# Cord Zero EV charger review

Source: https://www.bestchargers.co.uk/cord-zero/
Updated: October 2026
A feature comparison from the maker's own documents and the energy suppliers' lists. No scores, ratings or rankings.

The Cord Zero is a home EV charger rated at 7.36 kW single-phase, sold tethered or with a Type 2 socket. It can charge from surplus solar, and Octopus and OVO list it for their smart EV tariffs. Not included: three-phase or 22 kW version; Ethernet (not listed); vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-home.

## Cord Zero at a glance: what is included

- 7.36 kW single-phase (32 A), with a Type 2 socket or a tethered 5 m, 8 m or 12 m cable
- Wi-Fi and 4G built in, switching automatically; RFID fobs authorise charging offline
- Built-in Type A RCD with 6 mA DC protection, PEN fault, surge and voltage protection
- Dynamic load balancing with a CT clamp in the box; solar and home battery compatible
- Listed by Octopus (Intelligent Octopus Go) and OVO (Charge Anytime)
- 5-year product warranty

**Included:** Wi-Fi and 4G; RFID authorisation; CT clamp for dynamic load balancing; Built-in Type A RCD and 6 mA DC protection; PEN fault, surge, voltage, frequency and over-temperature protection; App-controlled cable lock on the socket version.

**Not included:** Three-phase or 22 kW version; Ethernet (not listed); Vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-home.

## Cord Zero features compared with 26 chargers

Other chargers are listed A to Z; this is not a ranking.

| Feature | Cord Zero | Chargers with it | Other chargers with it |
|---|---|---|---|
| A warranty of 5 years or more | Yes | 9 of 26 | Andersen A3, Andersen Quartz, Humax MX7, Pod Point Solo 3S, Rolec EVO, Simpson & Partners Home Plus, Wallbox Pulsar Max, Zaptec Go |
| An RFID card or key reader | Yes | 10 of 26 | Easee One, Humax MX7, myenergi zappi GLO, Rolec EVO, Rolec WallPod, Rolec Zura, VCHRGD Seven Pro, Wallbox Quasar 2, Zaptec Go |
| A tethered cable option of 7.5 m or more | Yes | 11 of 26 | Andersen Quartz, Humax MX7, Hypervolt Home 3 Pro, Indra Smart LUX, Ohme Home Pro, Rolec WallPod, Rolec Zura, Simpson & Partners Home Plus, Sync Energy EV Charger, VCHRGD Seven Pro |
| Sold tethered and with a socket | Yes | 14 of 26 | Andersen Quartz, EO Mini Pro 3, Humax MX7, Masterplug Smart EV Charger, myenergi zappi, myenergi zappi GLO, Pod Point Solo 3S, Rolec WallPod, Rolec Zura, Simpson & Partners Home Plus, Sync Energy EV Charger, VCHRGD Seven Pro, Wallbox Pulsar Max |
| 4G or mobile data, as standard or an option | Yes | 14 of 26 | Easee One, EO Mini Pro 3, Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2), Indra Smart LUX, Indra Smart PRO, Ohme ePod, Ohme Home Pro, Rolec EVO, Rolec WallPod, Rolec Zura, Sync Energy EV Charger, VCHRGD Seven Pro, Zaptec Go |
| Listed for Intelligent Octopus Go | Yes | 15 of 26 | Andersen A3, Andersen Quartz, Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2), Hypervolt Home 3 Pro, Indra Smart LUX, Indra Smart PRO, myenergi zappi, myenergi zappi GLO, Ohme ePod, Ohme Home Pro, Simpson & Partners Home Plus, Sync Energy EV Charger, VCHRGD Seven Pro, Wallbox Pulsar Max |
| OCPP, for third-party charging platforms | Yes | 16 of 26 | Easee One, EO Mini Pro 3, GivEnergy EV Charger, Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2), Masterplug Smart EV Charger, myenergi zappi, myenergi zappi GLO, Rolec EVO, Rolec WallPod, Rolec Zura, Simpson & Partners Home Plus, Sync Energy EV Charger, VCHRGD Seven Pro, Wallbox Pulsar Max, Zaptec Go |
| Load management with no extra accessory | Yes | 19 of 26 | Andersen A3, Andersen Quartz, EO Mini Pro 3, Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2), Humax MX7, Hypervolt Home 3 Pro, Indra Smart PRO, Masterplug Smart EV Charger, myenergi zappi, myenergi zappi GLO, Ohme ePod, Ohme Home Pro, Pod Point Solo 3S, Rolec EVO, Rolec WallPod, Rolec Zura, Simpson & Partners Home Plus, VCHRGD Seven Pro |
| Solar charging with no extra accessory | Yes | 21 of 26 | Andersen A3, Andersen Quartz, EO Mini Pro 3, GivEnergy EV Charger, Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2), Humax MX7, Hypervolt Home 3 Pro, Indra Smart LUX, Indra Smart PRO, Masterplug Smart EV Charger, myenergi zappi, myenergi zappi GLO, Ohme ePod, Ohme Home Pro, Pod Point Solo 3S, Rolec EVO, Rolec WallPod, Rolec Zura, Sync Energy EV Charger, VCHRGD Seven Pro |
| PEN fault protection built in | Yes | 21 of 26 | Andersen A3, Andersen Quartz, Easee One, EO Mini Pro 3, GivEnergy EV Charger, Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2), Humax MX7, Hypervolt Home 3 Pro, Indra Smart LUX, Masterplug Smart EV Charger, myenergi zappi, myenergi zappi GLO, Ohme ePod, Ohme Home Pro, Pod Point Solo 3S, Rolec EVO, Rolec WallPod, Rolec Zura, Sync Energy EV Charger, VCHRGD Seven Pro |
| An Ethernet port, as standard or an option | No | 13 of 26 | EO Mini Pro 3, GivEnergy EV Charger, Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2), Hypervolt Home 3 Pro, Indra Smart LUX, Indra Smart PRO, Masterplug Smart EV Charger, myenergi zappi, Rolec EVO, Rolec WallPod, Rolec Zura, Simpson & Partners Home Plus, Sync Energy EV Charger |
| IP65 or higher dust and water rating | No | 11 of 26 | Andersen A3, Andersen Quartz, GivEnergy EV Charger, Humax MX7, Hypervolt Home 3 Pro, Indra Smart LUX, Masterplug Smart EV Charger, myenergi zappi, myenergi zappi GLO, Rolec WallPod, Rolec Zura |
| A 22 kW three-phase version | No | 7 of 26 | Andersen Quartz, myenergi zappi, Rolec EVO, Rolec Zura, Simpson & Partners Home Plus, Wallbox Pulsar Max, Zaptec Go |
| Listed by Octopus, OVO and E.ON Next for their smart tariffs | No | 5 of 26 | Hypervolt Home 3 Pro, Indra Smart LUX, Indra Smart PRO, myenergi zappi, myenergi zappi GLO |
| Bidirectional (V2G or V2H) hardware | No | 1 of 26 | Wallbox Quasar 2 |

