NexBlue Point 2 vs Rolec EVO: Future-Proofed or Best Value?

Two Budget Smart Chargers With Very Different Bets on the Future

The NexBlue Point 2 and Rolec EVO sit in a similar price bracket, deliver the same 7.4kW output, come with 5-year warranties, and are both untethered. On paper, they look like near-identical propositions. Dig a little deeper and you find two fundamentally different philosophies: NexBlue is gambling on tomorrow's technology, while Rolec is focused on delivering maximum practical value today.

In a nutshell:

• NexBlue Point 2 (£530): V2G and ISO 15118 ready with 4G eSIM and automated smart tariff charging — the most future-proofed charger at this price
• Rolec EVO (£449): UK-built, mature solar modes, built-in PME fault detection — the most complete package for the money

Does V2G Readiness Actually Matter in 2025?

The NexBlue Point 2's headline feature is ISO 15118 and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) readiness, plus OCPP 2.0.1 support. These are genuine technical credentials. The problem? V2G is still in its infancy in the UK. Very few energy suppliers offer V2G tariffs, and your car needs to support it too — most Teslas don't yet. You're paying a premium for hardware that might become useful in two or three years, or might not.

The Rolec EVO takes the opposite approach with OCPP 1.6J — the current industry standard that works with existing networks and installers right now. It's less glamorous, but it's proven. If V2G takes off and you have a compatible vehicle, the NexBlue will look prescient. If it doesn't, you've spent £80 extra on a promise.

The Rolec EVO's Hidden Installation Saving

Here's where the Rolec quietly pulls the maths in its favour. It has built-in PME/PEN fault detection, which means your installer doesn't need to fit a separate device or install an earth rod. That typically saves £100–200 on top of the standard installation cost. The NexBlue Point 2 doesn't include this.

So the real-world price gap isn't just £80 on the unit — it could be £180–280 once you factor in installation. For a charger that already costs under £500, that's a significant difference. If you're watching your budget, the Rolec is hard to argue against. Check our cheapest EV charger guide for more options in this range.

Solar Charging: Rolec Has the Edge

Both chargers support solar surplus charging, but the execution differs. The Rolec EVO has Eco and Eco+ modes built in — similar in concept to the Zappi's approach — with the CT clamp included in the box. It works out of the box for solar diverting.

The NexBlue Point 2 requires a separate Zen accessory for solar surplus charging. That's an added cost and an extra piece of hardware. If solar integration is a priority, the Rolec is the more straightforward choice. Our solar charger guide covers this in more detail.

Smart Tariff Integration: NexBlue Has the Smarter System

Credit where it's due — the NexBlue's EcoPilot feature automatically optimises charging based on your energy tariff, similar to what the Ohme Home Pro does. If you're on a variable tariff like Octopus Agile, this kind of automation can save real money without you lifting a finger. See our tariff comparison page for the latest rates.

The Rolec EVO supports scheduled charging, so you can set it to charge during Octopus Go's off-peak window manually. That works fine, but it's not the same as automatic price optimisation across 30-minute slots. If you're on a flat off-peak tariff, both approaches work equally well. If you're on Agile or a similar dynamic tariff, the NexBlue's automation is a tangible advantage.

Connectivity and Brand Maturity

The NexBlue includes a 4G eSIM with a lifetime free subscription — a genuine backup if your Wi-Fi drops. The Rolec counters with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and an Ethernet port, but no cellular fallback. In practice, Ethernet is the most reliable connection if your router is nearby, but 4G wins for garages with poor Wi-Fi coverage.

Both brands have app maturity questions. NexBlue is a newer entrant with limited long-term reliability data. Rolec has been manufacturing EV chargers in Lincolnshire for over a decade, but the EVO itself is a newer product and its app is still being refined. Neither app is as polished as the best smart charger options from Ohme or Tesla, but both are functional.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy the NexBlue Point 2 if:

• V2G readiness and ISO 15118 matter to you now
• You're on Octopus Agile or another dynamic tariff and want automated optimisation
• Your garage has poor Wi-Fi and you need 4G fallback
• You enjoy being an early adopter

Buy the Rolec EVO if:

• You want the lowest total cost including installation
• Solar surplus charging is a priority
• You prefer buying from an established UK manufacturer
• You want PME fault detection built in to avoid extra installation costs

For most Tesla owners looking for a solid, affordable smart charger right now, the Rolec EVO is the better buy. It's cheaper upfront, cheaper to install, and delivers a more complete feature set for today's needs. The NexBlue Point 2 is the more interesting product — but interesting and practical aren't always the same thing.