# Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) review

Source: https://www.bestchargers.co.uk/hive-sync-energy-2/
Updated: October 2026
A feature comparison from the maker's own documents and the energy suppliers' lists. No scores, ratings or rankings.

The Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) is a home EV charger rated at 7.4 kW single-phase, with a Type 2 socket for your own cable. It can charge from surplus solar, and Octopus lists it for Intelligent Octopus Go. Not included: three-phase or 22 kW version through Hive; published dimensions, weight or IP rating on Hive's or Sync Energy's product pages.

## Hive EV Charger at a glance: what is included

- Hive's EV charger is the Sync Energy Wall Charger 2, made by Sync Energy (Luceco plc)
- 7.4 kW maximum; Hive's listed price is for the untethered (socket) version
- Hive lists PEN fault protection, household load balancing, RCD and DC leakage protection
- Hive Power+ credits 25% of the charging cost back to the energy bill for British Gas electricity customers with a smart meter
- 3-year warranty when fitted by Hive's installers; 2 years without installation

**Included:** Installation by Hive's approved installers (Qvanta or Ascent); Hive app control and charging history; Power+ for British Gas electricity customers; PEN fault protection and household load balancing; RCD and DC leakage protection.

**Not included:** Three-phase or 22 kW version through Hive; Published dimensions, weight or IP rating on Hive's or Sync Energy's product pages.

## Hive EV Charger features compared with 26 chargers

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

| Feature | Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) | Chargers with it | Other chargers with it |
|---|---|---|---|
| An Ethernet port, as standard or an option | Yes | 13 of 26 | EO Mini Pro 3, GivEnergy EV Charger, 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 |
| 4G or mobile data, as standard or an option | Yes | 14 of 26 | Cord Zero, Easee One, EO Mini Pro 3, 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, Cord Zero, 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 | Cord Zero, Easee One, EO Mini Pro 3, GivEnergy EV Charger, 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, Cord Zero, EO Mini Pro 3, 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, Cord Zero, EO Mini Pro 3, GivEnergy EV Charger, 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, Cord Zero, Easee One, EO Mini Pro 3, GivEnergy EV Charger, 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 |
| Sold tethered and with a socket | No | 14 of 26 | Andersen Quartz, Cord Zero, 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 |
| A tethered cable option of 7.5 m or more | No | 11 of 26 | Andersen Quartz, Cord Zero, 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 |
| 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 |
| An RFID card or key reader | No | 10 of 26 | Cord Zero, Easee One, Humax MX7, myenergi zappi GLO, Rolec EVO, Rolec WallPod, Rolec Zura, VCHRGD Seven Pro, Wallbox Quasar 2, Zaptec Go |
| A warranty of 5 years or more | No | 9 of 26 | Andersen A3, Andersen Quartz, Cord Zero, Humax MX7, Pod Point Solo 3S, Rolec EVO, Simpson & Partners Home Plus, Wallbox Pulsar Max, Zaptec Go |
| 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 Hive EV Charger compatible with Intelligent Octopus Go?

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

- **Intelligent Octopus Go:** listed. Octopus lists the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) 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:** not listed. Not on OVO's charger list. Charge Anytime can still work if your car is on OVO's list and you have an OVO home supply. 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.

## Hive EV Charger charging time and costs

The MG4 EV SE Long Range, 30% to 80%, at 7.4 kW: about 5h 21m, 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 | £4.42 | 21m 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 | £2.64+ | + 21m at a day rate shown only in a quote |
| Good Energy EV Charge | 00:00 to 05:00 | £2.82+ | + 21m at a day rate shown only in a quote |
| ScottishPower EV Saver | 02:00 to 05:00 | £7.82 | 2h 21m at the 34.22p day rate |
| Ecotricity EcoFixed EV | 00:00 to 05:00 | £3.86 | 21m at the 36.57p day rate |
| British Gas EV Power | 00:00 to 05:00 | £4.46 | 21m 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 | Only if your car is on OVO's list |

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.

