How fast does it charge?
7.4 kWAbout 25 to 30 miles of range for every hour plugged in, and about 10 to 11 hours for a full charge for most cars. There is no 22 kW version.
- 7.4 kW single-phase
Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) review
The Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) 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 7.4 kW, the usual speed for a home charger: about 25 to 30 miles of range for every hour plugged in. Octopus lists it for its 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
- Charging speed
- 7.4 kW about 25 to 30 miles an hour
- Cable
- Untethered you plug in your own cable
- Solar charging
- Yes from your panels
- Smart tariffs
- 1 of 3 Octopus
Is the Hive EV Charger right for you?
The questions most people start with, answered from Hive's own documents.
Is the Hive EV Charger tethered or untethered?
UntetheredIt has a socket, so you will need your own charging cable (Type 2, the usual kind). Installers call a fixed cable "tethered" and a socket "untethered".
- Socket for your own cable
Is the Hive EV Charger compatible with Intelligent Octopus Go?
Yes, listedOctopus lists it, so Octopus can run its charging at cheap times for you. E.ON Next and OVO do not list it. It works with any overnight tariff that only needs a timer, such as EDF GoElectric.
OctopusLists it
E.ON NextNot listed
OVONot listed
Can it charge from solar panels?
YesIt 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 2It 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 Hive EV Charger support V2H or V2G?
NoHive 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?
YesIt 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 Hive EV Charger need an earth rod?
Usually notIt has a built-in safety feature (Hive 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?
3 years3 years, with Hive installation (2 years without).
07 years, the longest of the 26 chargers we cover
Hive EV Charger specs
As published by Hive, checked October 2026.
| 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 three that share the most charger types with it, then any charger you choose, spec by spec.
Cord Zero
A 7.36 kW charger designed in the UK by Cord, with a socket or a 5 m, 8 m or 12 m tethered cable, Wi-Fi and 4G built in, and a 5-year product warranty.
- 7.36 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 5 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Indra Smart PRO
A 7.4 kW untethered charger designed and built in the UK by Indra, with solar matching, house fuse protection and listings with Octopus, OVO and E.ON Next.
- 7.4 kW
- Socket (untethered)
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Ohme ePod
A 7.4 kW untethered charger from Ohme with a Type 2 socket and a built-in mobile data SIM, which Octopus lists as supported for Intelligent Octopus Go.
- 7.4 kW
- Socket (untethered)
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Hive EV Charger vs EO Mini Pro 3, Cord Zero and Indra Smart PRO
| Feature | Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) | EO Mini Pro 3 | Cord Zero | Indra Smart PRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max power | 7.4 kW | 7.2 kW | 7.36 kW | 7.4 kW |
| 22 kW three-phase version | No | No | No | No |
| Cable | Type 2 socket (untethered) | Type 2 socket or tethered 5 m | Type 2 socket or tethered 5 m / 8 m / 12 m | Type 2 socket (untethered) |
| Solar charging | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Load management | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PEN fault protection | Built in | Built in | Built in | Not stated |
| Smart tariff lists (Octopus, OVO, E.ON Next) | Octopus (Intelligent Octopus Go) | Not listed | Octopus (Intelligent Octopus Go); OVO (Charge Anytime) | Octopus (Intelligent Octopus Go); OVO (Charge Anytime); E.ON Next (Next Drive Smart) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, 4G (selected models) | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, GSM (mobile) | Wi-Fi, 4G | Wi-Fi, Ethernet (extra cost), Cellular (extra cost) |
| OCPP | OCPP 1.6J | OCPP (used for the ev.energy app) | OCPP 1.6 | Not stated |
| RFID | Not stated | Not stated | Yes | Not stated |
| Vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-home | No | No | No | No |
| Ingress and impact rating | Not stated | IP56/IP54 (as stated by EO) | IP54 (socket) / IP65 (tethered), IK08 | IP54 (brochure) / IP65 (product page), IK10 |
| Dimensions | Not stated | 230 x 151 x 125 mm | 320 x 210 x 132 mm | 200 x 420 x 130 mm |
| Warranty | 3 years with Hive installation (2 years without) | Not stated | 5 years (product) | 3 years |
Hive EV Charger features explained
Every feature, from Hive's datasheet, manual and product pages.
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 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 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 Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2)'s 7.4 kW for the charging time.
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 Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2)
- 5h 21m at 7.4 kW, adding about 162 miles
Rates checked October 2026, including 0% VAT; they vary by region and change often, so check with the supplier.
Hive EV Charger installation
Three steps from here to your first charge at home.
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.
Find a local installer
Browse EV charger installers in 50 UK cities, each with its published Google rating, and ask for the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) by name.
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.
Hive EV Charger FAQs
How long does the Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) take to charge a car?
At 7.4 kW it adds about 25 to 30 miles of range an hour. A typical top-up of about 162 miles takes about 5h 21m, so it fits in a night. A full charge from empty takes about 10 to 11 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 Hive EV Charger?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- hivehome.comHive, home EV charging
- sync.energySync Energy, EV Charger range and specification overview
- octopus.energyOctopus Energy, Intelligent Octopus Go supported chargers
- eonnext.comE.ON Next, Next Drive Smart supported chargers
- ovoenergy.comOVO Energy, Charge Anytime compatible EVs and smart chargers
Cite this page: Best Chargers, "Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2) review", specs checked October 2026, https://www.bestchargers.co.uk/hive-sync-energy-2/. Also as Markdown and JSON.
Home EV chargers, A to Z
Every charger we compare, A to Z. Swipe or use the arrows to browse.
Andersen A3
A 7 kW single-phase charger from Andersen with a 5.5 m cable that stores inside the housing, convenience lighting and a 7-year warranty.
