UK electrician tests EV charger he'd never installed, says it 'ticks all the boxes'

Buying a home EV charger can feel like a leap, especially when the market is crowded with brands many drivers have never heard of.

That is exactly what one U.K. electrician set out to test when he installed a NexBlue charger for the first time and ultimately concluded that it "ticks all the boxes."

Here's what to know

In a detailed YouTube review, SOTA Electrical (@sotaelectrical) documented the NexBlue Point 2, a 7.4-kilowatt smart home EV charger, as he unpacked it, mounted it, and brought it through commissioning.

His testing covered the installation experience, the physical design, and the connected functions before he arrived at a clear recommendation: "Yes, I would install another one of these."

What caught his attention early was the separate back plate. Because the wiring can be completed before the charger is fitted to the wall, he said the setup could be simpler, and swapping the unit out later could also be easier.

Among the other features he highlighted were the supplied fixings, the range of cable-entry points, onboard connectivity options, and support for Intelligent Octopus Go.

Smart tariff compatibility can help drivers shift charging to cheaper off-peak hours, while solar compatibility can make it easier to use home-generated electricity instead of pricier grid power.

The electrician did not estimate exact savings, but he repeatedly pointed to tariff integration as one of the charger's biggest selling points.

He was positive about the cost as well, saying listings he saw online put it at "around 480 to 550" pounds, and adding, "With all the features and functions that this offers, it's a good price."

More background

Home charging is one of the biggest convenience upgrades available to EV owners. It can reduce reliance on public charging stations, make overnight charging more practical, and lower fueling costs when paired with the right electricity plan.

For him, warranty coverage is a baseline requirement. He said that if a charger "hasn't got a 5-year warranty, I'm not going to supply or install it," and the NexBlue Point 2 cleared that bar.

His main reservation was the cable setup. The charger comes only in an untethered version, so buyers who want a permanently attached cable may prefer something else, even if they like its "futuristic sort of modern look."

Commenters added some real-world perspective.

One wrote, "Got mine fitted in May, works really well with Octopus [tariff], well happy with this charger."

Another added, "Been using one for over a year and a half. Works as it should."

A third commenter raised a different consumer concern, writing, "The category you didn't cover is how easy is it to commission and use (within the application)."

What can be done?

As practical buying criteria, the review highlighted warranty coverage, cable style, tariff support, and compatibility with solar or load-management functions.

Those details can significantly affect cost and day-to-day convenience. A charger that works with off-peak EV tariffs can help drivers avoid charging during peak hours, and a home setup is often more affordable and less stressful than relying entirely on public infrastructure.

He also described the NexBlue mounting approach as a significant plus, saying the back plate makes installation easier than with chargers that expose more internal electronics during installation.

Summing it up, the electrician said, "It's been a piece of cake."

Where can I learn more?

This review focused on the nuts and bolts of home EV charging, from installation and tariff compatibility to solar-friendly features. These articles provide additional context, with examples including HOA disputes, solar installations, vehicle-to-home backup power, and the broader costs of owning and charging an EV.

• A homeowner showed his solar setup works after skipping a battery and adding an EV charger.

• EnergySage COO Charlie Hadlow helped unravel the mystery of solar panel costs.

They also underscore how much the experience depends on factors beyond the charger itself. Utility plans, home energy systems, and even local rules can determine whether charging at home feels straightforward or like a hassle.

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