## Hive EV Charger specs

| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Charger | Sync Energy Wall Charger 2 |
| Power | 7.4 kW maximum |
| Connector | Type 2 socket (untethered) (Sync Energy also makes a 7.5 m tethered version; ask Hive if it can supply it) |
| Protection | PEN fault protection, RCD and DC leakage protection (Hive) (Sync Energy lists a 30 mA Type A RCD with 6 mA DC) |
| Load management | Household load balancing (Hive) |
| App | Hive app; Power+ for British Gas electricity customers |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and LAN; 4G on selected models (Sync Energy) |
| OCPP | OCPP 1.6J (Sync Energy) |
| Installers | Qvanta, Ascent |
| Warranty | 3 years with Hive installation; 2 years without |

## Hive EV Charger vs similar chargers

The chargers that share the most charger types with the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2), then A to Z. In searches that reach us, people most often compare it with the EO Mini Pro 3.

- [Cord Zero](https://www.bestchargers.co.uk/cord-zero/). Both have: Solar charging, Untethered (socket), Smart tariff integration, Built-in 4G. Differences: Max power 7.36 kW (the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2): 7.4 kW); Cable tethered or socket (the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2): socket (untethered)); Smart tariff lists 2 of 3 (the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2): 1 of 3); Warranty 5 years (the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2): 3 years).
- [Indra Smart PRO](https://www.bestchargers.co.uk/indra-smart-pro/). Both have: Solar charging, Untethered (socket), Smart tariff integration, Built-in 4G. Differences: Smart tariff lists 3 of 3 (the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2): 1 of 3); PEN protection not listed (the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2): built in).
- [Ohme ePod](https://www.bestchargers.co.uk/ohme-epod/). Both have: Solar charging, Untethered (socket), Smart tariff integration, Built-in 4G. No difference in the features we compare.

## Hive EV Charger features explained

### What is the Hive EV Charger?

Hive, the smart home brand of Centrica (British Gas's parent), sells a home EV charger that its shop names the Sync Energy Wall Charger 2. The charger is made by Sync Energy, part of Luceco plc, and Hive sells it with installation by its approved installers. This page covers Hive's package; the charger itself is described on our [Sync Energy EV Charger](/sync-ev/) page.

### Charging power: 7.4 kW single-phase, no 22 kW version

Hive lists a maximum charging speed of 7.4 kW on a single-phase supply. The rate your car charges at is also limited by its own onboard charger.

### Untethered: a Type 2 socket

Hive notes that its listed price is for the untethered charger, which has a Type 2 socket, and excludes accessories such as charging cables. Sync Energy also makes the same charger with a built-in 7.5 m Type 2 cable; ask Hive whether it can supply that version.

### Solar charging

Sync Energy lists Auto Solar Charging as standard on this charger, which uses excess solar energy for charging.

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

The Hive app tracks spending, controls each charge and shows charging history. You can sync the app with your electricity tariff to see costs, and with a dedicated EV tariff it prioritises cheaper hours.

Hive's Power+ feature works with any British Gas electricity tariff. Hive says that with Power+ switched on, it charges your EV at the greenest and cheapest times, usually overnight, and credits 25% of the cost back to your energy bill. Power+ needs a compatible charger, a British Gas electricity tariff and a smart meter in credit mode.

On the energy suppliers' own lists (checked 4 October 2026), Octopus lists "Sync Energy Wall Charger 2" as supported for Intelligent Octopus Go. OVO and E.ON Next do not list Sync Energy or Hive.

### Load balancing, earthing and installation

Hive lists PEN fault protection, household load balancing, RCD protection and DC leakage protection. Sync Energy lists an integrated 30 mA Type A RCD with 6 mA DC and integrated open PEN conductor protection, so no earth rod is required.

Hive's installers are Qvanta and Ascent. Hive sends a personalised quote after you describe your installation, and says installation usually takes four to five hours on the day.

