Hypervolt is one of the leading names in home EV charging due to its smart design and easy-to-use app. We take a look at their latest offering the Hypervolt Home 3.0 Pro, and see what new features have been added.
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro overview
The Hypervolt Home 3 Pro retains all the features and styling from the previous model that made it so popular over the last four years.
For anyone unfamiliar with the Hypervolt, it’s a wall (or post) mounted 7kW type 2 tethered EV charge point. It has various customisation options such as a choice of 3 colours, and 3 lead length options. This makes it suitable for most locations.
All the features of the past 2.0 and 3.0 models remain, such as scheduled and solar charging, but also the addition of a few new ones!
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro design
The Hypervolt is constructed of a new advanced polycarbonate which now offers 95% UV protection. One of the biggest complaints we had from customers about the previous models was that they tended to fade, or discolour. Hypervolt have listened to these complaints and totally redesigned the casing and manufactured it from an improved polycarbonate compound. Therefore the black should remain black, and not go grey. And white units should no longer yellow like the previous model.
The Hypervolt EV dimensions do remain the same. Measuring at 328mm x 243mm x 101mm. The Hypervolt remains one of the slimmest chargers available. A great improvement to make, especially when installed in narrow areas, like down the side of your house where you may need access with wheelie bins and wheel barrows etc.
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro LEDs
LED lighting on the front and side of the Hypervolt is now a lot brighter when in direct sunlight, making it easier to see which mode it’s in. Sometimes it can be hard to tell on the older 3.0 and 2.0 models. The colours remain the same though, with blue indicating ‘plug and charge’ mode, green for ‘charging’ and purple for scheduled charging.
LED lighting can still be dimmed or switched off into stealth mode for people living in built-up environments who don’t want to disturb their neighbours.
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro cable holster
The cable holster has also been improved, again made from a new material which reduces the fading issues of the old version. The angling of the connector plug is reduced, with it angled downwards instead of horizontally. Therefore making it less likely to get knocked and damaged when installed in narrow walkways.
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro features
PEN fault detection
Hypervolt, like most UK-made EV chargers has integrated PEN fault protection. This detects any faults on the incoming supply neutral cables and will cut the charger off in the event of an issue. Therefore, negating the need to add an additional earth rod into the ground, which was required on older installations.
Automatic load management/grid limiting
Again, another feature found on most UK chargers is load management, or grid limiting as it is sometimes known. The load management system will prevent overload of the main incoming supply fuse. This is controlled by a CT clamp, which is clipped around the main supply cable (usually by the meter) monitoring the incoming load (in Amps), and if it’s close to the limit set the charge rate to the EV will dynamically reduce preventing the fuse from rupturing. Installers will set the limit to match your main fuse size – 60,80 or 100A.
The CT clamp is hard-wired to the Hypervolt via a separate cable or a combined power and data cable like Doncaster Cables EV Ultra. This makes installation simpler and more aesthetically pleasing as only a single cable is used.
Unfortunately, wireless CT clamps aren’t currently available, unlike the Myenergi Zappi.
Solar compatibility
The Hypervolt now offers 4 modes of charging. This helps optimise the use of home-generated electricity and prevent surplus energy from being sent to the grid. It can also prevent battery drain for home battery users
Setting the Hypervolt to ‘boost’ mode the EV will always charge at the full rate up to 7.4kW. If solar energy is being produced, this will go into the EV. If not, all energy will be taken from the grid.
In ‘eco’ mode the Hypervolt will use the minimum amount of grid electricity as possible, ensuring the Hypervolt charges the EV at the 1.4kW required. If the solar array generates more than 1.4kW then no grid energy will be used and the EV will trickle charge at 1.4kW or higher.
The 3rd mode is ‘super eco’, in this mode, the Hypervolt will only charge via solar energy. For this to work 1.4kW of surplus energy is required for charging to commence. If this level is not reached the Hypervolt will not charge the EV.
A new 4th mode of charging is ‘battery safe’. This new mode is specifically for owners of a home battery system. This mode can help prevent any unwanted battery drain when the EV is charging. Unfortunately, this mode will not work for DC-coupled batteries.
