Three weeks ago, I had the Pod Point Solo 3S EV charger installed at my home. I’m delighted to share that the experience so far has been nothing short of outstanding.
As someone relatively new to EV charging, I initially had a few concerns – would the installation be complicated? Would I be able to use the charger easily? Would it blend in well with my home’s exterior?
However, from the very first interaction with Pod Point through to the installation and even using the charger, the process has been smooth, professional and enjoyable! The Solo 3S has delivered on all fronts: communication, design, ease of use and smart functionality. Here’s why…
Excellent Communication and Customer Service
One of the first things that stood out was the clear and proactive communication from Pod Point. Right after I placed my order, I began receiving regular updates via email and any questions I had were quickly addressed over the phone. Pod Point’s team kept me well-informed at every stage: from scheduling the installation to preparing for the engineer’s arrival. It felt like they genuinely cared about ensuring I had the information I needed, which gave me great confidence in the process from the outset.
Professional, Efficient Installation Experience
The installation process was seamless and undertaken with a high-level of professionalism. The engineer appointed by Pod Point arrived right on time and was everything you’d want—friendly, respectful of the property, and clearly very knowledgeable about both the charger and the setup process. He worked efficiently and with great attention to cleanliness, leaving no mess behind. As an added precaution, he also installed a separate fuse box to ensure that the charger wouldn’t cause my main electricity supply to trip – another thoughtful touch that gave me extra peace of mind.
One thing I really appreciated was how collaborative and consultative he was. He didn’t just pick a random spot for the unit and drill away – he involved me in the decision, showing me options for where the charger could be positioned and how the wiring would be routed. This attention to detail made all the difference. The unit ended up in a spot that’s both functional and visually unobtrusive.
To my surprise, the entire installation was quicker than expected, taking just a little over two hours. For such a sophisticated piece of equipment, the speed and efficiency were impressive.
Surprisingly Simple to Use
I’ll admit at first, I was a little intimidated by the idea of using an EV charger at home. I expected there might be apps to configure, complex steps to follow, or potential technical hiccups. But the Pod Point Solo 3S proved me completely wrong.
Using the charger is as simple as plug-in and go. Once it’s plugged into the car, charging begins automatically. When I’m ready to unplug, I simply unlock the car and remove the plug – that’s all there is to it. The user experience is incredibly intuitive, even for someone who isn’t that tech-savvy.
Built-In Security Options
During installation, the engineer mentioned that the unit could be fitted with a physical key lock for added security – useful if you want to prevent others from using your charger without permission. However, I later discovered that the Pod Point app also allows you to digitally lock the unit, which adds a level of flexibility. Depending on your preferences, you can either secure it with a key or lock/unlock it via your phone. It’s nice to have both options available.
Sleek Design and Practical Features
Design-wise, the Solo 3S is modern, compact, and very well thought-out. I opted for the grey tethered version, which comes with a cable permanently attached. Initially, I was concerned the tethered cable might be awkward or get in the way but that hasn’t been the case at all. When not in use, the cable wraps neatly around the unit, keeping everything tidy and unobtrusive.
The grey finish blends in perfectly with my home’s exterior and the glowing blue light indicator is a nice touch – it lets you know at a glance that your car is actively charging. Everything about the unit, from the shape to the cable management, feels purpose-built and designed with real-world use in mind.
Packed with Smart, Future-Ready Features
One of the standout benefits of the Pod Point Solo 3S is its array of smart and future-proof features. For example, it’s fully solar compatible. While I don’t currently have solar panels, knowing that the unit is ready for solar integration is a major plus. It means I won’t need to upgrade or replace it if I decide to make my home more energy-efficient in the future.
Another key advantage is the ability to schedule charging sessions via the Pod Point app. I’ve already taken advantage of this by scheduling overnight charging to align with my cheaper off-peak electricity tariff. It’s an easy way to save money and reduce energy costs and it works perfectly every time.
Built-In Safety and Power Management
I’ve had some issues in the past with electrical circuits tripping, so I was pleased to learn that the Solo 3S comes with an intelligent feature called Auto Power Balancing. This system monitors your home’s total electricity usage and dynamically adjusts the charger’s output to ensure it doesn’t overload your main fuse. It’s a thoughtful touch that provides added safety and reassurance, especially if you’re running multiple appliances at the same time.
Streamlined Installation and Warranty
Pod Point also deserves praise for its efficient and user-friendly installation process. They carry out a comprehensive pre-installation survey, which ensures everything is ready on installation day. Most customers, including myself, qualify for a standard installation, which is handled quickly and with minimal disruption.
And for long-term peace of mind, it’s worth noting that when the Solo 3S is installed directly by Pod Point, it comes with a 5-year warranty. That kind of coverage shows the company stands behind the quality and reliability of its products.
Final Verdict
After three weeks of use, I can honestly say that the Pod Point Solo 3S has exceeded my expectations. It’s well-designed, simple to use, secure, smart, and future-proofed. Every detail, from installation to daily operation reflects a well-thought-out product backed by a reliable company.
If you’re looking for a reliable and intelligent EV home charger, I’d wholeheartedly recommend the Pod Point Solo 3S.