### App, Wi-Fi and connectivity

Sync Energy lists Wi-Fi and LAN on every model, with 4G on selected models, and OCPP 1.6J. Neither Hive nor Sync Energy publishes dimensions, weight, or ingress and impact ratings on its product page.

### Warranty: 3 years

Hive gives a 3-year warranty when the charger is fitted by its installers, or 2 years without installation, subject to its Hive EV Charging installation terms. Hive is the first point of contact for claims and coordinates with the original installer.

## Hive EV Charger installation

- **Supply:** Single-phase, up to 7.4 kW
- **Earthing:** PEN fault protection built in, according to Hive
- **Protection:** PEN fault protection, RCD and DC leakage protection (Hive); sync Energy lists a 30 mA Type A RCD with 6 mA DC
- **Load management:** Yes: PEN fault protection and household load balancing
- **Solar sensor:** Ask which sensor the solar mode uses
- **Connection:** Wi-Fi, Ethernet and 4G (selected models)

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, Ethernet 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), 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:** 7.4 kW single-phase.
- **Tethered or socket:** Type 2 socket (untethered).
- **Solar charging:** Yes.
- **Intelligent Octopus Go:** Yes. Octopus lists the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) 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; not on OVO's Charge Anytime list (both checked 4 October 2026).
- **PEN fault protection:** Built in, according to Hive. Your installer still confirms the earthing for your home.
- **Load management:** Yes. PEN fault protection and household load balancing.
- **Connectivity:** Wi-Fi, Ethernet and 4G (selected models); OCPP 1.6J.
- **Vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-home:** No.
- **Warranty:** 3 years, with Hive installation (2 years without).
- **Updated:** October 2026, from Hive's own documents and the Octopus, OVO and E.ON Next charger lists.

## Hive EV Charger FAQs

### Who makes the Hive EV charger?

Hive's shop lists the charger as the 'Sync Energy Wall Charger 2'. Sync Energy is part of Luceco plc. Hive is Centrica Hive Ltd, part of the same group as British Gas.

### What is Hive Power+?

Hive says that with any British Gas electricity tariff and Power+ switched on in the Hive app, it charges your EV at the greenest and cheapest times, usually overnight, then credits 25% of what you spent back to your energy bill. It needs a compatible charger, a British Gas electricity tariff and a smart meter in credit mode.

### What warranty does the Hive EV charger have?

Hive gives a 3-year warranty when the charger is fitted by its installers, or 2 years without installation, subject to its terms. Hive is the first point of contact for warranty claims.

### Does the Hive EV charger work with Intelligent Octopus Go?

Octopus lists 'Sync Energy Wall Charger 2' as supported for Intelligent Octopus Go (checked 4 October 2026). Hive's Power+ feature only applies with a British Gas electricity tariff.

### What does installing the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) involve?

A qualified installer fits it on its own circuit, checks your supply and earthing, and notifies your network operator. Hive lists built-in PEN fault protection. For solar charging, ask for the supply sensor to be fitted on the same visit.

### Which chargers are similar to the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2)?

Cord Zero, Indra Smart PRO and Ohme ePod 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 Hive EV Charger support V2H or V2G?

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

### How much does the Hive EV Charger 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 Hive EV Charger 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

- **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.
- **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

- [Hive, home EV charging](https://www.hivehome.com/shop/ev-charging)
- [Sync Energy, EV Charger range and specification overview](https://sync.energy/range/1409126)
- [Octopus Energy, Intelligent Octopus Go supported chargers](https://octopus.energy/smart/intelligent-octopus-go/)
- [E.ON Next, Next Drive Smart supported chargers](https://www.eonnext.com/tariffs/next-drive/smart)
- [OVO Energy, Charge Anytime compatible EVs and smart chargers](https://www.ovoenergy.com/electric-cars/charge-anytime-cars-and-chargers)

Cite as: Best Chargers, "Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) review", specs checked October 2026, https://www.bestchargers.co.uk/hive-sync-energy-2/