The Best EV Chargers in the UK
Choosing an EV charger can be overwhelming. But don't worry - we've got you.
In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the best and most popular EV chargers in the UK for both home and commercial usage, and try to set you up to make the best decision for your needs.
OCPP: What is it, and why is it important?
I know what you're thinking; another industry term to get your head around - but we wouldn't be mentioning it if it wasn't important.
OCPP, is an open-source “language” that allows charging stations and central management systems to exchange data.
At its most basic level, OCPP is a common communication protocol used across multiple manufacturers - meaning consumers have greater choice over the hardware and software they use. It’s used for both private and commercial EV charging use cases. So why does it matter?
Chargers that comply with this protocol are flexible and are compatible with a wide range of software or Charge Point Management Systems - opening up the possibilities of EV charging, which makes them a popular choice for commercial EV charging, installers and consumers.
Choosing an OCPP charger will make your life much easier, and is often the first sign of quality.
How to check a charger is OCPP Compliant
If in doubt, you check if a charger is OCPP compliant by referring to a data sheet or simply asking the manufacturer. If you’d like to know more about OCPP, check out our guide.
Different sectors - private and commercial EV charging
EV chargers aren't one-size-fits-all. They cater to a wide range of sectors and use cases. Whether you're a business owner looking to provide charging for your fleet, or a homeowner wanting to charge your EV overnight, there's a charging station out there for you.
Generally speaking, EV charging stations can be split into two groupings: those more suitable for Commercial EV charging use cases, and private residential charging.
Popular charge point brands and manufacturers
So, onto the reason you clicked. Below are some of the best EV charger manufacturers available in the UK for both home and commercial customers:
A global company providing a comprehensive range of electrical devices - including EV charging solutions. Their offerings include compact, high-quality AC wallboxes right through to ultra rapid DC charging stations.
A leading provider of smart, solid, and high-tech charging stations for electric vehicles. Their product range includes various types of charging stations designed to cater to different environments and usage volumes. Alfen chargers can be ordered directly from Alfen with Clenergy EV software on board.
Manufacturer of multiple chargers for every use case, the Autel product line includes the MaxiCharger AC Wallbox, MaxiCharger DC Compact, and MaxiCharger DC Fast, among others. You’ve probably used one of these without realising it.
Want a sleek, smart EV charging unit from Norway? Look no further than Easee. Their AC chargers are compatible with all types of vehicles and are mostly aimed at the residential market place.
EO EV Chargers, a UK-based company, provides sleek, reliable charging stations for homes and businesses. Their minimalist design and advanced connectivity ensures a good charging experience.
Evolo is a Deta Brand, one of the most recognisable electrical companies in the UK. They offer a separate charging unit suitable for both home and business settings. Their chargers are compatible with all EV vehicles, with a range of 7.4-22kW AC products.
A leading manufacturer and supplier of electrical equipment, Garo have now established themselves in the EV marketplace across Europe. They supply AC charging stations for multiple use cases, in both single and dual socket versions.
Hydra EVC charge points are affordably priced, offering exceptional value without compromising on features, making them an ideal investment for both personal and commercial use.
A leading manufacturer of outdoor electrical equipment in the UK, offering a range of smart AC and DC rapid chargers suitable for all locations. You’ll find Rolec’s stocked at almost every electrical wholesaler in the UK.
A global leader in energy management and automation, offering a range of EV charging solutions. Their EV charging solutions include the new Pro AC for home and private or semi-public car parks, suitable for offices, hotels, supermarkets, and fleets.
A leading supplier of EV charging solutions in the UK, distributing the Autel range. They offer a comprehensive range of stylish charge points and software applications, including single chargers and multi-unit load balanced systems.
Simpsons & Partners, a UK-based company, specializes in premium, aesthetically designed EV chargers, blending style with modern practicality to deliver bespoke charging solutions for homes, hotels, and heritage sites. Learn more about their offering here.
Star Charge, based in China, offers cutting-edge EV charging solutions for various settings, featuring sleek designs and advanced smart features for user-friendly EV charging.
Teltonika is a Lithuania-based leader in IoT and networking solutions, known for their high-quality, robust devices, and data management for a wide range of industries, from transportation to industrial automation.
Supported Hardware Brands on the Clenergy EV Platform
Business: Whether you're looking for the fastest EV charger, the cheapest EV charger for your budget, or the best home EV charger, Clenergy EV can help guide you to the most suitable option.
Clenergy EV supports a wide range of OCPP hardware brands, each offering unique features and benefits. Find our full list of compatible business chargers here.
Home chargers: We're constantly running compatibility tests with new chargers to get new home charging options available on our platform. These standards are in place to make sure anyone using the Clenergy EV app at home can make use of the full range of our smart, money-saving features. As of writing, the brands that have passed our quality testing include:
- Rolec
- Simpsons & Partners
- Hydra EVC
- Autel
- Teltonika
- Sungrow
Don't worry if your brand of home charger isn't on the list, though. By filling out our Home EV charging interest form with the charger you'd like to be available, you help us direct our efforts to the charging brands with the highest demand to get passed next.
If you're interested in taking your EV charging to the next level, fill out the contact form below or head to our contact form for business inquiries.
