If most home EV chargers look a little too much like a small electrical box, the Andersen A3 takes a different approach. It is designed to be seen , although its clever hidden cable system means it can also quietly disappear when you are not charging.
But does the Andersen A3 justify its premium price, or are you mainly paying for good looks? We have taken a closer look at its design, charging performance, smart features, tariff compatibility, installation requirements and overall value for UK homeowners.
If you are considering electric car charger installation at home, this review should help you decide whether the A3 belongs on your driveway.
Andersen A3: At a Glance
The Andersen A3 is a 7kW-class, single-phase home EV charger with a maximum output of approximately 7.4kW. It uses a fixed Type 2 cable, connects to your home network via Wi-Fi and can be controlled through the Andersen app.
The charger is made in the UK and is available with a choice of premium metal finishes and wood-effect or Accoya fascias. It is also solar-ready, supports scheduled charging and is compatible with Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go, subject to the usual tariff and account requirements.
One important point before we go any further: the A3 is tethered-only. Its cable is beautifully hidden, but it is permanently attached to the unit. If you specifically want an untethered, socket-only charger, the A3 is not the one for you.
Design & Build Quality
This is where the Andersen A3 earns its designer badge.
The unit has a refined, architectural appearance rather than the industrial look found on many standard chargers. Its front fascia is available in several finishes, making it easier to match the charger to your home, garage or exterior wall. You can choose a subtle metal finish or something warmer and more distinctive, such as a wood fascia.
Of course, a charger still needs to do charger things. The A3 is weather-resistant for outdoor installation, with a robust enclosure designed for typical UK conditions. It is not going to be offended by a bit of Worcestershire drizzle , and we have plenty of experience with that.
The standout feature is the hidden 5.5-metre Type 2 cable. When charging, it is there when you need it. When you are finished, it stores neatly inside the charger rather than lying in a heap across the driveway. That makes the A3 particularly appealing if you care about keeping the front of your home tidy.
Charging Performance and Technical Features
The Andersen A3 delivers up to 7.4kW on a suitable single-phase domestic supply. In real-world terms, that is the familiar fast home charging speed most UK EV drivers are looking for. An overnight charge can add a useful amount of range without relying on public rapid chargers.
The Type 2 tethered cable is suitable for the vast majority of modern electric cars and plug-in hybrids sold in the UK. However, you should always check your vehicle’s connector before ordering. The A3 is not a universal solution for older Type 1 vehicles.
The charger also includes features you would expect from a premium smart unit, including remote control, charging schedules, energy monitoring and cost tracking. You can set charging times through the Andersen app, view charging history and manage the unit without walking outside in your slippers to press a button.
The A3 also supports load management through current monitoring equipment. This allows the installation to take account of your home’s electrical demand and reduce the risk of overloading the incoming supply.
Smart Features & App Control
The Andersen app is central to the A3 experience. You can use it to start or stop a charge, schedule charging for a particular time and monitor how much energy your car has used.
That is useful if you want to charge overnight, take advantage of a cheaper tariff or simply understand how much your EV is costing to run. The app can also help you coordinate charging around solar generation, although the exact experience will depend on your wider solar and energy setup.
The A3 uses Wi-Fi, with Bluetooth commonly used during setup. This is worth bearing in mind when choosing the installation location. If your driveway is a long way from the router, we may need to discuss your Wi-Fi coverage before installation. A smart charger is only as smart as its connection , much like the rest of us before our first coffee.
Solar Compatibility
For homes with solar panels, the Andersen A3 is solar-ready as standard. It can monitor energy flows and use surplus solar generation to charge your car rather than sending that electricity back to the grid.
Depending on your setup, you can choose between solar-only charging or a blended approach using solar and grid electricity. The latter can be useful when the weather is doing its traditional British thing and generating only a modest amount of sunshine.
The A3’s solar capability makes it a strong option for homeowners who want to increase self-consumption. We explain more about the practicalities in our guide to charging your EV with solar panels.
Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Compatibility
If you are researching Octopus Energy EV charging, the Andersen A3 is now a much more attractive option than it once was.
The charger works with standard Octopus Go, where you use scheduled charging to take advantage of the cheaper overnight period. It is also officially supported by Intelligent Octopus Go, which allows Octopus to manage charging automatically around the most suitable low-cost periods.
