Smart EV Charger – FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Ohme, Home Pro, ePod, and installations
Smart Charging – FAQs
What is a Smart EV charger?
An Ohme charger! Smart home chargers use data about the energy grid (via the internet) to charge your electric vehicle.
In contrast, a “Dumb” charger will just deliver charge at a set rate to your EV when plugged in. This is typical of most public charge points. There is no control over what times EV charging occurs, and is often a more expensive way to charge.
The focus of smart charging is finding greener, cheaper charging times. At Ohme, we aim to reduce carbon emissions, save money, and make it as easy as possible. Learn more about our smarter Dynamic charging here.
How much does it cost to charge with Ohme?
This will vary according to your energy supplier and electricity tariff.
On a typical tariff, charging a 60kWh battery costs around £15–20. With Ohme’s smart tariff integration, it can cost less than £5 per charge. For most EV drivers, in the long term, this adds up to £500 or more in savings each year. Overall, you could reduce your electric car charging costs by up to 70% with Ohme.
How does Ohme choose the best time to charge?
In the Ohme app, we’ll ask you which energy supplier and tariff you’re with. With this information, we can then schedule your charging for the cheapest times possible.
If you’re on a standard dual- or multi-rate tariff, we recommend our ‘Price cap’ feature. When enabled, Ohme will only schedule charge during your tariff’s off-peak times, to keep charging as cheap as possible.
If you change energy provider or tariff, you can always update this information in the Ohme App.
Find out more about setting your tariff in the Ohme App here.
Which electricity suppliers work with Ohme?
Ohme is compatible with all electricity suppliers. In the app, we’ll provide a list of energy suppliers and tariffs to choose from. You can also set up a “custom tariff” if needed – just tell us your tariff times and prices.
Customers on most Smart Tariffs, like Intelligent Octopus Go, can integrate their tariff directly with Ohme. This lets you continue to control your charging at home through the Ohme App, while making the most of super cheap rates.
What is the difference between the Ohme Home Pro and the ePod?
The Home Pro
- The larger of our two chargers
- Features a small LCD screen to view your session details and charging status.
- Comes with a tethered 5 metre Type 2 charging cable as standard.
- 8 metre cable available as an optional upgrade.
The ePod
- The smaller, more compact model
- Has an LED light bar to indicate status updates.
- Our untethered unit, compatible with both Type 1 and Type 2 electric vehicles.
- 5m or 8m cable available at an additional cost.
Ohme Charger FAQs
How similar are the Ohme ePod and Ohme Home Pro?
In terms of functionality, the Ohme ePod and the Ohme Home Pro are nearly identical. Both chargers deliver the same smart charging features and core performance. They each offer:
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7.4 kW maximum power output
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In-built 3G/4G multi-network SIM card for strong connectivity
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Compatibility with solar energy setups
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A 3-year warranty as standard
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Full compliance with UK Smart Charging regulations
You can control both chargers either via the Ohme App or using the buttons on the device itself.
If they’re so similar, why would I choose one over the other?
The main difference comes down to design preference and installation style.
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The Ohme Home Pro includes a built-in screen for on-device information and controls, and a tethered cable.
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The Ohme ePod is a compact, untethered, screenless alternative that offers a minimalist look and flexible installation options.
Functionally, they perform the same—the choice is simply what suits your home and preferences best.
Do both chargers work with solar setups?
Of course – both the Ohme ePod and Home Pro can use your home solar energy to charge your EV.
Our Solar Boost feature lets you use as much solar power as possible. It’s a cost-effective, green solution to reduce your carbon footprint and save some money on your energy bills.
You can also supplement the solar power with power from the grid to ensure you’re still hitting your target. The more solar power you generate, the less energy we will draw from the grid.
Can I use the Ohme App with both devices?
Absolutely. The Ohme App works seamlessly with both models, allowing you to schedule charging, connect tariffs, track charging costs, and more.
Are both chargers compliant with UK Smart Charging regulations?
Yes. Both products are fully compliant with all current UK Smart Charging regulations.
What kind of warranty do the chargers come with?
Both the Ohme ePod and Home Pro come with a 3-year warranty as standard. Find out more about our product warranty here.
What will happen on the day of installation?
On the installation day, your engineer will arrive within the scheduled time window. The installer will agree the charger location with you where possible, and begin installation of the device. Finally, the engineer will test the charger and help set it up with the Ohme app.
Ohme Installation – FAQs
What’s included in a standard installation?
A standard installation includes:
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Installation of the Ohme charger onto a suitable permanent structure, like brick or plaster wall.
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Up to 15 metres of cable to connect the Ohme charger to the distribution board/electric meter.
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A cable run through existing building voids or clipped directly to the wall, taking the shortest route possible and passing through no more than one wall.
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6m of trunking provided
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Associated protection devices to protect the charger and cable.
We’ll also ensure the Ohme charger is working properly and providing all of the necessary certification paperwork.
How can I install an Ohme charger at home?
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Complete our quick online survey to check you’re eligible for an installation.
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Confirm which charger you want to install – Home Pro or ePod – and complete our home survey.
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Our approved installer will review your set-up and confirm the final installation details.
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Finally, our installation partner will schedule and complete your installation.
How long does it take to install an Ohme charger?
On the day of installation, it typically takes 2-3 hours to complete your Ohme charger installation.
Standard installations usually take up to 3 hours, whilst custom installations may take longer. The actual time can vary based on:
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Cable routing complexity
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Property layout and distance from power supply
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Any additional works identified on the day
Our engineers work within a standard 4-hour allowance to ensure there’s adequate time for installation and testing.
Do Ohme chargers qualify for government grants?
Yes – Ohme chargers meet UK Smart Charge Point Regulations. They are therefore eligible for the OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) grant when installed by an approved installer. This grant offers £350 towards your home charger installation.
You can apply for this grant if you either:
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own and live in a flat
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rent and live in any residential property
Finally, you must have private off-street parking to be eligible.
Still have questions?
Our Help Centre is full of useful articles and guides with everything you need to know about installations, our chargers, and our Ohme app.