- 7 kW
- Tethered 5.5 m
- 7 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Andersen Quartz
Andersen's smallest charger, available at 7 kW or 22 kW with a socket or tethered cable, 11 colours and a 7-year warranty.
- 7 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 7 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Cord Zero
A 7.36 kW charger designed in the UK by Cord, with a socket or a 5 m, 8 m or 12 m tethered cable, Wi-Fi and 4G built in, and a 5-year product warranty.
- 7.36 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 5 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Easee One
A 7.4 kW socket charger developed by Easee for the UK market, with a cable lock that makes it tethered or untethered, a built-in eSIM and integrated open PEN protection.
- 7.4 kW
- Socket (untethered)
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
EO Mini Pro 3
A 7.2 kW single-phase charger from EO, the size of an A5 notepad, with CT clamps for solar and power balancing included and an app now run by ev.energy.
- 7.2 kW
- Tethered or socket
- Solar compatible
GivEnergy EV Charger
A 7 kW tethered solar-diverting charger from GivEnergy. GivEnergy Ltd has been in administration since 9 April 2026; check warranty and support before buying.
- 7 kW
- Tethered 5 m
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Hive EV Charger (Sync Energy Wall Charger 2)
Hive's home EV charger is the Sync Energy Wall Charger 2, sold with installation by Hive's installers and controlled in the Hive app, with Power+ for British Gas customers.
- 7.4 kW
- Socket (untethered)
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Humax MX7
A 7.4 kW single-phase charger from Humax with vehicle identification, solar charging and V2G-ready hardware that Humax says is not yet commercially supported.
- 7.4 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 5 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro
A 7.4 kW tethered charger with solar charging modes, automatic load management and a CT clamp in the box, listed by Octopus, OVO and E.ON Next for their smart tariffs.
- 7.4 kW
- Tethered 5 m
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Indra Smart LUX
A 7.4 kW tethered charger from Indra, 78 mm deep, with a 6 m or 10 m cable, O-PEN fault detection and listings with Octopus, OVO and E.ON Next.
- 7.4 kW
- Tethered 6 m
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Indra Smart PRO
A 7.4 kW untethered charger designed and built in the UK by Indra, with solar matching, house fuse protection and listings with Octopus, OVO and E.ON Next.
- 7.4 kW
- Socket (untethered)
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Masterplug Smart EV Charger
A 7.4 kW single-phase charger from Masterplug, part of Luceco plc, controlled through the Sync Energy app, with a load management clamp and PEN protection.
- 7.4 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
myenergi zappi
A 7 kW or 22 kW home charger from myenergi with three charging modes, two of which use surplus solar generation, and a grid current sensor supplied in the box.
- 7 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
myenergi zappi GLO
A screen-free 7 kW single-phase charger from myenergi, controlled through the app, with an RFID access key and a Smart Mode that can use surplus solar.
- 7 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Ohme ePod
A 7.4 kW untethered charger from Ohme with a Type 2 socket and a built-in mobile data SIM, which Octopus lists as supported for Intelligent Octopus Go.
- 7.4 kW
- Socket (untethered)
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Ohme Home Pro
A 7.4 kW tethered charger from Ohme with a colour screen and a built-in mobile data SIM, which Octopus lists as supported for Intelligent Octopus Go.
- 7.4 kW
- Tethered 5 m
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Pod Point Solo 3S
Pod Point's home charger, sold untethered or with a 6.5 m cable, with a power balancing sensor that must be fitted and built-in PME fault protection.
- 7.4 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 5 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Rolec EVO
A socketed charger from Rolec in 7.4 kW and 22 kW versions, with solar modes, dynamic load balancing, RFID cards and a 5-year warranty.
- 7.4 kW
- Socket (untethered)
- 5 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Rolec WallPod
A 7.4 kW single-phase charger designed and manufactured in the UK by Rolec, with socket or tethered versions, 4G, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and MID-approved metering.
- 7.4 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Rolec Zura
A charger from Rolec with one or two outlets, in 7.4 kW single-phase or 22 kW three-phase versions, designed and manufactured in the UK.
- 7.4 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Simpson & Partners Home Plus
A 7.4 kW or 22 kW charger with a hand-painted aluminium front, made in the Cotswolds by Simpson & Partners, with a 10-year enclosure warranty.
- 7.4 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 5 years warranty
Sync Energy EV Charger
The Sync Energy EV Charger from Luceco plc, sold socketed or with a 7.5 m cable, with Wi-Fi, Ethernet and optional 4G, and listed by Octopus for Intelligent Octopus Go.
- 7.4 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
VCHRGD Seven Pro
A 7.4 kW single-phase charger from VCHRGD with a push-fit design, CT clamp, RFID reader and OCPP 1.6J, listed by Octopus for Intelligent Octopus Go.
- 7.4 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 3 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Wallbox Pulsar Max
A compact charger from Wallbox in 7.4 kW, 11 kW and 22 kW versions, tethered or with a socket, with a 5-year warranty and listing for Intelligent Octopus Go.
- 7.4 kW
- Tethered or socket
- 5 years warranty
- Solar compatible
Wallbox Quasar 2
Wallbox's bidirectional home charger, which can power a home from a compatible car's battery. Wallbox's UK page offers a 'keep me updated' sign-up rather than a quote.
- Tethered
- Solar compatible
Zaptec Go
A 1.3 kg socketed charger designed and made in Norway by Zaptec, up to 7.4 kW single-phase or 22 kW three-phase, with Wi-Fi, 4G LTE-M and a 5-year guarantee.
- 7.4 kW
- Socket (untethered)
- 5 years warranty