## Is the Cord Zero compatible with Intelligent Octopus Go?

Yes. Octopus lists the Cord Zero for Intelligent Octopus Go. E.ON Next does not list it and OVO lists it. We checked all three lists in October 2026.

- **Intelligent Octopus Go:** listed. Octopus lists the Cord Zero as a supported charger. Source: [Octopus Energy, Intelligent Octopus Go supported chargers](https://octopus.energy/smart/intelligent-octopus-go/)
- **E.ON Next Drive Smart:** not listed. Not on E.ON Next's charger list. E.ON Next Drive Smart can still work if your car is on E.ON Next's list. Source: [E.ON Next, Next Drive Smart supported chargers](https://www.eonnext.com/tariffs/next-drive/smart)
- **OVO Charge Anytime:** listed. OVO lists the Cord Zero as a supported charger. Source: [OVO Energy, Charge Anytime compatible EVs and smart chargers](https://www.ovoenergy.com/electric-cars/charge-anytime-cars-and-chargers)
- **Fixed-window tariffs** (E.ON Next Drive, Octopus Go, EDF GoElectric, So Energy So EV, Good Energy EV Charge, ScottishPower EV Saver, Ecotricity EcoFixed EV, British Gas EV Power, Sainsbury's EV) need only a timer on the charger or the car.

