Price: Starting from £779
Charger Type: Available in 7kW (single-phase) and 22kW (three-phase) models
Connection Type: Type 2 – Tethered or Untethered
Installation: Indoor/Outdoor | Wall Mounted
Colour Options: Black or White
- Performance & Charging Speed: 9/10
Impressive versatility with dynamic solar charging and fast charging speeds (up to 22kW for three-phase). - Ease of Use & Smart Features: 9.5/10
User-friendly app with excellent control over charging schedules, real-time energy tracking, and smart charging modes. - Installation & Maintenance: 8.5/10
Simple installation without needing an earth rod. - Design & Durability: 8/10
Robust and weather-resistant, but slightly bulkier compared to sleeker alternatives.
Methodology: How Electric Car Guide Rates EV Chargers
myenergi Zappi EV Charger Features At A Glance
| Feature | Zappi Details |
|---|---|
| Charging Power | 7kW (single phase), 22kW (three phase) |
| Charging Modes | ECO, ECO+ and FAST |
| Zappi Features | Supports wind/solar energy, Load balancing, Optimises self-consumption, App integration |
| Surplus Energy Use | Use surplus solar/wind power to charge EV |
| Dynamic Load Balancing | Yes - Limits current drawn from unit supply or grid |
| Safety Features | Built-in RCD protection, 6mA DC leakage protection |
| Solar Compatibility | Works with solar PV or wind turbine systems |
| Programmable Timer | Programmable to schedule charging times and optimise energy usage |
| Protection Rating | IP65 weatherproof protection |
| Grid Current Sensors | Supplied with grid current sensor (100A max) |
| Charging Display | LED Multicolour to show charge status, Graphical backlit LCD |
| Cable Type and Length | Type 2 tethered cable (6.5m), untethered option available |
| Warranty | 3-year standard warranty, upgradeable |
| Energy Efficiency | Standby power consumption: 3W |
| Dimensions | 439 x 282 x 122mm |
| Mounting Location | Indoor or outdoor (permanent mounting) |
| Operation Temperature Range | -25°C to +40°C |
| App Functionality | Monitor power consumption, set schedules, and track usage with app |
| Colour Options | White or Black |
myenergi Zappi EV Charger Full Review
The Zappi EV Charger by MyEnergi is one of the UK’s best-selling solar-compatible EV chargers, designed for both domestic and commercial use. With smart technology that integrates with solar panels or wind turbines, the Zappi is at the forefront of environmentally friendly electric car charging.
This review delves into Zappi’s performance, solar integration, and user experience, highlighting why it is one of the best EV chargers on the market.
Design and Build Quality
The Zappi boasts a sturdy design. While it’s larger than some EV chargers, its still pretty compact but has a durable build (with an IP65 rating for weather resistance). Available in two colours, white and black, it’s designed to blend well with most homes or commercial premises. The built-in EV cable holder is a nice touch, especially for tethered models.
The LCD screen is user-friendly, with buttons for navigating through menus and checking real-time data on your vehicle’s charging status, power consumption, and energy sources. Though you may not need to interact with the screen that often, it’s a handy feature to monitor at a glance.
Charging Performance
The Zappi is available in two models: a 7kW single-phase charger for homes and a 22kW three-phase charger for businesses or homes with a three-phase supply. The 7kW model can fully charge most EVs overnight, while the 22kW version significantly reduces charging time, making it ideal for commercial use.
One of the Zappi’s standout features is its ability to dynamically adjust its charging power based on energy availability. This is great for homes or businesses with solar or wind generation systems. The charger can automatically switch between different modes to maximise efficiency:
- ECO Mode: Adjusts charging power based on the home’s overall power consumption, charging the car with any spare electricity that would otherwise go to waste.
- ECO+ Mode: Further refines this approach by pausing charging if the available surplus power dips below a certain threshold, only resuming when the surplus is sufficient again.
- FAST Mode: Ensures your vehicle is charged at maximum power using both grid and renewable sources, much like a standard charging point.
With this versatility, the Zappi allows users to charge their vehicles with renewable energy whenever possible, effectively reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering costs.
Zappi Solar Integration
Zappi’s solar integration works by using CT clamps (current transformers) to monitor the power being generated by your solar panels, Zappi can then intelligently divert any surplus solar power to charge your EV.
For users without solar panels, the Zappi still provides an intelligent, future-proof charging solution. If you’re considering installing solar panels later, the Zappi will be ready to handle the additional functionality without needing further upgrades.
Zappi is aslso compatible with other MyEnergi products, such as the Eddi solar diverter for heating and the Libbi battery storage system. These integrations enable even more advanced energy management, allowing users to power their homes and cars efficiently.
Smart App and Scheduling Features
The Zappi is paired with the MyEnergi app, which offers a nice and user-friendly interface. The app allows users to schedule charging sessions to take advantage of the best EV electricity tariffs, boosting cost savings. You can also use the app to monitor energy consumption in real-time, adjust settings, and even control other MyEnergi devices from one platform.
One of the app’s strengths is its ability to provide detailed data on how much of your vehicle’s charging was powered by solar energy, grid electricity, or both. This transparency helps you work out your exact energy use.
Another practical feature is the “boost” function, which means that your vehicle will be fully charged by a set time, regardless of energy availability.
Installation
The Zappi is designed to be straightforward to install, with no need for an earth rod due to its built-in PEN protection. This not only reduces installation costs but also makes the Zappi an attractive option for both homeowners and commercial users. It requires an internet connection for app functionality, which can be either wired or wireless.
MORE> Compare EV Charger Installers
The Final Word on the myenergi Zappi EV Charger
We think the Zappi is a brilliant choice if you are using solar power to charge an EV. Its combination of intelligent energy management, ease of use, and high build quality make it one of the best solar-compatible chargers available on the market today. It is probably not the most stylish charger when compared to the likes of the Andersen chargers etc, but its performance and advanced features more than make up for it.
Zppi Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Supports both single-phase (7kW) and three-phase (22kW) charging
- Ideal for homes and businesses with solar or wind generation systems
- Built-in earth protection
- User-friendly app for scheduling and real-time monitoring
- Future-proof with advanced solar and energy management features
- Durable and weather-resistant build
Cons:
- Larger in size compared to other chargers
- Doesn’t support vehicle-to-grid functionality (V2G)
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.
