As of 2023, 840,000 fully electric vehicles (EVs) drive on UK roads. The growing demand for greener transport is obvious. As a result, a surge of companies have joined the market. To get their piece of the pie, many innovators are designing public and at-home chargers.

But too much competition can cause problems. The rivalry may lead to short-term focus, a lack of collaboration, and price pressure. Each of these things has the potential to hinder wider EV adoption and add to driver hesitation.

There are ways to make sure this doesn’t happen. For example, when businesses take a customer-centric and value-driven approach. This study will explore the strategies of the top providers and how these could influence the future of EV charging.

Comparing the top EV charger providers

More new names join the EV production race every year. And others grow bigger and better. Looking at the leaders helps track developments, identify future trends, and gain a deeper understanding of the market. With that in mind, here are the brands to remember:

1. bp pulse

2. Pod Point

3. EO Charging

4. myenergi

5. Andersen

6. Osprey

Below are some of the key factors for making a great charging point. Let’s explore how the top providers compare and what they’re doing differently.

1. Usability

The chargers need to be easy to use. Not only that, they must be functional, safe, and effective. Top providers in the EV industry should understand how important this is. Good usability is the only way to ensure future adoption. It removes barriers of increasingly complex tech.

bp pulse

This company self-proclaims that their home charger “really couldn’t be simpler to use”. Detailed user manuals are available for every version of the device. The product is still available even though the brand doesn’t sell directly to consumers anymore. Their focus is on fleets instead.

For businesses, bp pulse will consider employees and customers above all else. An experienced team handles all the fine details. This includes:

• site surveys

• equipment

• grant applications

• choosing the best location

• grant opportunities

On the streets of the UK, this business has installed over 8,000 charging points. Around 3,500 of these are rapid and ultra-fast. As a result, this network has become one of the largest in the country. Users can navigate it with the live map on the brand’s mobile app.

Pod Point

This brand is well-known for their home charger. The reasons for the popularity are endless. Users will get the installation standard with their order. For further guidance, Pod Point’s website is full of advice. For example, how to optimise your Wi-Fi before ordering.

Beyond the home, they also have an impressive network of over 9,000 public charging bays. These span popular locations such as Tesco, Lidl, and Centre Parcs. You can identify where these points are by downloading the Pod Point app. The intuitive platform will show live availability for stress-free driving, too.

EO Charging

EO Charging does not have a public network. Instead, they’re focused on becoming the global leader in commercial and home devices. The brand distributes to more than 35 countries worldwide. Considering they were founded in 2014, this is a remarkable feat.

Uniquely, EO Charging offers a build-your-own package to their customers. This includes the product itself and the accessories it comes with. Doing so ensures drivers don’t buy something they don’t need or can’t use. There are many options on their website, including:

• what speed they’d like at home

• whether they’d like 4G connectivity

• what add-ons (such as power balancing) they’d want

• whether they’d be interested in surge protection

• if the universal or tethered connection would be better suited to them

myenergi

Just like EO Charging, myenergi doesn’t offer a public network. So the focus is on their smart solution, zappi. This solution can be used in the house or a company setting. For business owners or homeowners, installation claims to be user-friendly and easy. Even without the experts on-hand.

The charger pairs with the myenergi app. This unlocks many features for the users. For example, they can add secure PIN code access. This eliminates harmful tampering, use without permission, and changes to settings.

But when things go wrong, there’s a strong support network to fall back on. Customers can call, email, or fill out a form. The business then takes this further with its Installer Centre. Here’s what that includes:

• community forums

• video tutorials

• wikis

• frequently asked questions

• hub support

Andersen

Again, Andersen only offers home charging products. But they make sure users are catered for. All chargers are compatible with type 2 electric and hybrid cars. Installation by the brand’s professionals includes explanation and testing. If the customer has a trusted electrician they’d rather hire, that can be arranged too.

