Zaptec Go 2 vs Pod Point Solo 3S: Future-Proofed vs Hassle-Free

Future-Proofed Tech vs Hassle-Free Installation: Two Very Different Philosophies

These two chargers represent fundamentally different approaches to home EV charging. The Zaptec Go 2 is a compact, Scandinavian-designed unit that bets heavily on tomorrow's technology — most notably vehicle-to-grid (V2G) readiness. The Pod Point Solo 3S, backed by one of the UK's most established charging brands, bets on simplicity: one price, installation included, job done.

On paper, you might not expect these two to end up on the same shortlist. One costs £707 for the unit alone; the other costs £999 with professional installation bundled in. One is untethered only; the other gives you a choice. But both carry an impressive 5-year warranty, both are OZEV-approved, and both target the homeowner who wants a reliable, set-and-forget smart charger. The question is whether you value cutting-edge features or turnkey convenience — and which approach actually saves you money in the long run.

In a nutshell:

• Zaptec Go 2 (£707): The UK's first V2G-ready AC home charger, with free 4G connectivity, MID-approved metering, and three-phase support for those who want to future-proof their setup.
• Pod Point Solo 3S (£999): An all-in-one package from a trusted UK brand — charger plus professional installation for a single, predictable price.

Spec Comparison

Power and Charging Speed

For the vast majority of UK homes running single-phase power, both chargers deliver identical performance: 7.4kW, which will charge a typical 60kWh EV battery from empty in roughly 8.5 hours. That is more than enough for overnight charging on any smart tariff.

Where the Zaptec Go 2 pulls ahead is its three-phase capability. If you are one of the small percentage of UK homes with a three-phase supply — or you are planning an upgrade — the Go 2 can deliver up to 22kW, slashing that same charge to around 2.7 hours. The Pod Point Solo 3S is locked to single-phase at 7.4kW with no upgrade path. For most buyers this will not matter, but for those with three-phase power already available, it is a significant advantage.

The Zaptec Go 2 also features automatic switching between single and three-phase charging, which is particularly clever for solar integration — it can drop to single-phase when solar generation is lower and ramp up when the sun is out. The Pod Point Solo 3S is listed as solar compatible, but lacks this dynamic phase-switching capability.

App, Connectivity, and Smart Features

Neither charger is a smart tariff champion. If deep integration with Octopus Intelligent Go or Octopus Agile is your priority, you would be better served by an Ohme. But both offer scheduled charging through their respective apps, which means you can still manually set your charger to run during off-peak hours — you just will not get the automated, API-driven optimisation that tariff-integrated chargers provide.

The Zaptec Go 2 has a clear connectivity advantage. Its subscription-free 4G means the charger stays online even if your home Wi-Fi does not reach the driveway — a genuinely common problem in UK homes where the router sits in the hallway and the charger sits on an external wall 15 metres away. The Pod Point Solo 3S relies solely on Wi-Fi, so if your signal is weak at the charger location, you may need a Wi-Fi extender to maintain reliable smart features. As topcharger.co.uk notes, the Zaptec's always-on connectivity via Wi-Fi or 4G LTE-M ensures the charger stays up-to-date with automatic updates.

The Zaptec Go 2 also includes a MID-approved energy meter, which provides certified-accurate energy readings. This is useful if you claim mileage expenses or simply want precise data on your charging costs. The Go 2's OCPP 1.6J compliance also means it can work with third-party energy management platforms, giving you more flexibility down the line. The Pod Point Solo 3S offers adaptive load management to protect your home's electrical supply, which is a practical safety feature but less of a differentiator.

Both apps are described as functional but basic. Neither will win design awards, but both let you monitor sessions, view charging history, and set schedules. The Zaptec app also allows you to lock the cable and manage access for family and friends via RFID, according to topcharger.co.uk.

Build Quality and Design

The Zaptec Go 2 is remarkably compact — at 240 × 180 × 106mm and just 3.2 kg, it is significantly smaller than the Pod Point Solo 3S (330 × 290 × 112mm). Zaptec claims the design is around 80% smaller than comparable 7.4kW chargers, and the Go 2 also supports interchangeable fascia colours if you want it to blend with your property. As localev.uk points out, build quality and longevity matter enormously for a device that will sit outdoors in British weather for years.

Both chargers carry an IP54 weatherproof rating and a 5-year warranty, which is well above the industry average of two to three years. That matched warranty is reassuring regardless of which you choose.

The Pod Point Solo 3S has the advantage of offering both tethered and untethered versions. If you prefer the convenience of a permanently attached 5-metre cable — no fumbling in the boot on a rainy Tuesday evening — the Solo 3S gives you that option. The Zaptec Go 2 is untethered only, so you will always need to carry and connect your own cable.

Price and Value

The pricing picture here is more nuanced than it first appears. The Zaptec Go 2 looks cheaper at £707, but once you factor in installation costs of £400–600, the total comes to £1,107–£1,307 — making it potentially £100–£300 more expensive than the Pod Point Solo 3S's all-in £999 price. If you qualify for the OZEV grant (available to eligible renters and flat owners), the Pod Point drops to just £649 fully installed, while the Zaptec comes in at £757–£957.

However, the Zaptec Go 2 does give you more for the money in terms of raw technology: V2G readiness, MID-approved metering, free 4G, three-phase support, and OCPP compliance. Whether those features justify the premium depends entirely on your circumstances. As zaptec.com highlights, V2G capability could eventually transform your EV into a home battery or grid asset — but that future is not here yet for most UK drivers.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Zaptec Go 2 if:

• You have or plan to install a three-phase supply and want 22kW charging at home
• V2G technology genuinely interests you and you want to be ready when it arrives
• Your Wi-Fi does not reach your charger location and you need reliable 4G connectivity
• You want MID-certified metering for accurate expense tracking
• You prefer to choose your own installer and are comfortable managing the installation process

Buy the Pod Point Solo 3S if:

• You want a single, all-inclusive price with no surprises — charger and installation for £999
• You prefer a tethered charger with a cable permanently attached and ready to plug in
• You value brand recognition and the backing of one of the UK's largest charging companies
• You qualify for the OZEV grant and want the lowest possible total cost (as low as £649)
• You do not need three-phase power or V2G and just want a reliable charger that works

Our recommendation: For most UK homeowners on single-phase power who simply want a dependable smart charger installed with minimum fuss, the Pod Point Solo 3S is the smarter buy. The all-in pricing removes the guesswork, the 5-year warranty matches the Zaptec, and the total cost is likely lower once installation is factored in. The trade-off — no choice of installer and fewer advanced features — is acceptable for the majority of drivers. But if you are genuinely planning for a V2G future, have three-phase power, or need that bulletproof 4G connectivity, the Zaptec Go 2 is a more capable and forward-thinking machine. Just go in with your eyes open about the true installed cost.

Read our full Zaptec Go 2 review or Pod Point Solo 3S review.

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