Households approach EV charging in different ways, depending on priorities such as cost, simplicity, energy independence, and how their home is already set up.
There is no single “best” way to charge an electric vehicle. Instead, most real-world setups fall into a small number of common approaches, each with its own trade-offs.
On this site, we group these approaches into three broad models:
• The Solar Purist
Focused on maximising the use of self-generated solar energy, even if charging happens more slowly or less predictably.
• The Tariff Optimiser
Centred around time-of-use electricity tariffs, charging when grid electricity is cheapest, often overnight.
• The Home Energy Ecosystem
A more integrated approach that combines solar, tariffs, batteries, and smart controls to balance cost, convenience, and flexibility.
Each approach suits different households and circumstances. Exploring them individually can help clarify which priorities matter most in your own situation.
Most homes fall into one of three patterns.
The right charger isn’t about brand preference — it’s about how your home actually uses energy.
Below are the three setups we see most often, and who each one genuinely suits.
Often paired with solar-aware chargers such as Zappi
Designed for homes that already generate their own electricity and want to prioritise using that energy to charge an EV, rather than exporting it back to the grid.
Often paired with smart tariff-aware chargers such as Ohme
Designed for homes that want to take advantage of off-peak electricity pricing, predictable overnight charging windows, and automated scheduling.
Often paired with integrated platforms such as Tesla
Designed for drivers who prefer a single app-based experience, tight integration between car, charger, and energy systems, and minimal manual input.