Andersen prides themselves on high-quality service. They’ll ask for questionnaires to be completed after ordering. Consultations are given so users can get the most value from their chargers. A home visit will be done to see if standard installation is suitable. These actions make sure the product is as usable as it can be.

Osprey

Osprey doesn’t offer home charging for EV drivers. Their focus is on building the best infrastructure possible across the UK. As they say, “from Perthshire to Cornwall”.

The company has around 500 rapid charging points nationwide. They are all conveniently located and open access. If a driver can’t find one, then they can use the ZapMap app. Filters like charging speed and types can be applied to show only the compatible stations.

2. Accessibility

Charging is a stressful thought for some. Those with varied physical abilities and visual impairments aren’t always considered in the design process. Also, lower-income drivers face barriers when the costs are too high. When these factors aren’t considered, EVs aren’t welcoming. Top providers need to pave the way for inclusion so others follow behind.

bp pulse

The business’s mission involves developing “hassle-free” public charging. They want the experience to be fast and convenient for every driver.

Becoming a member is the cheapest way to charge. When users sign up, they are rewarded with £45.00 credit and a month’s subscription. Still, the cost of £7.85 per month can be hard for many to afford. Below is a comparison of all payment options for the network:

• subscribers pay £0.63p/kWh for 50kW or £0.69p/kWh for 150kW

• pay-as-you-go users spend £0.77p/kWh for 50kW or £0.83p/kWh for 150kW

• contactless payment costs £0.79p/kWh for 50kW or £0.85p/kWh for 150kW

Customers can no longer buy at-home chargers. This presents some concerns. People with additional needs often prefer them. Reasons include reduced dependency, comfort, and customisation. For instance, wheelchair users can’t guarantee a public point is in a well-spaced area.

Pod Point

On the roads, the network boasts no subscription or connection fees. If the charging point isn’t free, which many are, you pay per hour. Not all of the points have a contactless payment option. This may cause distress to some drivers and passengers.

The ones that do are in specific locations. Tesco is one of them. This guide also shows different places have different prices. For example:

• at Tesco, the fast chargers cost £0.44-£0.49p/kW

• at Lidl, the price is £0.65p/kWh

For those wanting to install a Pod Point at home, it’ll amount to around £799.00. This is a competitive price compared to other options. A HyperVolt costs around £1089.00 and a OHME Home Pro comes in at £965.00. Flexible payment is possible with Klarna, as well.

EO Charging

In the brand’s values, they stress that they hire people with different perspectives. This increases the chance that all needs will be addressed. They claim to be people first, and technology second.

So what about the charger itself? Exciting features can be added when users start ordering. For example, power management is an extra £116.00. But the standard product costs around £995.00. Installation and VAT are included. It comes with:

• a compact design

• built-in power-balancing to reduce blackouts

• no additional earth rods

• online survey to highlight the user’s needs

myenergi

The brand’s goal is a simple transition to a sustainable future. They want to provide affordable solutions for energy independence. It’s right there in their mission statement.

The home charger comes with promises too. It is designed to inspire a “simple, accessible, and convenient ecosystem”. Here are some examples of how:

• information is displayed with visual graphs

• charging can be handled with remote control

• no additional earth rods

• exceeded safety standards

The cost of the zappi charger depends on the power, connection type, and colour. The lowest price comes in at £779.00. A quote will be required to figure out how much installation is.

Andersen

This charger’s price point stands out from the others. At an average of £1,199.00, it’s not accessible to those on a lower budget. Before ordering, there are more costs to consider.

Longer cables set users back an extra £100.00 and general installation fees are £395.00.

Higher costs often come with benefits, though. Andersen is no exception. Their product boasts premium features. These make the driving and charging experience seamless. Even for those with additional or specific needs. Below is a sample of what they offer:

• interior lighting

• magnetic lids

• different options for colour and texture

• lightweight and flexible cables

Osprey

Accessibility is at the heart of this company. A statement released in March 2020 formally addressed their passion. They explained that customers with mobility requirements are not yet well-catered for. With new designs and constant analysis, they hoped to change this.

