130mm |
| Enclosure Material | Polycarbonate |
| Protection Rating | IK10 |
| Solar Compatibility | Yes |
| Load Curtailment | Yes |
| Smart Scheduling | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years (extendable) |
Indra Smart Pro Full Review
Design and Build Quality
The Indra Smart Pro is a compact, sleek charger that is both functional and nice looking (although surprisingly it only comes in one colour option). Measuring 420mm x 200mm x 130mm, the charger is designed to be wall or pole-mounted, making it a suitable option for both garage and outdoor installations. It comes in a clean, minimalist “Indra White” finish, allowing it to blend easily with most home exteriors (but not all).
This charger is built to endure various environmental conditions, with an operating temperature range from -20°C to 50°C and a weatherproof rating of IP64, providing robust protection against the elements. The polycarbonate enclosure ensures durability, while its IK10 impact protection rating means it can withstand strong physical impacts.
The charger is available in both tethered and untethered models, this means you get to choose between a built-in cable or a universal socket.
Indra Smart Pro EV Charger Price
The Indra Smart Pro EV Charger is priced at £949, which includes the charger and installation service (assuming a standard installation). This price point reflects that the Smart Pro is a premium option with some very advanced charging features and long-term value, especially considering the rich feature set and cutting-edge technology it offers.
Indra Smart Pro Smart Features
Solar Integration
The Indra Smart Pro is solar-compatible.
Smart Scheduling
With the Indra App, users can schedule charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. The app also allows you to boost the charging process when you need a quick charge. The multi-mode scheduling feature ensures you can automatically switch between solar power, affordable energy tariffs, and grid electricity depending on availability.
Load Curtailment and Fuse Protection
The Smart Pro incorporates advanced load curtailment technology, which ensures that charging sessions are optimized based on the available power in your home. This feature prevents overloading your home’s electrical system by adjusting the charging power output when other high-demand devices are in use. For example, if your home fuse is approaching its capacity, the charger will reduce its power draw to prevent the fuse from blowing.
Connectivity and App Control
The Indra Smart Pro offers several connectivity options, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and 4G. The Indra App (available on iOS and Android) provides an intuitive user interface that allows you to track your charging history, schedule charging sessions, monitor your energy usage, and manage your tariff settings.
Performance
The Indra Smart Pro offers a maximum output of 7.4kW, allowing it to charge most electric vehicles in under nine hours. This is a significant improvement over charging via a standard 3-pin plug. The charger’s high metering accuracy (to 0.2s) ensures that you receive precise energy consumption reports, which can be exported in PDF format if needed.
Customer Experience and Feedback
Customer reviews for the Indra Smart Pro are mixed, highlighting both its strengths and some areas of concern.
Positive Feedback
Many users praise the charger’s solar charging feature, calling it a game-changer for those with solar panels installed at home. Others appreciate the cost savings associated with its smart scheduling features, especially when paired with off-peak EV electricity tariffs. The build quality, compact design, and ease of installation have also been noted positively by users.
Several customers have had positive experiences with the Indra Smart Pro’s reliability. For instance, a reviewer from the north of Scotland noted that despite the remote location, the charger performed well once installed correctly. They also appreciated the tethered cable option, which makes it easy for everyday use.
Areas for Improvement
However, there have been reports of connectivity issues, particularly for users relying on Wi-Fi in areas with weak signals. Some customers noted that when the charger lost its internet connection, it defaulted to “dumb charging” mode, which could be inconvenient when trying to monitor energy usage or take advantage of smart charging features.
One customer in a rural area had difficulty getting timely support when their charger experienced technical problems. They reported that even after several visits from engineers and multiple attempts to troubleshoot the issue, the problem persisted, leading them to consider switching to a different brand. This highlights the need for improved customer service and faster response times, particularly in remote locations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Solar Charging: Seamless integration with solar panels for “free” green energy charging.
- Smart Scheduling: Flexibility to charge during off-peak times or boost charge when needed.
- Load Curtailment: Prevents overloading your home’s electrical system.
- Multiple Connectivity Options: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and 4G for robust connectivity.
- Durable Design: IP64 weather protection and IK10 impact resistance.
- Remote Updates: Over-the-air updates ensure the charger is always running the latest firmware.
- Cost Savings: Smart tariff integration and off-peak charging capabilities can significantly reduce energy bills.
Cons:
- Connectivity Issues: Some users have reported problems with Wi-Fi connections, particularly in remote areas.
- Customer Support: While Indra offers warranty support, there have been reports of slow response times and challenges in resolving technical issues.
- Price: At £949, the Smart Pro is not the cheapest option on the market, although far from the most expensive and it offers a wide range of premium features.
The Final Word on the INDRA Smart Pro EV Charger
We love the tech that this charger offers, the Indra Smart Pro EV Charger is a powerful, feature-rich EV charging option. Its smart scheduling, solar integration, and load curtailment features make it one of the best EV chargers on the market.
However, potential buyers should be mindful of the charger’s reliance on internet connectivity for certain smart features. Ensuring a strong and reliable Wi-Fi or 4G connection is essential to getting the most out of the Indra Smart Pro.
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John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
