Rank 2

Solved

Car chargers - which if any to choose?

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
May 25, 2025
20 replies
317 views

We’re considering installing a charger at our house. Will either of the chargers Ovo install work with any type of electric car? Are there any drawbacks with Ovo installing a charger as opposed to a local specialist electrical outfit?

Best answer by BobTom

Updated on 27/01/26 by Chris_OVO

As mentioned I installed an Indra charger in my garage to fuel my Kona EV. With hindsight I find it strange that the Hyundai dealership did not mention the cheap charging tariffs offered by OVO or Octopus. It would have been a good selling point and a gentle steer in the right direction would have been appreciated. Instead they referred me to a company that was on my back trying to sell me a charger which is not recognised by either electricity supplier.

So I went on the forums and Indra emerged as the company with a decent local customer helpline. When I set up Charge Anytime they helped me set up an Kaliza which worked well but is no longer supported. I migrated to the Indra app in March when they had perfected the technology and this works fine. I did not need customer support for this. It was easy.

I did not compare the Indra with other approved chargers. The driver for me was that the location of the charger has a poor cellular signal and I did not want to go to the expense of extending the Ethernet cabling. The wifi signal is strong in my garage so I wanted the Indra connected to my home network. The only problem I had was that the set up instruction involve the use of the WPS button on a router. This was going to happen as my router is on the aerial on my roof. I told OVO about this in advance so their technician could find a work around and he connected the device to my WiFi network, no problem. In fact it’s dead easy. Like other network devices such as a smart speaker it has a viewable web page and once located, it is easy to join the device to the network. It is worth discovering the address of the device web page (you go there on your browser) in case you have a power outage. If the Indra is disabled by an outage a purple light on the display case flashes. This means it has lost the internet connection. If it is not restored by turning off the circuit breaker switch then manual access to the device web page will restore the connection.

So perhaps too much information but in response to the question put to me as to why I chose the Indra I can summarise as follows…a) good local support, b) it works and has never failed to charge (apart from the power outage referred to above) c) its on the OVO supported list of chargers, d) it connects to my network in a location unreachable by a cellular signal.

OVO installed the device and did a good job. Perhaps I paid a bit more for the service but so be it.

Show previous replies

Chris_OVO

Community Manager

Hey @Scooter,

Great question to ask the community! I’ve added an EV badge to your profile.

Which EV do you drive, so we can give you the best advice? 😄

We have received excellent feedback thus far, and I would like to ask @BobTom to elaborate on their response. Specifically, what factors led you to select the Indra model over the alternatives?

Renewable energy jokes never get old.

S

ScooterAuthor

Rank 2

Hi Chris, I have not actually got an EV yet. I am contemplating installing a charger in our UK property, which is rented out while we live abroad, in order to attract a wider choice of tenants when the current ones leave.

I’m obviously interested in installing a charger that will work with almost all cars as I have no idea what EV if any future tenants might have, and I would wish to ensure that any charger installed will be compatible with any EV we do buy when we return to the UK.

Tell me: I appreciate that Ovo supply and install the chargers featured on your site; is there any problem with my getting an alternative quote from a local EV charger specialist?

Blastoise186

Super User

The only thing I can say there is that OVO only offers the Chargers on a white-glove service basis where you have to take the installation service as part of the deal, otherwise your order won’t be accepted.

You may be able to purchase elsewhere and get the Charger only, but you’d then have to arrange your own install. Given the complexities, it’s generally advisable to either let OVO do it, or purchase via the manufacturer and have them hook you up with one of their approved installers. The most critical thing is that it’s ultimately done by an installer who has manufacturer approval - otherwise your warranty is dead.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!

S

ScooterAuthor

Rank 2

That’s sound advice, thanks. I presume that either of the chargers Ovo install will work with most EVs?

Blastoise186

Super User

Yup! Pretty much all EVs have the required charge ports on them to work with these chargers.

It’s only in places outside of Europe where things get a bit funky… But in Europe it’s all standardised these days.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!

S

ScooterAuthor

Rank 2

Thanks. I’m waiting hear back from our letting agents whether it’s a good idea to install a charger, and if they think it is I’ll book an assessment with Ovo. Bank holiday where you are - not here!

Chris_OVO

Community Manager

Hey @Scooter,

I was just having a nosey through all the fine print on https://www.ovoenergy.com/electric-cars/smart-charger#choose

I did find this in relation to the installs: “4 90% of installations are completed by OVO engineers. If we can’t install in your area, our trusted partners ChargedEV will fit your charger. Prices may vary. “

@Blastoise186 is correct in saying that our prices are somewhat of a package deal where you get your installation and surveys carried out for the one price. You’re always welcome to get quotes from any local EV specialist in your area too! They might supply and fit or only carry out the fitting depending on the company. Either way it’s a great idea to have one and will make the property more attractive to those who currently own an EV.

Bank holiday for us and hoping it’s sunny where you are haha! Enjoy.

Renewable energy jokes never get old.

BobTomSolved

Rank 4

Updated on 27/01/26 by Chris_OVO

As mentioned I installed an Indra charger in my garage to fuel my Kona EV. With hindsight I find it strange that the Hyundai dealership did not mention the cheap charging tariffs offered by OVO or Octopus. It would have been a good selling point and a gentle steer in the right direction would have been appreciated. Instead they referred me to a company that was on my back trying to sell me a charger which is not recognised by either electricity supplier.

So I went on the forums and Indra emerged as the company with a decent local customer helpline. When I set up Charge Anytime they helped me set up an Kaliza which worked well but is no longer supported. I migrated to the Indra app in March when they had perfected the technology and this works fine. I did not need customer support for this. It was easy.

I did not compare the Indra with other approved chargers. The driver for me was that the location of the charger has a poor cellular signal and I did not want to go to the expense of extending the Ethernet cabling. The wifi signal is strong in my garage so I wanted the Indra connected to my home network. The only problem I had was that the set up instruction involve the use of the WPS button on a router. This was going to happen as my router is on the aerial on my roof. I told OVO about this in advance so their technician could find a work around and he connected the device to my WiFi network, no problem. In fact it’s dead easy. Like other network devices such as a smart speaker it has a viewable web page and once located, it is easy to join the device to the network. It is worth discovering the address of the device web page (you go there on your browser) in case you have a power outage. If the Indra is disabled by an outage a purple light on the display case flashes. This means it has lost the internet connection. If it is not restored by turning off the circuit breaker switch then manual access to the device web page will restore the connection.

So perhaps too much information but in response to the question put to me as to why I chose the Indra I can summarise as follows…a) good local support, b) it works and has never failed to charge (apart from the power outage referred to above) c) its on the OVO supported list of chargers, d) it connects to my network in a location unreachable by a cellular signal.

OVO installed the device and did a good job. Perhaps I paid a bit more for the service but so be it.

S

ScooterAuthor

Rank 2

Hi BobTom, that’s helpful, thank you. Our house is listed and I’ve just discovered that we’ll need planning/listed building consent to install a charger, so it may be some time before it happens. Sounds like the Indra is the way to go. Cheers

Chris_OVO

Community Manager

Hey @BobTom,

Thanks for sharing your experience with @Scooter. It sounds like you're making progress with your decision. Please keep us updated on your planning permission journey as well! 😃

Renewable energy jokes never get old.

Car chargers - which if any to choose?

20 replies

Contact us

About us

Tips & advice

Resources

For business

Need advice from other members?

Sign up

Log in to the OVO Forum

Contact us

About us

Tips & advice

Resources

For business