Choosing the right EV charger is no longer just about plugging in your electric vehicle. The best home EV chargers now help you charge at cheaper times, work with solar panels, connect with battery storage and give you more control through a smart app. The BG Sync EV charger is designed for exactly that. It offers smart 7.4kW home charging, tariff control, solar compatibility and future-ready energy management at a highly competitive price. For homeowners, installers and EV drivers looking for a cost-effective smart EV charger, Sync Energy is a strong option to consider.

Tethered or Socketed: Which Version Should You Choose?

The BG Sync EV charger is available in two main versions: tethered and socketed, also known as untethered. The tethered version (shown on the left side) includes a 7.5 metre charging cable with a Type 2 plug attached to the unit. It costs slightly more and the cable is more visible on the wall, but it is usually the more convenient option for everyday use. You simply park up, take the connector from the charger and plug it straight into your vehicle. The socketed version has a Type 2 socket instead of a fixed charging lead. This gives the charger a neater appearance when not in use, but you will need to use your own EV charging cable each time. For many drivers, that means taking the cable out of the boot, connecting it to the charger and then packing it away again before driving off. For most home charging installations, we would recommend the tethered version for convenience. The socketed version is better suited to customers who prefer a cleaner-looking charger on the wall, or who want the flexibility of using their own cable.

Why Choose a BG Sync EV Charger?

With so many home EV chargers now available, it can be difficult to know which model offers the best balance of price, performance and long-term flexibility. The BG Sync EV charger is a strong choice because it combines smart charging, tariff control, solar compatibility and battery storage integration in one cost-effective unit. Rather than simply charging your electric vehicle, it is designed to work as part of a smarter home energy setup, helping you make better use of cheaper off-peak electricity, surplus solar power and future battery storage upgrades. Here are 10 reasons why the BG Sync EV charger is worth considering for your next EV charging installation.

1. Great Value for a Smart Home EV Charger

Some smart EV chargers can cost significantly more, even though many of them offer similar core functions. The BG Sync EV charger is available from just £280 +VAT, making it an attractive option for customers who want smart charging without paying a premium for the name on the front. It still includes the key features you would expect from a modern EV charger, including app control, load management, tariff-aware charging, solar charging compatibility and built-in safety protection.

2. Compatible with Off-Peak EV Charging Tariffs

One of the biggest benefits of owning a home EV charger is being able to charge your car overnight when electricity can be cheaper. The BG Sync EV charger includes Tariff Sense, which helps connect with UK energy tariffs and gives you better visibility of charging costs. This makes it a practical choice for customers using tariffs such as Octopus Go and British Gas EV charging tariffs, where overnight charging can help reduce the running cost of an electric vehicle. Instead of charging at peak times, you can schedule your EV charging to make better use of cheaper off-peak electricity. In comparison off-peak costs can be as low as 7 pence compared with 30 pence per per kWh for standard rate, this can make a huge difference on your energy bills.

3. Control Charging from the Sync Energy App

The Sync Energy App gives users control over their EV charging from a phone, helping them monitor sessions, adjust charging behaviour and manage energy use more conveniently. This is especially useful for customers who want to set charging schedules, check charging status or make the most of cheaper tariff windows. The app also becomes more valuable if you later add solar panels or battery storage, as it can help bring more of your home energy system into one place.

4. Ready for Solar EV Charging

If you have solar panels, or you are considering them in the future, the BG Sync EV charger is designed to help you make better use of surplus solar energy. Its Auto Solar Charging feature allows excess solar power to be used for EV charging, helping reduce reliance on grid electricity. This can be especially useful during the day when your solar panels are generating more energy than the property is using. Your energy becomes free instead of paying 30 pence per kWh. For customers building a more efficient home energy setup, a solar-compatible EV charger is a sensible and future-proof choice.

5. Battery Storage Can Be Added Later

Not every customer is ready to install battery storage immediately. The benefit of choosing Sync Energy is that you are not closing the door on future upgrades. The BG Sync EV charger can work as part of a wider Sync Energy system, including the BG Sync EV Flow battery storage systems. This gives homeowners the option to add battery storage later without worrying as much about compatibility between different brands and platforms. Battery storage can help store cheaper off-peak electricity or surplus solar energy, which can then be used around the home or as part of a smarter energy management strategy. It doesn't necessarily require solar for it to be a worthwhile investment as you can charge your battery as well as your car during the cheaper off-peak window which is from 00:30 until 05:30 on some tariffs. Sync EV's battery storage is a very cost effective option, much lower than brands such as Telsa PowerWall.

6. Wi-Fi and LAN Connectivity for a More Reliable Connection

The BG Sync EV charger offers Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity, giving customers more flexibility when connecting the charger to their home network. While Wi-Fi is convenient, a wired LAN connection can be more reliable where the charger is installed outside, away from the router or in an area with a weak wireless signal. This is a useful advantage over some lower-cost smart EV chargers that rely on Wi-Fi only. A stable connection helps with app control, tariff-based charging, software updates and general smart functionality.

7. Strong Safety Features Built In

EV charger safety is critical, especially for home installations. The BG Sync EV charger includes integrated open PEN conductor protection, which means an earth rod is not required in many typical installations. It also includes built-in 30mA Type A RCD protection with 6mA DC protection, helping to simplify installation while maintaining the required level of electrical safety. For installers, these built-in features can make the charger more straightforward to specify and install. For customers, they provide added peace of mind.