## Cord Zero charging time and costs

The MG4 EV SE Long Range, 30% to 80%, at 7.36 kW: about 5h 22m, adding about 162 miles. Charging starts when each cheap window opens. Rates checked October 2026, including 0% VAT.

| Tariff | Cheap window | Cost of this charge | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Octopus Go | 23:30 to 05:30 | £3.16 | Fits the 6-hour window |
| E.ON Next Drive Smart | 00:00 to 06:00 | £2.57 | Only if your car is on E.ON Next's list |
| E.ON Next Drive | 00:00 to 06:00 | £3.36 | Fits the 6-hour window |
| Octopus Go | 00:30 to 05:30 | £4.47 | 22m at the 36.90p day rate |
| EDF GoElectric | 23:00 to 06:00 | £2.63 (cheapest we can be sure of) | Fits the 7-hour window |
| So Energy So EV | 00:00 to 05:00 | £2.63+ | + 22m at a day rate shown only in a quote |
| Good Energy EV Charge | 00:00 to 05:00 | £2.80+ | + 22m at a day rate shown only in a quote |
| ScottishPower EV Saver | 02:00 to 05:00 | £7.86 | 2h 22m at the 34.22p day rate |
| Ecotricity EcoFixed EV | 00:00 to 05:00 | £3.91 | 22m at the 36.57p day rate |
| British Gas EV Power | 00:00 to 05:00 | £4.51 | 22m at the 36.90p day rate |
| Sainsbury's EV | 00:00 to 06:00 | £3.36 | Fits the 6-hour window |
| OVO Charge Anytime | Any time, EV only | £5.27 | EV-only rate, any time |

We aim to show the latest rates, but tariff prices vary by location and can change daily. Always check current rates with the supplier directly before you switch.

## Cord Zero specs and dimensions

| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 7.36 kW, 32 A single-phase (230 V AC, 50/60Hz) |
| Connector | Type 2 socket (app cable lock) or tethered Type 2 cable 5 m, 8 m or 12 m |
| Protection | Type A RCD with 6 mA DC; PEN fault, surge, over/under voltage, over/under frequency and over-temperature protection |
| Load management | Dynamic load balancing; CT clamp included |
| Solar charging | Solar compatible; home battery compatible |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) and 4G, automatic switching |
| OCPP | OCPP 1.6 |
| Access | RFID (13.56 MHz) |
| Dimensions (L x W x D) | 320 x 210 x 132 mm |
| Enclosure | PC943; RGB LED |
| Ingress and impact | IP54 socketed, IP65 tethered; IK08 |
| Operating temperature | -30°C to +50°C |
| Mounting | Wall; post at extra cost |
| Warranty | 5-year product warranty |

## Cord Zero vs similar chargers

The chargers that share the most charger types with the Cord Zero, then A to Z.

- [Sync Energy EV Charger](https://www.bestchargers.co.uk/sync-ev/). Both have: Solar charging, Tethered, Untethered (socket), Smart tariff integration, Built-in 4G. Differences: Max power 7.4 kW (the Cord Zero: 7.36 kW); Smart tariff lists 1 of 3 (the Cord Zero: 2 of 3); Warranty 3 years (the Cord Zero: 5 years).
- [VCHRGD Seven Pro](https://www.bestchargers.co.uk/vchrgd-seven-pro/). Both have: Solar charging, Tethered, Untethered (socket), Smart tariff integration, Built-in 4G. Differences: Max power 7.4 kW (the Cord Zero: 7.36 kW); Smart tariff lists 1 of 3 (the Cord Zero: 2 of 3); Warranty 3 years (the Cord Zero: 5 years).
- [Andersen Quartz](https://www.bestchargers.co.uk/andersen-quartz/). Both have: Solar charging, Tethered, Untethered (socket), Smart tariff integration. Differences: Max power 7 kW or 22 kW (the Cord Zero: 7.36 kW); 4G no (the Cord Zero: yes); Warranty 7 years (the Cord Zero: 5 years).

## Cord Zero features explained

### What is the Cord Zero?

The Cord Zero is a home charger designed in the UK by Cord, a company set up in 2023 that sells chargers, cables and installation. It comes socketed (untethered) or tethered with a 5 m, 8 m or 12 m cable, in black, with Wi-Fi and 4G built in.

### Charging power: 7.36 kW single-phase, no 22 kW version

Cord's specification lists a maximum output of 7.36 kW and 32 A on a 230 V single-phase supply. There is no three-phase Cord Zero. The rate your car charges at is also limited by its own onboard charger.

### Tethered or untethered: the cable options

The socketed version has a Type 2 socket. Cord says you can lock your cable into it from the app, and that with the right cable it suits Type 1 cars as well as Type 2. The tethered version has a Type 2 cable of 5 m, 8 m or 12 m.

### Solar charging with CT clamps

Cord lists the Cord Zero as solar compatible and home battery compatible.

