As electric vehicle sales surge and an estimated 80% of charging now happens at home, choosing the right wall-mounted charger has become a critical decision for drivers. I've been living with one of the market's leading smart systems – the Ohme Home Pro – to see how it transforms the cost and convenience of powering up an EV.
Smart Charging That Talks to Your Tariff
Ohme, established in 2017, is a trusted partner for major car brands like Mercedes, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Suzuki, and Polestar. I tested their £999 Home Pro model, which includes installation and a five-metre integrated cable (an eight-metre option is available). Its slightly cheaper sibling, the £949 ePod, lacks a built-in display and cable but retains smart functionality.
The real magic lies in the software. The Ohme system integrates directly with your energy tariff. As an Octopus Energy customer, I could leverage their EV-specific rates. The charger's platform automatically schedules charging during the cheapest periods of a dynamic tariff, potentially saving hundreds of pounds annually. For homes with solar panels, the Solar Boost feature prioritises using self-generated energy.
Living with the Ohme Home Pro: The Daily Reality
Setting up the system requires some initial configuration via the intuitive smartphone app, but the payoff is significant autonomy. You can monitor costs in real-time, track savings, and let the app manage everything, or take manual control for a quick top-up.
The built-in display on the Home Pro is a standout feature, offering at-a-glance status updates without needing your phone. I opted for the eight-metre cable upgrade, which proved invaluable for testing various cars with charging ports on different sides. The downside is coiling the longer cable in wet weather, and the wound-up cable on the wall might not suit minimalist aesthetics.
Build quality is excellent, highlighted by a neat magnetic holster for the charging plug. The installation process was seamless. After a quick online questionnaire and photo survey, a certified engineer completed the job in just over an hour, with a power outage of only 20 minutes.
Is a Smart Charger Worth the Investment?
While cheaper and more discreet chargers exist, Ohme's strength is its versatility, robust app, and direct brand partnerships. Its ability to communicate with both the car and the energy grid sets it apart. Some smart features depend on vehicle data compatibility, but as a tariff-intelligent device, it excels.
With many dealerships now bundling home chargers with new EV purchases, there's a high chance you'll be offered an Ohme unit. For drivers looking to maximise savings and gain granular control over their home energy use, smart chargers like the Ohme Home Pro are transforming the domestic EV experience from a simple plug-in to a sophisticated financial and environmental tool.
