Cord Zero EV charger review

The Cord Zero is a charger you have fitted at home to charge an electric car, and it can also use spare power from solar panels. It charges at 7.36 kW, the usual speed for a home charger: about 25 to 30 miles of range for every hour plugged in. Octopus and OVO list it for their smart EV tariffs, which charge the car when electricity is cheap.

Updated . We can make mistakes so always check with the manufacturer and your installer first. How we check

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Charging speed
7.36 kW about 25 to 30 miles an hour
Cable
Tethered or untethered 5 m, 8 m or 12 m fixed cable, or plug in your own
Cord Zero home EV charger
Solar charging
Yes from your panels
Smart tariffs
2 of 3 Octopus, OVO
Find installers near meCompare with similar chargersBuy from Cord

Is the Cord Zero right for you?

The questions most people start with, answered from Cord's own documents.

How fast does it charge?

7.36 kW

About 25 to 30 miles of range for every hour plugged in, and about 10 to 12 hours for a full charge for most cars. There is no 22 kW version.

  • 7.36 kW single-phase

Is the Cord Zero tethered or untethered?

Both

You can choose a fixed cable (5 m, 8 m or 12 m), or a socket where you plug in your own cable. Installers call a fixed cable "tethered" and a socket "untethered".

  • Fixed cable, 5 m
  • Fixed cable, 8 m
  • Fixed cable, 12 m
  • Socket for your own cable

Is the Cord Zero compatible with Intelligent Octopus Go?

Yes, listed

Octopus lists it, so Octopus can run its charging at cheap times for you. OVO lists it too. It works with any overnight tariff that only needs a timer, such as EDF GoElectric.

  • OctopusLists it
  • E.ON NextNot listed
  • OVOLists it

Can it charge from solar panels?

Yes

It can charge your car with spare power from your panels, instead of sending it back to the grid.

Does it work with all electric cars?

Type 2

It uses the Type 2 connector, which most electric cars sold in the UK use. Check the charging socket on your car, or ask your installer.

Does the Cord Zero support V2H or V2G?

No

Cord does not publish vehicle-to-home (V2H) or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) support for it, so it charges the car only. Chargers with vehicle-to-grid hardware.

Can it stay connected without Wi-Fi?

Yes

It has mobile data built in (or as an option), so it can stay connected even if your Wi-Fi does not reach the driveway.

  • Wi-Fi
  • Network cable
  • Mobile data (4G)

Does the Cord Zero need an earth rod?

Usually not

It has a built-in safety feature (Cord calls it PEN fault protection) that usually means no earth rod is needed. Your installer checks all of this first.

How long is the warranty?

5 years

5 years, product.

07 years, the longest of the 26 chargers we cover

Cord Zero specs and dimensions

As published by Cord, checked October 2026.

Figures as published by the manufacturer, checked October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of the page. Also as Markdown and JSON.
Power7.36 kW, 32 A single-phase230 V AC, 50/60Hz
ConnectorType 2 socket (app cable lock) or tethered Type 2 cable 5 m, 8 m or 12 m
ProtectionType A RCD with 6 mA DC; PEN fault, surge, over/under voltage, over/under frequency and over-temperature protection
Load managementDynamic load balancing; CT clamp included
Solar chargingSolar compatible; home battery compatible
ConnectivityWi-Fi (2.4 GHz) and 4G, automatic switching
OCPPOCPP 1.6
AccessRFID (13.56 MHz)
Dimensions (L x W x D)320 x 210 x 132 mm
EnclosurePC943; RGB LED
Ingress and impactIP54 socketed, IP65 tethered; IK08
Operating temperature-30°C to +50°C
MountingWall; post at extra cost
Warranty5-year product warranty

Cord Zero vs similar chargers

The three that share the most charger types with it, then any charger you choose, spec by spec.