### Smart charging with Octopus, E.ON Next and OVO

The Cord app schedules charging into your tariff's cheap window, starts or stops charging remotely over Wi-Fi or 4G, and tracks the cost of each charge, with Allstar and Rightcharge integration for business mileage. Cord also runs Cord Rewards, powered by Raya, which pays for charging overnight; Cord says rewards are not guaranteed.

On the energy suppliers' own lists (checked 4 October 2026):

- **Octopus Energy** lists the Cord Zero as supported for Intelligent Octopus Go. Cord's own tariff page describes this connection as a public beta.
- **OVO Energy** lists Cord as a compatible smart charger for Charge Anytime.
- **E.ON Next** does not list Cord for Next Drive Smart.

### Load balancing, earthing and installation

Cord lists dynamic load balancing, and a CT clamp is included with the charger. Built-in protection covers residual current (Type A RCD with 6 mA DC protection), PEN faults, surges, over and under voltage, over and under frequency, and over-temperature. Cord's standard installation includes fitting the CT clamp and a surge protection device (SPD) and applying to the network operator. The charger mounts on a wall, or on a post at extra cost.

### App, Wi-Fi and connectivity

The Cord Zero has Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) and 4G built in and switches between them automatically. It supports OCPP 1.6 and has an RFID reader; Cord supplies RFID fobs, which can authorise charging without an internet connection.

### Size and dimensions: 320 x 210 x 132 mm

The Cord Zero measures 320 x 210 x 132 mm (length x width x depth). The PC943 enclosure is rated IK08; the socketed version is rated IP54 and the tethered version IP65. It operates from -30°C to +50°C and shows its status with an RGB LED.

### Warranty: 5 years

Cord gives a 5-year product warranty with every Cord Zero. Cord's standard installation carries a 3-year installation warranty.

## Cord Zero installation

- **Supply:** Single-phase, up to 7.36 kW
- **Earthing:** PEN fault protection built in, according to Cord
- **Protection:** Type A RCD with 6 mA DC; PEN fault, surge, over/under voltage, over/under frequency and over-temperature protection
- **Load management:** Yes: CT clamp for dynamic load balancing
- **Solar sensor:** CT clamp for dynamic load balancing
- **Connection:** Wi-Fi and 4G

1. **Survey.** An installer checks your supply, consumer unit, main fuse and earthing, and where the charger and its cable will go. Many do this from photos first.
2. **Notify the network operator (DNO).** Your installer tells your local network operator (DNO) about the charger, and applies first where the supply needs checking.
3. **Fit and test.** The charger goes on its own circuit and is tested. Ask for the supply sensor for solar charging to be fitted on the same visit.
4. **Connect it.** The installer connects the charger to Wi-Fi or 4G and sets it up in the maker's app.
5. **Set up your tariff.** If you switch to a smart tariff that lists it (Intelligent Octopus Go, OVO Charge Anytime), add the charger in the supplier's app so it can schedule charging. On a fixed-window tariff, set a schedule for the cheap hours.

## Quick answers

- **Max power:** 7.36 kW single-phase.
- **Tethered or socket:** Type 2 socket or tethered 5 m / 8 m / 12 m.
- **Solar charging:** Yes. Dynamic load balancing with a CT clamp in the box; solar and home battery compatible.
- **Intelligent Octopus Go:** Yes. Octopus lists the Cord Zero as a supported charger (checked October 2026).
- **E.ON Next Drive Smart and OVO Charge Anytime:** Not on E.ON Next's Next Drive Smart list; OVO lists it for Charge Anytime (both checked 4 October 2026).
- **PEN fault protection:** Built in, according to Cord. Your installer still confirms the earthing for your home.
- **Load management:** Yes. CT clamp for dynamic load balancing.
- **Connectivity:** Wi-Fi and 4G; OCPP 1.6.
- **Vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-home:** No.
- **Warranty:** 5 years, product.
- **Updated:** October 2026, from Cord's own documents and the Octopus, OVO and E.ON Next charger lists.

## Cord Zero FAQs

### Does the Cord Zero work with Intelligent Octopus Go?

Yes. Octopus lists the Cord Zero as supported for Intelligent Octopus Go, and OVO lists Cord for Charge Anytime (both checked 4 October 2026). Cord's own tariff page describes the Intelligent Octopus Go connection as a public beta.

### What cable lengths does the Cord Zero come with?

The tethered Cord Zero has a 5 m, 8 m or 12 m Type 2 cable. The socketed version uses your own cable, and the cable can be locked in from the Cord app.

