Two Very Different Philosophies: Zappi GLO vs Pod Point Solo 3S
These two chargers sit at opposite ends of the home EV charging spectrum. The myenergi Zappi GLO is built for people who want control — over their energy, their installer, and how their charger fits into a broader home energy system. The Pod Point Solo 3S is built for people who want to tick a box: order a charger, have someone turn up and fit it, never think about it again.
In a nutshell:
- myenergi Zappi GLO: The smart choice for solar owners, smart tariff users, and anyone who wants flexibility
- Pod Point Solo 3S: The easy choice if you want a charger installed with minimal fuss and a long warranty
Does Pod Point's All-In Price Actually Save You Money?
On paper, the Pod Point Solo 3S at £999 installed looks competitive against the Zappi GLO at £599 plus a separate installation. But run the numbers and the gap narrows fast. A standard Zappi install runs £400–600, putting total cost at £999–1,199. So yes, the Pod Point route could save you up to £200.
The catch is what you give up for that saving. Pod Point assigns your installer — you don't get to choose them, check their reviews, or get competing quotes. If you already have a trusted electrician, or you'd prefer to vet the person drilling holes in your wall, the Zappi's unit-only purchase model gives you that freedom. And if your installation is straightforward, a good local sparky might come in well under £600, wiping out any Pod Point price advantage entirely.
Is the Zappi GLO Worth It for Solar Panel Owners?
Absolutely — and this is where the comparison becomes lopsided. The Zappi GLO's Eco+ mode charges your car entirely from surplus solar generation. That's genuinely free motoring on sunny days. The standard Eco mode blends solar with grid power to keep charging at a minimum rate even when the sun dips. No other mainstream home charger matches this level of solar integration.
The Pod Point Solo 3S is listed as "solar compatible," but that's a generous description. It doesn't actively divert surplus solar to your car the way the Zappi does. If you've invested in rooftop panels, choosing the Solo 3S over the Zappi means leaving money on the table every single day. For a deeper look at this, our guide to the best EV chargers for solar breaks down the differences.
Beyond solar, the Zappi slots into the wider myenergi ecosystem — pair it with an eddi hot water diverter or libbi home battery and you've got a full energy management system. The Pod Point exists in isolation.
Smart Features: Where the Pod Point Falls Short
The Solo 3S lets you schedule charging sessions through its app. That's about it. There's no smart tariff integration, so you can't automatically shift charging to the cheapest overnight rates on tariffs like Octopus Go or Octopus Agile. You'd need to manually set a timer to match your off-peak window — workable, but clunky and inflexible.
The Zappi GLO connects to Intelligent Octopus Go, meaning your car charges automatically at the lowest rates without you lifting a finger. Over a year, the difference between smart tariff optimisation and simple scheduling can easily amount to £50–100 in electricity savings, depending on your mileage and tariff. Check our EV tariff comparison for the current best rates.
The Zappi also supports RFID access for up to 126 users — overkill for most homes, but genuinely useful if you share a driveway or run a small business. The Pod Point has nothing comparable.
Pod Point's Strengths: Warranty and Simplicity
Credit where it's due — the Solo 3S comes with a 5-year warranty, two years longer than the Zappi GLO's three. If long-term peace of mind matters to you, that's a real differentiator. Pod Point is also one of the UK's most established charging brands, with a huge public network backing its reputation.
And for buyers who simply cannot be bothered researching installers, getting quotes, and coordinating schedules, the Pod Point's single-purchase model removes all friction. You order, they book, someone turns up. Done.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the myenergi Zappi GLO if:
- You have solar panels — or plan to install them
- You want smart tariff integration to minimise electricity costs
- You prefer choosing your own installer
- You're building (or might build) a myenergi home energy ecosystem
Buy the Pod Point Solo 3S if:
- You want a completely hassle-free purchase and installation experience
- A 5-year warranty matters more to you than smart features
- You don't have solar panels and don't use a smart energy tariff
- You'd rather pay one price and not think about it again
For most Tesla owners reading this, the Zappi GLO is the stronger buy. It's smarter, more capable, and opens the door to serious energy savings — especially if you have solar. The Pod Point Solo 3S isn't a bad charger, but at a similar total price, it gives you significantly less. Its only real advantage is convenience on installation day, and that's a one-time benefit you'll stop thinking about within a week. The Zappi's advantages compound every time you plug in. If you're still weighing options, our best Tesla home charger guide covers the full field.