Rolec Smart WALLPOD 2019 – Home charging unit review

Anthony Hibbs uses a Rolec Smart WALLPOD 2019 home charging unit.

Provide your overall rating for the charging unit

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Which company installed it and would you recommend them?

Tidyco – this is over three years ago and experience may have improved their service but based on my experience, I would not recommend them.

How much did you pay for your unit and installation?

£600

Why did you purchase a Rolec Smart WALLPOD?

Purchased based on mainly positive reviews at the time and a UK manufacturer.

List 3 or more points that you like about the charging unit

Untethered – it seems a waste to have an expensive and potentially useful charging cable permanently attached to a home charge point
robust construction
simple to use as a standalone charger.

List 3 or more points that you don’t like about the charging unit

The BIG flashing LED
smart function has never worked reliably
constantly needs resetting.

Outline any faults you have experienced with the unit

The smart function has never worked reliably.

Tell us about your home charging routine

I use my EV daily and cover 250 miles per week on average. I charge twice weekly, usually from 30% to 100%. I use my cars scheduler (my smart charger isn’t reliable) to charge within my off-peak tariff 00.30 to 04.30 am. At 7.5p kWh compared to my peak 35p, this results in good savings.

If you were buying a new charging unit now, what would you buy and why?

Probably a myenergi zappi, all the reviews and comments I read are favourable.

Tell us about your electricity provider and tariff. Would you recommend them?

Octopus Energy are the Gold Standard of energy suppliers. I have been on their EV-specific GO tariff for over three years now allowing me to charge my EV, wash clothes & dishes and heat water all at off-peak rates. Their customer service is excellent, any minor issues have been swiftly resolved. I absolutely recommend Octopus Energy.

Are you part of a charger-sharing scheme for those who don’t have their own charger?

No, I am strongly in favour though such as Co-Charger but I had my charger installed inside my integral garage. It seemed a good idea at the time but it makes it impractical to share my charger. Next charger will definitely be accessible!