Solar monitoring is achieved via the bi-directional CT clamp installed at the meter. For owners of an AC-coupled battery a 2nd CT clamp will be needed for the ‘battery safe mode’.
Connectivity
The Hypervolt Home 3 Pro has Wi-Fi connectivity for app control. It also has an ethernet port which offers the possibility of a hard-wired connection for improved reliability.
Bluetooth is also present, but this is only used at the moment for the app setup procedure.
Energy tariff integration
Hypervolt has now finally delivered integration with the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff. This has been a long requested feature, and many customers were choosing the Ohme over Hypervolt, as it was the only compatible charger for a long time. Hypervolt not only has Octopus Energy integration but also OVO anytime compatibility.
Both tariffs require integration with the energy provider app and in both cases are really easy to setup.
Hypervolt will be going one step further in the coming months with a third provider, EDF Energy. This is great news for Hypervolt owners who are looking to move providers to get the best deals available.
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro user app
The Hypervolt app has been completely redesigned with smart new graphics and user interface.
The main screen features a typical home setup with a home, grid and EV graphic. These graphics show the direction and amount of power being sent from the grid to the home, and also to the EV.
Further graphics are displayed for solar and battery users with any generation also displayed, therefore giving the user a full home energy monitoring system.
From the main screen, users can switch between charging modes and also remotely lock the charger to prevent unauthorised use.
Energy usage and analytics can be found on the other main screens for anyone wanting to track daily usage and costs. This is great for anyone who wants to track business expenses.
Tariff rates can be set in the charger settings, currency rates can also be adjusted for overseas users.
A new widget bar can be pulled up with a swipe from the bottom of the screen. This allows quick changing of LED mode settings and brightness.
The Hypervolt app now also has dark and light mode screen options for easier viewing.
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro Installation
Hypervolt mounting bracket
Hypervolt cable entry
Front covers
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro has an IK10 protection rating, making it one of the toughest EV chargers available.
Installer app
Setup for installers is a fairly straightforward process thanks to the Hypervolt installer app.
Installers can test the functioning of the charger, including CT clamp readings to ensure correct installation.
Also installers can connect the Hypervolt the local Wi-Fi network before handing over operation to the customer.
Styling options and extras
The Hypervolt Home 3 Pro is available in 3 colours – ultrawhite, ultrablack and space grey. The finish on the Hypervolt is a matt finish and not too glossy. It looks great in all colours and with the new improved UV properties should last a long time.
Hypervolt comes as standard with a 5-metre tethered lead which can be upgraded to 7.5 or 10 metres if required.
The standard 3-year manufacturer warranty can also be upgraded to 5 years for extra peace of mind (£100 additional cost)
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro pricing
The Hypervolt has slightly increases in price with a RRP of £690, with the 7.5m and 10m models is priced at £732 and £790 respectively.
Installation costs will vary. Costs depend on various factors, including the distance from your consumer unit and the compatibility of your existing electrical installation (consumer unit/earthing etc).
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro warranty
Hypervolt Home 3 Pro overall verdict
Still one of the best EV chargers available and is great in all areas. The app is one of the easiest to use and set up, it has Octopus Energy and OVO integration, solar charging and also great styling.
Aesthetically, it’s fairly minimal (with LEDs off) and the cable wraps around neatly, making it look uncluttered, unlike the Ohme Home Pro. There are better-looking units out there like the Andersen, and Simpson and Partners put these carry a lot heftier price tag and don’t have tariff integration.
Aftercare from the Hypervolt technical support team has also been great, their support helpline is open 7 days a week. If they haven’t taken my call they usually ring back soon afterwards. This fast service is lacking with some other manufacturers. Any issues encounted have always been dealt with quick, and on the rare occasion there has been a faulty unit or repair needed this is usually sent out within 24-48 hours.
Technical assistance is also available via Whatsapp.
Need a Hypervolt Home 3 Pro Installed?
If you are based within the Shropshire or Wrexham areas and you wish to have a Hypervolt installed then please get in touch here.
For anyone else then contact Hypervolt to find your local approved installer.
PLEASE NOTE: Ian Leech Electrical Contractor Limited has not been paid by Hypervolt in any way for this review. We are totally independent and the review is our honest opinion.
We do install Hypervolt products but this is because we believe in their product and them as a company.
