Masterplug EV Charger Review
Key Features at a Glance
- 7.4kW (32A) single-phase — adds approximately 30 miles of range per hour
- 5m tethered Type 2 cable (tethered model) or socketed version for your own cable
- Solar charging mode — surplus PV generation directed to your EV
- Monta app — scheduling, energy monitoring, and push notifications
- IP55 weatherproofing — suitable for sheltered outdoor installation
- OZEV eligible — up to £500 off installation for eligible renters and flat owners
- Available at Argos and Amazon — no specialist EV retailer required
- Backed by Luceco PLC — UK-listed electrical manufacturer
Is It Worth It?
The Masterplug EV charger earns its place at its price point. You get OZEV approval, solar support, off-peak scheduling, and app monitoring at a unit cost that undercuts most smart chargers by £100 to £200.
The Masterplug EV charger is the right choice if you want a recognised UK brand, OZEV approval, and basic smart features at the lowest possible price. The trade-offs — a 5m cable, a third-party app that some owners found fiddly to set up, and a narrower feature set than rivals at £100 more — are real, but they may not matter for your charging pattern.
If you can stretch by £100 to £200, the Hive Sync Energy Wall Charger 2 (also from Luceco PLC) is a significantly more capable product in every respect.
Charging Performance
Power Output
The Masterplug charger delivers 7.4kW (32A) single-phase output, adding approximately 30 miles of range per hour — the standard for UK home EV charging and sufficient for a full overnight charge on any modern EV.
Cable Length
The tethered model includes a 5-metre Type 2 cable. This is shorter than many rivals — the Hive Sync Energy Wall Charger 2 includes 7.5m. Before purchasing, measure the distance from your intended wall mounting position to your vehicle’s charge port. If the car sits more than 4m from the wall at the cable entry point, a 5m cable can feel tight.
The socketed version has no fixed cable — you use your own Type 2 lead.
Build Quality
The Masterplug charger is built to IP55 weatherproofing on both the tethered and socketed models — protected against water jets from any direction. The separate RFID wall station model (EVCM3BS7BR) is rated IP65. The tethered model carries an IK08 impact rating.
The unit includes an RCCM chip that performs the same protective function as a standalone RCD — detecting fault conditions and cutting power via the contactor. It does not include a separate RCD or surge protection device.
Smart Features and App
Monta App
Smart charging features run through the Monta platform — a third-party app, not a proprietary Masterplug system. Monta provides charge scheduling, energy monitoring, and push notifications. You can set charging windows aligned to your tariff’s off-peak hours and view session history.
Setup requires two apps: first the Masterplug app to pair the unit via Bluetooth and connect it to your home Wi-Fi, then the Monta app for smart features. Keep the instruction sheet safe — you will need the unit name and password printed on it if you ever need to reset the charger.
Multiple owner reviews on Argos and Amazon note that the Wi-Fi pairing step was unreliable. The Bluetooth connection between the Masterplug app and the charger failed to complete on the first attempt for some buyers. Most owners report that the connection eventually worked after retrying. Allow extra time for setup.
Once configured, the app works reliably for day-to-day scheduling and monitoring.
Tariff Compatibility
The Masterplug charger works with most UK energy tariffs through schedule-based charging. There is no direct API connection to Octopus Intelligent Go. For Intelligent Go users, you may find it easier to rely on your car’s own scheduling controls, as Octopus typically wants to control the vehicle directly rather than the charger.
The charger also works without a Wi-Fi connection for basic charging — plug in and charge runs without the app if the smart features are not needed.
Solar Charging
The Masterplug charger supports solar charging mode. Surplus solar generation from your panels can be directed to the car rather than exported to the grid. Confirm with Masterplug directly whether a CT clamp is included in the box or needs to be sourced separately before purchasing, as this was not confirmed in research for this review.
Installation
The Masterplug charger is a Mode 3 device and must be installed by a qualified electrician. Installation involves routing a dedicated cable from your consumer unit to the charger mounting position. The charger includes a four-point fixing with horizontal and vertical adjustment and a fixing hole template to simplify wall marking.
Installation typically adds £300 to £500 for a standard home job. The fully installed cost therefore runs from approximately £580 to £850 before the OZEV grant. For eligible renters and flat owners, the OZEV grant reduces the installation cost by up to £500, making the Masterplug one of the most accessible routes to a smart home charger in the UK — potentially under £350 fully installed for eligible buyers.
Note: some Argos listings show a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee, while brand and Amazon listings state 3 years. The warranty terms may differ by model SKU and purchase channel. Confirm the exact warranty for your specific model before buying.
How It Compares
Masterplug vs Hive Sync Energy Wall Charger 2
Both are Luceco PLC products. The Sync Energy Wall Charger 2 is the significantly more capable option: 7.5m cable vs 5m, Wi-Fi plus 4G vs Wi-Fi only, IP65 and IK10 vs IP55 and IK08, nine interchangeable fascia colours, and the Power+ benefit for British Gas customers. The Masterplug costs roughly £100 to £200 less depending on channel and configuration. For buyers who can stretch the budget, the Sync Energy is better value overall.
Masterplug vs Ohme ePod
The Ohme ePod is available from approximately £409 and includes native Octopus Intelligent Go integration, solar diversion, and dynamic load balancing. For buyers who are on, or planning to join, Octopus Intelligent Go, the Ohme ePod is worth the premium. The Masterplug wins only on raw unit price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Masterplug EV charger any good? For the price, yes. It is OZEV approved, includes solar support and app scheduling, and is backed by Luceco PLC, a listed UK manufacturer. The honest trade-offs are a 5m cable (shorter than most rivals), a third-party app that some owners found fiddly to set up via Bluetooth, and a feature set narrower than chargers at £100 to £200 more. For budget-focused buyers, it does the job.
Does the Masterplug EV charger work with Octopus Energy? For standard scheduled off-peak charging using Octopus Go and similar fixed-window tariffs, the Monta app can be configured to charge during the right hours. The charger does not have a direct API to Octopus Intelligent Go, so it cannot automatically claim additional off-peak slots.
Is the Masterplug EV charger OZEV approved? Yes. Eligible renters and flat owners can claim up to £500 off the installation cost through the OZEV grant scheme, which runs until March 2027.
What app does the Masterplug EV charger use? Smart features are delivered through the Monta platform. Setup requires two apps in sequence: first the Masterplug app (for Bluetooth pairing and Wi-Fi connection), then the Monta app (for scheduling and monitoring). Wi-Fi pairing has been reported as unreliable by some owners — allow extra time for this step.
Is the Masterplug EV charger compatible with solar panels? Yes. The charger supports solar charging mode, routing surplus generation to your EV. Confirm whether a CT clamp is included in the box or needs to be purchased separately before buying.
