Price: £949 (including standard installation)
Charger Type: 7.4kW | Type 2 Socket | Untethered
Installation: Indoor/Outdoor | Wall Mounted
Smart Features: Solar Charging Compatible, 4G Connectivity, and Dynamic Charging Technology
Colour Options: Black
Warranty: 3 Years
Dimensions: 230mm (H) x 140mm (W) x 100mm (D)
Weight: 1.5kg
Performance & Charging Speed: 9/10
The Ohme ePod offers a solid 7.4kW charge rate, suitable for most domestic setups and efficient for regular EV usage.Ease of Use & Smart Features: 9/10
With a well-designed app, integration with off-peak tariffs, and remote control features.Installation & Maintenance: 8.5/10
Installation is straightforward, with dynamic load balancing and built-in earthing, making maintenance minimal.Design & Durability: 9/10
Good looking design, IP54 rating for weatherproofing, and a sturdy build: though it lacks a locking mechanism for the untethered cable.
Methodology: How Electric Car Guide Rates EV Chargers
Ohme ePod Features At A Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Rating | 7.4kW |
| Smart App Control | Yes |
| Smart Charging Schedule | Yes |
| Boost Charge Feature | Yes |
| Connectivity | 4G |
| Feature & Software Updates | Via 4G |
| Connection Type | Type 2 Socket |
| Compatibility | Type 2 Vehicles |
| Charging Mode | Mode 3 |
| Mounting | Wall |
| Built-In Earth PEN Device | Yes |
| Dynamic Load Balancing | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Amp | 32A Max |
| Voltage | 230V |
| Phase | Single Phase |
| Protection | RCD Type A with 6mA DC |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +45°C |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 230mm x 140mm x 100mm |
| Weight | 1.5kg |
| UKCA Approved | Yes |
| WCS Approved | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
Ohme ePod Full Review
The Ohme ePod is a smart, untethered EV charger that works with both Type 1 and Type 2 electric vehicles. It works well with with energy tariffs like Octopus Agile and Intelligent Octopus, the ePod offers a high level of control and automation if you are looking to minimize charging costs and optimize your energy consumption.
Performance & Charging Speed
The ePod delivers a standard 7.4kW charge, allowing drivers to gain approximately 25 miles of range per hour of charging. For a single-phase charger, this is the most efficient power output you’ll find in a home setting without upgrading your power supply to three phase (although the ePod doesn’t have a three-phase option).
Smart Features
Paired with the intuitive Ohme app, you can set schedules for off-peak charging, monitor energy usage, and even track CO2 savings. The 4G connectivity means it’s always online and able to receive updates without the hassle of connecting to your home Wi-Fi. The charger works with any energy tariff, but it’s especially powerful when paired with Octopus Energy’s Intelligent or Agile Tariffs, where it can automatically adjust charging times based on electricity pricing to save you money.
The app also features a “Max Charge” mode for when you need to charge your vehicle as quickly as possible, bypassing the smart charging schedule. If your vehicle is compatible with Ohme’s API, the charger can even monitor the state of charge in your car and adjust the charging session accordingly. While this is a cool feature, not all EVs support this API!
Installation
This charger has a simple installation process. With standard installation included in the price, and the built-in PEN protection eliminating the need for an earth rod, the setup is straightforward. It includes dynamic load balancing to protect your home’s electrical system from overloads.
MORE> What is Dynamic Load Balancing?
The 3G/4G connectivity means that its easy to use and firmware updates are carried out automatically over the air without the need for Wifi. This future-proofs the device as it will keep it compliant with changing regulations and improving features without any extra effort on your part.
Design
The Ohme ePod is fairly small. At 230mm x 140mm x 100mm and weighing just 1.5kg, it’s a bit taller than some chargers but still small enough. The IP54 rating means that it is weatherproof and can be used outdoors, though it’s not as rugged as some of the more industrial chargers with higher protection ratings.
The lack of a tethered cable means that you can use any length of Type 1 or Type 2 charging cable, but it does mean you’ll need to purchase the cable separately. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a lock for the removable cable, which might be a concern if you’re worried about people using your charger.
The Final Word on the Ohme ePod
The Ohme ePod is a strong contender to feature in our list of the leading UK EV Chargers. Its key strength lies in its integration with dynamic energy tariffs, helping users save on their EV charging electricity bills.
Pros:
- Excellent integration with off-peak EV tariffs like Octopus Agile and Intelligent Octopus, offering significant energy cost savings.
- Compact, sleek design with a solid build quality.
- Smart app features are easy to use and provide excellent control over charging sessions.
- Dynamic charging adjusts based on energy pricing, helping to reduce costs.
- Easy installation with built-in PEN protection, no earth rod needed.
Cons:
- No tethered option: You’ll need to buy a separate cable.
- Lack of solar integration at present, though it is reportedly coming soon.
- No locking mechanism for the cable, which could pose security concerns for some.
MORE> Ohme Home Pro vs Ohme ePod
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.
