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The Zappi is an EV chargepoint with special eco charging modes designed to optimise self-consumption of on-site solar PV. It is designed and manufactured in the UK by myenergi, with over 500,000 devices shipped globally. It has three charging modes:
FAST mode works like an ordinary EV charging station, charging at full power (up to 7.4kW on single phase, or 22kW on three phase), regardless of solar generation. The actual charge rate depends on the EV's onboard charger and the grid supply voltage.
ECO mode: the car charges at a minimum rate of 1.4kW, fluctuating above this as surplus solar power allows. The minimum charge rate of 1.4kW will always be achieved, and if surplus power falls below 1.4kW the shortfall is drawn from the grid.
ECO+ mode is similar to ECO mode in that the car charges at a minimum of 1.4kW, fluctuating above this as surplus power allows. However, charging is paused if surplus power falls below the configurable Min Green Level. For example:
Note: the EV charging standard does not support charging below 1.4kW.
To supplement the ECO and ECO+ modes, there are various optional boost functions, designed to ensure your car achieves minimum levels of charge whatever the weather. More on these below.
The current model is the Zappi 2.1, which supports both 7kW single-phase and 22kW three-phase applications in a single unit. You can choose a tethered Type 2 6.5m cable or untethered socket, in white or black finish.
The single-phase version is suitable for most domestic installations, while three-phase is available for commercial properties where that supply is available.
The Zappi's built-in PEN fault detection removes the need for a separate earth rod on most installations, saving around £100–£150 on typical installation costs. Built-in WiFi and Ethernet are included as standard, no separate hub is required.
Installed cost is typically £1,400–£1,600 depending on cabling requirements.
The Eddi is similar to an iBoost or Immersun in that it diverts excess solar generation to the hot water tank. If you install both the Zappi and the Eddi, you can choose whether to prioritise the car or the hot water, all managed through the myenergi app.
The Zappi and Eddi can be remotely controlled and monitored via the myenergi app, using the built-in WiFi or Ethernet connection. This lets you track how much surplus energy is going into car charging or hot water heating, set schedules, and switch between charging modes remotely.
If you have a DC-coupled battery system, such as the Tesla Powerwall 3 or Sigenergy SigenStor, the battery will take priority over the Zappi, since the hybrid inverter manages solar dispatch directly. The Zappi will charge the car from any surplus that remains after the battery's needs are met.
If you want to adjust this priority, for example to charge the car first, this can be configured during installation using a CT clamp setup. We will advise on the best configuration for your system.
To supplement the ECO and ECO+ modes, the Zappi includes several boost functions to ensure your car achieves the charge level you need whatever the weather:
Manual boost: charge rate is set to maximum until a set amount of energy has been stored in the EV battery, after which the Zappi reverts to ECO or ECO+ mode. Useful if you arrive home with a flat battery and need enough charge for a short trip.
Smart boost: charges the EV to a minimum kWh figure by a set time. For example, if it's a sunny Sunday and you want 15kWh in the battery by 7am for work, you can run ECO+ mode during the day and Smart Boost will automatically top up overnight if the solar hasn't delivered enough.
Boost timer: programmes the Zappi to charge at maximum rate during pre-set times, regardless of available solar surplus. Ideal for scheduling overnight off-peak tariff charging.
Economy tariff boosting: charges only when economy rate electricity is available from your supplier.
The Zappi is a great product with all bases covered, the obvious choice if you drive an EV and want to make the most of your solar generation.
Learn more about home charging with our free guide:
