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August 28, 2025
As more Irish homeowners make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), their next big question often becomes: What is the best EV charger to use?
Not all chargers are the same, and the right choice can make the world of difference to your EV ownership experience. As electric vehicles have become more common in Ireland, the variety of chargers on the market has also grown, making choosing the right one for your needs even more challenging.
In this article, we’ll compare some of the most popular EV chargers offered by solar installers in Ireland, focusing on their compatibility with solar. Because who doesn’t want to fuel their car for free?
An EV charger isn’t just a plug on the wall. It’s a piece of smart technology that determines how quickly and efficiently your car charges.
For Irish homeowners, these are the main factors to consider:
• Charging speed: Measured in kilowatts (kW). Most home EV chargers are 7.4kW (single phase), and offer between 30 and 50km range per hour of charge.
• Smart features: App control, charge scheduling, and load balancing (so your charger doesn’t overload your home’s supply).
• Solar compatibility: Can it use excess self-generated solar power to charge your EV? Can it adjust in real time in response to your home’s energy demand and the availability of daylight?
• Reliability and support: Is there a good aftersales service and is the product well known among installers in Ireland?
• Warranty: Longer warranties are often a sign of a high quality, more reliable and robust product.
• Cost vs value: The cheapest option may not save you the most over time, and may require more maintenance and earlier replacement.
If you already have a solar PV system, or are considering installing one in the future, your choice of EV charger becomes even more important.
With the right charger, you can prioritise charging your EV directly from solar power, significantly reducing your driving costs and potentially eliminating them during the longer, brighter days. This is done using dynamic solar charging, where the charger automatically adjusts in response to the amount of self-generated solar energy available.
With Ireland’s changeable weather, the most effective solar-compatible EV chargers can react quickly to changes in the availability of daylight, switching between solar-only charging and grid support as and when needed. Over time, that responsiveness adds up to meaningful savings.
Even if you don’t have solar installed yet, choosing a charger that can integrate later keeps your options open.
We always recommend choosing an EV charger that’s compatible with solar PV.
Even if you don’t have solar now, it keeps your options open for the future and can make your home more appealing to potential buyers, as they’ll have the flexibility to use solar power if they choose to install it.
For Irish homeowners, the SEAI Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant offers a simple way to lower the cost of installing an EV charger. The scheme provides up to €300 towards the purchase and professional installation of a home charger, making the switch to electric driving more affordable.
One of the biggest advantages of this grant is that you don’t need to already own an EV to qualify. As long as you can show intent to purchase one, you can apply. This means you can prepare your home in advance, avoiding the rush to install once your EV arrives.
Installing a solar-compatible charger under the grant not only helps you save on day-to-day charging costs but also futureproofs your property. With more buyers now seeking homes that are EV-ready, having a smart, solar-integrated charger in place can boost your home’s value and market appeal, especially as Ireland moves steadily towards an all-electric transport future.
• Huawei FusionCharge
• Zappi (MyEnergi)
• Wallbox Pulsar Plus
• EO Mini Pro 3
• Easee One
Brand/Model | Power Output | Solar Integration | Smart Features | Warranty | Approx. Installed Price | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Huawei FusionCharge | 7.4 kW / 22 kW | Excellent with Huawei systems | App, load balancing, dynamic control | 3–5 years | €1,200–€1,500 | Seamless Huawei solar integration, robust build, good Irish support | Best with Huawei solar systems |
Zappi | 7.4 kW / 22 kW | Excellent with any solar | Eco modes, timed charging | 3 years | €1,100–€1,400 | Market leader in solar-only charging, great flexibility | Larger unit size |
Wallbox Pulsar Plus | 7.4 kW / 22 kW | Limited without add-ons | Compact, strong app control | 3 years | €1,000–€1,300 | Sleek design, strong brand | Extra hardware needed for solar |
EO Mini Pro 3 | 7.4 kW | Limited without add-ons | Compact, discreet, smart charging | 3 years | €950–€1,250 | Smallest design, neat install | Limited solar options |
Easee One | 7.4 kW | Moderate with add-ons | App control, RFID | 3 years | €950–€1,200 | Stylish, simple | Less mature solar integration |
Huawei’s EV charger integrates seamlessly with Huawei solar PV systems and their FusionSolar app, allowing fully automated solar-only or mixed charging modes. For homeowners already using Huawei inverters and batteries, it’s a natural fit; setup is straightforward, and solar utilisation is maximised.
It’s well-built, and as it its commonly used by Irish installers, there is a lot of support available. The Huawei FusionCharge is not only one of the most efficient options on the market but also one of the most forward-thinking. While it performs best with a Huawei solar system, it remains an excellent charger in its own right.
It’s also smart technology that’s future-proofed, designed so that in the future, you’ll be able to use your EV as a power source for your home (known as vehicle-to-home charging). This means your charger isn’t just an investment for today’s needs, but a gateway to the next generation of home energy management.
Zappi is often the go-to recommendation for homeowners who want solar compatibility regardless of the brand of their solar system. It offers multiple eco modes and prioritises solar energy effectively. It’s slightly bulkier than other chargers, and the interface isn’t quite as sleek, but in terms of flexibility, it’s hard to beat.
This charger wins extra points for design: compact, modern, and with a clean app interface. It has smart scheduling and load balancing, but solar integration requires extra hardware, which adds cost. A good choice for non-solar households who value aesthetics.
One of the smallest EV chargers on the market, the EO Mini Pro 3 blends into most homes discreetly. Smart features are included, but its solar capabilities are limited unless paired with extra accessories. Best for space-conscious installs.
Easee’s charger is stylish and user-friendly, with app and RFID control. Solar integration exists but is not as advanced as Zappi or Huawei. It’s a solid mid-tier option but not as optimised for solar-first households.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to manage entry into secured areas.
RFID control on an EV charger allows you to start or stop charging by tapping an RFID card or key fob against the charger. This ensures that only authorised users can access it, which is especially useful for shared driveways, apartment parking, or workplaces.
It’s a simple, secure way to prevent others from using your charger without permission.
The truth is: the “best” charger depends on your home, your solar system (or future plans), and your priorities.
If you already have solar or plan to install it soon: The Huawei FusionCharge offers unbeatable integration with Huawei solar systems, maximising self-consumption and streamlining control.
If you want solar compatibility but don’t have Huawei equipment: The Zappi is an incredibly flexible option, working with any solar system.
If solar isn’t a priority: Wallbox or EO Mini Pro 3 may suit, with compact designs and solid smart features.
For most Irish homeowners considering solar, whether now or in the future, the Huawei FusionCharge stands out as the most future-proof choice, offering the best balance of efficiency, smart technology, and seamless solar integration.
Choosing the right EV charger is about more than just getting electricity into your car, it’s about making a smart, long-term investment in how you power your home and vehicle.
All the chargers we’ve covered perform well, and each has strengths that make it the right choice for certain situations. Zappi is a versatile option for non-Huawei solar setups, Wallbox and EO Mini Pro 3 excel in compact design and ease of use, and Easee One offers style with solid performance.
However, for Irish homeowners who already have Huawei solar, or plan to install it, the Huawei FusionCharge is hard to beat. Its seamless integration, intelligent energy management, and reliable local support make it the most future-proof and cost-effective choice over the long term.
The key takeaway? Think beyond your current needs and choose a charger that works for your home today and supports the way you want to power it tomorrow.
If you’re thinking about going solar, we can help make the process stress-free. Complete the form below to get a free home solar quote and consultation.