There are many other ways they’re attempting to do this. Here are a few examples to show you their commitment to the cause:

• using artwork on the charging points to raise awareness of important topics

• influencing partners to prioritise space to support users who need it

• choosing charger hardware that manages the cable weight

• making charging point screens usable and visible from seated positions

3. Innovations

Another way to compare top EV charger providers is to look at their unique selling points (USPs). Out-of-the-box thinking is essential because it leads to progress. The industry can move forward with better methods. When these ideas are validated and showcased, other companies are shown what their priorities should be.

bp pulse

It’s an assumption that every EV provider cares about the environment. But how many brands are going above and beyond to prove this? It’s safe to say the bp pulse is. The business announced revolutionary ambitions to become a zero-net company in 2020.

They aim to achieve this by 2050 or sooner. Doing so isn’t an easy task. The team will have to work tirelessly to meet their goal. Some of the action they’re taking includes:

• installing methane measurements at BP’s biggest oil and gas processing sites

• participating in active advocacy for policies like carbon pricing

• launching a team to create integrated clean energy and mobility solutions

• setting new expectations for their relationships with trade associations

Pod Point

What’s the ultimate USP? Being the best. When it comes to home charging, Pod Point takes the crown. The business won “What Cars?’ Best Home EV Charger of 2023”. The product was given a rating of 82.2% by readers and testers, defeating 8 competitors.

The score was calculated from overall satisfaction, service, and cost. Pod Point scored the best for money, too, with 71.9%. The article added that respondents called the chargers “reasonably priced, simple to use, and dependable.”

EO Charging

In the EV industry, collaboration is essential. Strong relationships form better solutions. Shared research leads to improved policies. Inspiration advances industry standards.

Partnerships achieve this effectively because they’re mutually beneficial. This is something EO Charging does well. To build a new charging ecosystem, the brand has teamed up with a variety of companies. Here are the biggest ones from the past few years:

• partnered with Viridian Solar to help housebuilders reduce emissions

• adopted Jumptech software to make EV charger installations easier

• joined forces with YHI Energy to meet the growing EV demands in New Zealand

• became a provider for Uber and Amazon to exchange growth opportunities

All of the details can be found on their “Stories” page.

myenergi

It’s the charger itself that’s worth talking about here. The product, zappi, is an adaptive charger that can be powered 100% by solar. It is the first of its kind worldwide. It can also use wind for even more choices.

If users don’t have access to a wind power system or solar panels, the device will still work by using the grid. Choosing to invest in renewable sources in the future is easy, too. The zappi is designed to be flexible and easy to hook up with new energy.

Andersen

Andersen describes themselves as a premium solution. They prove this with the stunning design of their chargers. With over 126 finish options, users can decide if their device blends in or stands out. This means they can also choose the most sustainable options.

Below are the parts of the charger that buyers can customise:

• body colour

• colour of the front metal

• material of the cover (carbon/wood)

A well-presented charger brings many benefits. When natural materials are offered, users benefit from a greener design. Also, higher-quality products typically last longer. A sleeker model is also more likely to be socially accepted. This will increase adoption rates.

Osprey

Pod Point isn’t the only provider with a title. Osprey won the Infrastructure Award, given out by the Automotive Global Awards in 2022. They won due to their contributions to EV adoption and sustainability causes.

But the celebrations didn’t stop there. In the same year, Osprey was announced as the Highly Commended company for the Low Carbon Transport Award. This was offered by the British Renewable Energy Awards, a well-respected competition.

The future of EV charging

The chargers of these top providers have pros and cons. It’s the way with most things. Each has their own unique focus, values, and frameworks. These factors will affect what they do and how they do it. This can be used to our advantage.

The potential of these names working together is huge. Imagine drivers who can seamlessly connect anywhere. A universal network would be bigger, better, and more reliable than ever. If we keep heading in this direction, the future looks bright.