Cord Zero vs Sync Energy EV Charger, VCHRGD Seven Pro and Andersen Quartz

Choose any three of the 26 chargers we cover to set beside it, spec by spec.

Cord ZeroSync Energy EV ChargerVCHRGD Seven ProAndersen Quartz
Max power7.36 kW7.4 kW7.4 kW7 kW / 22 kW
22 kW three-phase versionNoNoNoYes
CableType 2 socket or tethered 5 m / 8 m / 12 mType 2 socket or tethered 7.5 mType 2 socket or tethered 7.5 mType 2 socket or tethered 5.5 m / 8.5 m (6.5 m on 22 kW)
Solar chargingYesYesYesYes
Load managementYesNot statedYesYes
PEN fault protectionBuilt inBuilt inBuilt inBuilt in
Smart tariff lists (Octopus, OVO, E.ON Next)Octopus (Intelligent Octopus Go); OVO (Charge Anytime)Octopus (Intelligent Octopus Go)Octopus (Intelligent Octopus Go)Octopus (Intelligent Octopus Go); OVO (Charge Anytime)
ConnectivityWi-Fi, 4GWi-Fi, Ethernet, 4G (selected models)Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G (optional)Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (set-up only)
OCPPOCPP 1.6OCPP 1.6JOCPP 1.6JNot stated
RFIDYesNot statedYesNot stated
Vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-homeNoNoNoNo
Ingress and impact ratingIP54 (socket) / IP65 (tethered), IK08Not statedIP54, IK10IP65 (enclosure)
Dimensions320 x 210 x 132 mmNot stated300 x 180 x 90 mm286 x 172 x 110 mm
Warranty5 years (product)3 years (on-site)3 years7 years

Cord Zero features explained

Every feature, from Cord's datasheet, manual and product pages.

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 charging time and costs

Pick your car, how far you drive and a tariff. We use your car's own figures from our electric car data, the 26.32p price cap average as the standard rate, and the Cord Zero's 7.36 kW for the charging time.

8,000
You would pay about this much less £359

Charging 8,000 miles a year at home on Intelligent Octopus Go costs about £157, against £515 at the standard rate.

Intelligent Octopus Go, 8p£157 a year
Standard rate, 26.32p£515 a year
A 30% to 80% top-up on the Cord Zero
5h 22m at 7.36 kW, adding about 162 miles

Rates checked October 2026, including 0% VAT; they vary by region and change often, so check with the supplier.

Cord Zero installation

Three steps from here to your first charge at home.

  1. Check you can have one

    You need somewhere to park off the street, such as a driveway or garage. 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.

  2. Find a local installer

    Browse EV charger installers in 50 UK cities, each with its published Google rating, and ask for the Cord Zero by name.

  3. They fit it and set it up

    The installer checks your fuse box and earthing, fits the charger on its own circuit, tells your local network operator and connects it to the app.

Find EV charger installers near you

Installers in 50 UK cities, each with its published Google rating.

By city: London Manchester Birmingham Leeds Glasgow Bristol

Find installers

Cord Zero FAQs

How long does the Cord Zero take to charge a car?
At 7.36 kW it adds about 25 to 30 miles of range an hour. A typical top-up of about 162 miles takes about 5h 22m, so it fits in a night. A full charge from empty takes about 10 to 12 hours for most cars. Your car's battery size changes this.
Do I need solar panels to use it?
No. It charges like any home charger without them. Using spare solar power is an extra for homes that have panels.
Is there a grant for a home EV charger?
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. Check on GOV.UK (checked 4 October 2026). Homeowners in houses are not eligible.
Who can install the Cord Zero?
A qualified electrician who installs EV chargers. They check your fuse box and earthing, fit it on its own circuit, tell your local network operator, and set it up in the app. Our directory lists EV charger installers in 50 UK cities with their Google ratings.
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.
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.

Sources and how we check

Updated . We try to compare features of chargers and user experiences. We can make mistakes so always check with the manufacturer and your installer first.

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

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