Same Price, Completely Different Deal
Here's the thing that makes this comparison unusual: the Andersen A3 and Pod Point Solo 3S both land at essentially the same number — around £999. But that figure means something entirely different for each charger. With Pod Point, £999 gets you the charger installed on your wall. With Andersen, £995 gets you just the unit, and you'll spend another £400–600 on installation.
So the real comparison isn't £995 vs £999. It's roughly £1,400–£1,600 vs £999. That's a significant gap, and it shapes everything about this decision.
In a nutshell:
- Andersen A3: The best-looking home charger you can buy, with a hidden cable system and 247 finish options — but you pay handsomely for it
- Pod Point Solo 3S: A no-fuss, all-in package from one of the UK's biggest charging brands — but you sacrifice control over installation and smart features
Is the Andersen A3's Design Worth £400–600 More?
That's the central question, and the answer depends entirely on where your charger lives. If it's mounted on the front of a period property, visible from the street, or next to your front door, the Andersen A3 is the only charger that won't look like a piece of utility equipment bolted to your wall. The anodised aluminium construction, the choice of wood, metal, and custom colour finishes, and that clever hidden cable system — nothing else comes close.
The Pod Point Solo 3S is perfectly inoffensive. It's compact at 330mm × 290mm, lighter than the Andersen, and won't offend anyone. But it looks like what it is: a white plastic EV charger. If that's tucked away in your garage or round the side of the house, who cares? If it's the first thing visitors see, maybe you do.
Pod Point's All-In Price: Convenience or Captive Audience?
Pod Point's bundled installation model is genuinely divisive. On one hand, you pay £999 and someone turns up to fit it — done. No sourcing electricians, no comparing quotes, no coordinating schedules. For anyone who just wants the job finished, that's appealing.
On the other hand, you cannot choose your installer. Pod Point assigns a third-party contractor from their network, and you have no say in who that is. You can't check their reviews or track record beforehand. If you're particular about tradespeople — and plenty of homeowners are — this is a real drawback.
The Andersen route gives you full control. Buy the unit, hire whoever you trust to fit it. You might pay more overall, but you know exactly who's doing the work. For a job that involves your home's electrical supply, that control has value.
Smart Features: Neither Charger Leads the Pack
Let's be blunt — if smart tariff optimisation is your priority, neither of these is the right choice. The Pod Point Solo 3S has no smart tariff integration at all. The Andersen A3 supports Octopus Intelligent Go and OVO Charge Anytime, which is better, but it's not in the same league as the Ohme Home Pro for squeezing every penny from variable rates.
Both chargers offer scheduled charging and solar compatibility. The Andersen's app is competent without being exceptional. Pod Point's app is functional but basic. If you're on a flat-rate tariff and just want to set a charging schedule, either will do the job. If you're on Octopus Agile or want granular half-hourly rate optimisation, look at our smart EV charger guide instead.
Andersen A3's 7-Year Warranty vs Pod Point's 5 Years
The Andersen's 7-year warranty is the longest you'll find on any UK home charger, and it matters. These units sit outdoors in British weather year-round — rain, frost, summer heat. Two extra years of coverage over the Pod Point's already-decent 5-year warranty is meaningful, especially given the Andersen's higher purchase price. You want that investment protected.
Both chargers carry IP54 weatherproofing, which is standard for outdoor-rated units. The Andersen's aluminium construction should age better than plastic over the long term, though Pod Point's track record across thousands of UK installations suggests reliability isn't a concern for either.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Andersen A3 if:
- Your charger is prominently visible and kerb appeal matters to you
- You want to choose your own installer
- You value the 7-year warranty and premium build quality
- You're willing to pay £1,400–£1,600 total for the best-looking charger on the market
Buy the Pod Point Solo 3S if:
- You want the simplest possible buying experience — one price, installed
- Your charger is in a garage, carport, or side wall where looks don't matter
- You'd rather save £400–600 and put it towards your electricity bills
- You're eligible for the OZEV grant (up to £350 off for qualifying renters and flat owners)
For most Tesla owners, the Pod Point Solo 3S is the pragmatic choice. It does the same electrical job, costs significantly less all-in, and the installation is handled for you. But if you've spent time choosing the right front door colour and your driveway charger is on full display, the Andersen A3 is the only option that treats design as more than an afterthought. Check our best Tesla home charger guide if neither quite fits.