8. Practical 7.4kW Charging for UK Homes

The BG Sync EV charger is rated at 7.4kW, which is a common charging speed for single-phase UK homes. This makes it suitable for everyday domestic EV charging, especially when used overnight. A 7.4kW home EV charger is considerably more convenient than relying on a 3-pin plug, giving faster and more controlled charging for regular EV use.

9. Built for Outdoor Use and Backed by a 3-Year Guarantee

The BG Sync EV charger has a robust outdoor design with an IP65 rating and IK10 impact rating, making it suitable for external wall mounting in typical domestic and light commercial environments. It also has a clean black and anthracite grey finish, built-in cable management on tethered versions and clear LED status indicators to show charging, standby and error states. For added confidence, the charger is supplied with a 3-year guarantee. Sync Energy is part of the wider Luceco Group, which includes BG Electrical, a well-known name in the UK electrical industry. This makes it a strong choice for homeowners and electricians who want a reliable EV charger from a recognised manufacturer with proper trade support.

10. Practical Installation Accessories Included

The BG Sync EV charger is supplied with useful installation accessories to help make the fitting process more straightforward. Details such as the fixing hole template, compression gland, user-side connector, cord grip and assembly screws help installers achieve a neat, professional installation without having to source every small part separately. If you want a different style of face plate you can choose between 10 different colours from traffic white to jet blue. These details may not be the first thing a customer looks for, but they can make a real difference on site. For installers, a well-thought-out charger can save time during fitting and help produce a cleaner finished result for the customer.

Why Installers Like the BG Sync EV Charger

From an installer’s point of view, the BG Sync EV charger is a well-specified unit for the price. It includes many of the features normally associated with more expensive smart EV chargers, including built-in PEN protection, RCD protection, load management and a generous 7.5 metre tethered cable option. The Sync Energy range is also worth considering for EV installers because the manufacturer offers an installer rewards scheme, with a £50 credit available for every two eligible installs. Overall, it is a strong choice for customers who want a discreet, smart and cost-effective home EV charger, while still giving installers the safety features, installation support and trade benefits they need.

Installer Benefits

The Sync Energy range is also worth considering for EV installers. The manufacturer offers an installer rewards scheme, with a £50 credit available to installers for every two eligible installs. Combined with the charger’s built-in safety features, smart app control and compatibility with wider energy products, this makes Sync Energy a practical range for installers who want to offer customers more than a basic EV charger.

Is the BG Sync EV Charger Worth Choosing?

For many UK homeowners, the BG Sync EV charger offers an excellent balance of price, smart functionality and future-ready energy control. It is not just a charger for today; it is a charger that can work alongside solar panels, battery storage and off-peak energy tariffs as your home energy setup develops. If you want a cost-effective smart EV charger with app control, solar compatibility, tariff management and the option to expand into battery storage later, the BG Sync EV charger range is a strong choice. You can also view the full Sync Energy range for compatible EV chargers, battery storage systems, hybrid inverters and smart energy products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BG Sync EV charger compatible with Octopus Go?

Yes, the BG Sync EV charger can be used with off-peak charging schedules, making it suitable for customers using tariffs such as Octopus Go. This allows EV drivers to charge during cheaper overnight electricity periods where their tariff supports it.

Does the BG Sync EV charger work with British Gas EV tariffs?

Yes, the BG Sync EV charger is a strong option for customers looking at British Gas EV tariffs and Hive Power+. It is designed to support smart charging, helping users manage charging times and reduce energy costs where compatible tariff options are available.

Does the BG Sync EV charger need an earth rod?

In many typical installations, an earth rod is not required because the charger includes built-in open PEN conductor protection. The final installation method should always be confirmed by a qualified EV charger installer based on the property and supply arrangement.

Does the BG Sync EV charger include RCD protection?

Yes, the BG Sync EV charger includes built-in 30mA Type A RCD protection and 6mA DC protection. This helps simplify installation and provides important safety protection for EV charging.

Is the BG Sync EV charger suitable for solar panels?

Yes, the BG Sync EV charger includes solar charging functionality, allowing surplus solar energy to be used for EV charging. This makes it a good option for customers who already have solar panels or are planning to add solar in the future.

Can I add battery storage later?

Yes, one of the key benefits of choosing Sync Energy is that the charger can form part of a wider home energy system. Customers can later add compatible BG Sync EV Flow battery storage systems to help store solar energy or cheaper off-peak electricity.

What is the difference between tethered and socketed BG Sync EV chargers?

A tethered EV charger has the charging cable permanently attached, which makes daily charging quick and convenient. A socketed EV charger does not have a fixed cable, so the user connects their own Type 2 charging lead when needed. Tethered is usually more convenient, while socketed can look neater when not in use.

Is the BG Sync EV charger weatherproof?

Yes, the BG Sync EV charger is designed for outdoor installation. It has an IP65 rating for weather resistance and an IK10 impact rating, making it suitable for external wall mounting in typical domestic installations.

Can the charger connect by Wi-Fi and LAN?

Yes, selected BG Sync EV charger models support both Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity. A wired LAN connection can be useful where Wi-Fi signal is weak or unreliable near the charger location.

Where can I view the full Sync Energy range?

You can view the full Sync Energy range, including EV chargers, battery storage systems, hybrid inverters and smart energy products at Expert Electrical.

BG Sync EV Wall Charger 2 Installation & Review with Ricky from Byrne Electrical