Price: £429.95
Charger Type: 7.4kW | Type 2 | Single Phase
Included Cable: 5m tethered (10m option available)
Installation: Indoor/Outdoor | Wall Mounted
Colour Options: Black
- Affordable
At £429.95, the DarkStar offers great value for money. - 7.4kW Fast Charging
Over three times faster than a regular 3-pin plug charger. - Smart Features
App-controlled scheduling and monitoring enhance user experience. - RFID Security
Prevents unauthorized usage, ideal for shared environments.
Performance & Charging Speed: 8.5/10: Provides a 7.4kW output, allowing fast and reliable charging.
Ease of Use & Smart Features: 8/10 The charger integrates well with the app for easy scheduling and monitoring. RFID cards add a layer of security, but some users may prefer more advanced smart features.
Installation & Maintenance: 9/10: The charger is easy to install by any qualified electrician, with no need for additional equipment like earth rods, but the absence of DC leakage protection may require attention during setup.
Design & Durability: 9/10: Built with industrial-grade ABS, an IP55 rating, and it looks a lot more modern than some other Vorsprung chargers.
Methodology: How Electric Car Guide Rates EV Chargers
Vorsprung DarkStar Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Vorsprung Darkstar |
|---|---|
| Price | £429.95 |
| Charger Type | 7.4kW | Type 2 | Single Phase |
| Included Cable | 5m tethered (10m option available) |
| Maximum Output | 7.4 kW |
| Installation | Indoor/Outdoor | Wall Mounted |
| Colour Options | Black |
| Connector Type | Type 2 |
| Dimensions | 31 x 16 x 8 cm |
| Operating Temperature | -30 ºC to 55 ºC |
| Storage Temperature | -40 ºC to 70 ºC |
| Degree of Protection | IK10/IP55 |
| Built-in RCD | Type A RCD |
| DC Leakage Protection | Not included |
| Charger Display | 4.3" LCD Screen |
| App Integration | Yes, with scheduling and control |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
Vorsprung DarkStar EV Charger Full Review
The Vorsprung DarkStar EV Charger is a mid-price but high-performance home charger. It’s got a 7.4kW charging output, which will give users over three times the speed of a portable 3-pin plug charger, ensuring you can quickly charge your electric or hybrid vehicle. Let’s have a run through all the features and benefits of the Vorsprung DarkStar, we will have a look at its design, functionality, and user experience.
Design & Build Quality
It measures 31 x 16 x 8 cm, so the DarkStar is fairly compact and on of the more modern looking Vorsprung chargers. Its a wall-mounted charger that can be installed in a garage or outdoor wall. Built from industrial-grade ABS and boasting an IP55 rating, the DarkStar can withstand harsh weather conditions, including dust and low-pressure water jets.
The charger’s design is functional too, featuring a 4.3″ LCD display that provides real-time charging data such as power used, charge time, and the current charging status of your vehicle.
Performance & Charging Speed
With a 7.4kW output, the DarkStar delivers fast charging. It’s capable of adding up to 30 miles of range per hourto your your electric car or plug-in hybrid (PHEV). It significantly reduces the charging time compared to standard household plugs.
Smart Features
The DarkStar integrates with the Vorsprung smart app, and it has a range of features to help with charging. Through the app, users can:
- Schedule charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
- Monitor battery levels and charging status in real time.
- Set charge delays to optimize energy usage.
- Control the charging power through the load control function, which allows users to adjust the charging amperage as needed.
Additionally, the DarkStar includes RFID card security, preventing unauthorized access to your charger. This feature makes it particularly useful in shared parking spaces or commercial setups, where multiple users may have access to the charger.
Ease of Installation & Maintenance
Installation of the DarkStar is designed to be straightforward, allowing any certified electrician to set it up without the need for specialized EV charger installation professionals. This can reduce the overall cost of installation and make the process faster and easier. The built-in PEN protection means you do not need an earth rod.
Safety Features
The DarkStar is equipped with comprehensive safety features you would expect from an electrical appliance like this, including:
- Internal surge protection to protect against electrical surges.
- Built-in O-PEN Protection, which removes the need for an external earth rod and adds another layer of safety to the system.
- Overvoltage and overcurrent protection, ensuring that your vehicle, charger, and home are protected against electrical faults.
While the charger lacks DC leakage protection, it does include a Type A RCD for additional safety.
Compatibility
The DarkStar is compatible with all Type 2 electric vehicles and hybrids, making it a versatile option for most EV owners. The charger includes a tethered 5m Type 2 cable, though a 10m option is available for those who need more cable.
The Final Word on the Vorsprung DarkStar EV Charger
We think the Vorsprung DarkStar EV Charger is a nice-looking, cost effective EV Charger. It has fast enough charging speeds, smart app integration, and the typical safety features you would want. It offers excellent value at its price point.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable: At £429.95, the DarkStar offers great value for money.
- 7.4kW Fast Charging: Over three times faster than a regular 3-pin plug charger.
- Smart Features: App-controlled scheduling and monitoring enhance user experience.
- RFID Security: Prevents unauthorized usage, ideal for shared environments.
- Weatherproof: IP55 rating makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
- Easy Installation: No need for specialized installation professionals, reducing setup costs.
Cons
- Tethered Only: Available only as a tethered unit, limiting flexibility for users who prefer an untethered option.
- Basic App: While functional, the app lacks some advanced features found in premium chargers.
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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.