### Does the Cord Zero work without internet?

Cord says charging can still be authorised with the supplied RFID card without an internet connection, but the Cord app and its features need a connection. The charger has Wi-Fi and 4G built in.

### Does the Cord Zero need an earth rod?

Cord lists PEN fault protection as built in. Your installer confirms the earthing arrangement for your property.

### What warranty does the Cord Zero have?

Cord gives a 5-year product warranty. Its standard installation also carries a 3-year installation warranty.

### Which chargers are similar to the Cord Zero?

Sync Energy EV Charger, VCHRGD Seven Pro and Andersen Quartz share the most charger types with it (such as solar charging, cable type and smart tariff listings). They are listed by how many types they share, then A to Z; this is not a ranking. Compare any two side by side on our compare page.

### Does the Cord Zero support V2H or V2G?

No. Cord does not publish vehicle-to-home (V2H) or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) support for the Cord Zero, so it charges the car only.

### How much does the Cord Zero cost?

We do not list prices, because they change often and most people buy a charger fitted, so the price depends on the installer and your home. Ask two or three installers for a fitted price for the Cord Zero by name. If you rent, or own a flat with private off-street parking, the EV chargepoint grant can cover 75% of the cost of buying and installing a chargepoint, up to £500.

## EV charger terms explained

- **Tethered charger:** A charger with the charging cable fixed to the unit.
- **Untethered (socket) charger:** A charger with a Type 2 socket instead of a fixed cable, so you plug in your own charging cable.
- **Type 2:** The standard connector for AC charging on cars sold in the UK and Europe.
- **Single-phase and three-phase:** Most UK homes have a single-phase supply, which limits a home charger to about 7 kW (32 A). A 22 kW charger needs a three-phase supply, and the car must accept 22 kW on AC to use it.
- **kW and kWh:** kW is charging power; kWh is energy. A 7 kW charger adds up to about 7 kWh an hour, less charging losses.
- **Solar charging:** A mode that varies the charging current to follow surplus solar generation, measured by a sensor on your supply, so the car uses power you would otherwise export.
- **CT clamp:** A current sensor clipped around a supply cable. It tells the charger how much power the home is importing or exporting.
- **Load management:** The charger lowers its charging current when the rest of the home is using a lot of power, so the main fuse is not overloaded.
- **PEN fault protection:** Protection that disconnects the charger if the combined neutral and earth (PEN) conductor in the supply fails. Chargers with it built in can usually be installed without an earth rod; your installer confirms what your supply needs.
- **RCD and RCBO:** Devices that cut the power if current leaks to earth. Some chargers need a Type A RCD or RCBO fitted at the consumer unit; the maker's installation notes say which.
- **OCPP:** Open Charge Point Protocol, an open standard that lets a charger connect to a third-party management platform as well as the maker's app.
- **RFID:** A card or key fob reader on the charger, used to stop other people starting a charge.
- **IP and IK ratings:** IP rates protection against dust and water (IP65 is dust tight and protected against water jets); IK rates impact resistance, from IK00 to IK10.
- **Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H):** Sending power from the car's battery back to the grid or the home. It needs a bidirectional charger, a compatible car and approval from your network operator, and V2G also needs a supplier offer.
- **Smart tariff charger list:** The chargers an energy supplier says it can control for its smart EV tariff, such as Octopus's list for Intelligent Octopus Go. Suppliers add and remove chargers, so we show the date we checked.
- **EV chargepoint grant:** A GOV.UK grant for people who rent, or own a flat, with private off-street parking. It can cover 75% of the cost of buying and installing a chargepoint, up to £500 (checked 4 October 2026).

## Sources and how we check

- [Cord, Cord Zero socketed product page and specification](https://www.cord-ev.com/cord-zero-ev-home-charger.html)
- [Cord, Cord Zero tethered product page and specification](https://www.cord-ev.com/cord-zero-tethered-ev-home-charger.html)
- [Cord, EV tariff guide and compatibility](https://www.cord-ev.com/cord-ev-tariff-compatibility)
- [Octopus Energy, Intelligent Octopus Go supported chargers](https://octopus.energy/smart/intelligent-octopus-go/)
- [OVO Energy, Charge Anytime compatible EVs and smart chargers](https://www.ovoenergy.com/electric-cars/charge-anytime-cars-and-chargers)
- [E.ON Next, Next Drive Smart supported chargers](https://www.eonnext.com/tariffs/next-drive/smart)

Cite as: Best Chargers, "Cord Zero EV charger review", specs checked October 2026, https://www.bestchargers.co.uk/cord-zero/