To use Intelligent Octopus Go, you will generally need an eligible Octopus electricity account, a compatible smart meter, the Andersen app set up correctly and up-to-date charger firmware. Octopus will also ask you to authorise control of the charger and complete a test charge.
Tariff compatibility can change, so we recommend checking the current Intelligent Octopus Go compatibility information before switching. You should also avoid setting competing schedules in both the car and charger app, as that can make smart charging unnecessarily confusing.
Installation Considerations
A good charger can still be a poor installation if the electrical work has not been properly assessed. Our in-house engineers look at the complete setup before fitting an Andersen A3, including the cable route, charger position, consumer unit and available electrical capacity.
The installation may require consideration of:
- The condition and capacity of your existing consumer unit
- The length and route of the cable from the consumer unit to the charger
- Whether the cable will be surface-mounted, concealed or routed underground
- PME and earth fault protection requirements
- Whether an earth rod or an alternative protective arrangement is needed
- Solar PV, battery storage or other high-demand electrical equipment
- Part P and Building Regulations notification requirements
Not every property needs an earth rod. The correct approach depends on the property’s earthing arrangement and the protective equipment used. Our engineers assess this rather than making assumptions from a photograph of the fuse board.
As manufacturer-approved installers, we also complete the handover properly, including configuration guidance and certification. For more on why professional fitting matters, see our guide to choosing a professional EV charger installer.
Warranty and Price
The current Andersen A3 is supplied with a seven-year manufacturer warranty for qualifying new units purchased under the current warranty terms. That is significantly longer than the three-year warranty commonly associated with chargers such as the Ohme Home Pro.
Pricing reflects the A3’s premium positioning. At the time of writing, the charger itself is typically around £995 for a metal finish, with wood and limited-edition finishes costing more. Installed pricing is often in the region of £1,400 to £1,800, depending on the chosen finish, cable route and electrical work required.
At EV Power Point, we provide a fixed-price quote before work begins, so you know what the installation will cost rather than waiting for a surprise sequel after the engineer arrives. We can also offer interest-free finance and flexible payment options, subject to status and eligibility.
Andersen A3 vs Ohme Home Pro vs Myenergi Zappi
| Feature | Andersen A3 | Ohme Home Pro | Myenergi Zappi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum charging power | Up to 7.4kW, single-phase | Up to 7.4kW, single-phase | Up to 7.4kW on single-phase models |
| Cable type | Tethered only, hidden 5.5m cable | Tethered, with cable options depending on model | Tethered or untethered options |
| App and smart charging | Yes, with scheduling, monitoring and tariff control | Yes, with strong dynamic tariff integration | Yes, with scheduling and energy monitoring |
| Solar compatibility | Yes, included as standard | Solar-ready | A major strength, with established solar-diversion features |
| Octopus compatibility | Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go | Strong Octopus integration | Compatible options available; check current tariff requirements |
| Warranty | Up to seven years under current terms | Three years | Typically longer options available depending on product and terms |
| Design focus | Premium finishes and hidden cable | Practical, modern design | Functional and recognisable design |
| Best suited to | Design-conscious homeowners wanting long cover | Drivers prioritising tariff automation | Homes with solar or flexible cable preferences |
The A3’s closest premium rivals are not identical alternatives. The Ohme Home Pro is particularly compelling if your main priority is dynamic tariff automation and mobile connectivity without relying on home Wi-Fi. The Zappi remains a favourite for solar owners and for anyone who wants tethered or untethered flexibility.
The older Andersen A2 may still appeal if you find a suitable deal, but the A3 is the more current choice for buyers who want the latest Andersen design and smart tariff support.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Andersen A3 is worth the upgrade if you want a charger that looks at home on a carefully designed property, offers a long warranty and provides smart, solar-ready functionality. The hidden cable is genuinely useful, not just a showroom trick, and the seven-year cover adds reassurance to a sizeable purchase.
It is less suitable if you want the lowest-cost 7kW charger, a socket-only unit or the broadest possible range of tariff integrations. In those cases, an Ohme Home Pro or Myenergi Zappi may be a better match.
We are a family-run team based in Worcestershire, serving customers across Worcestershire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands, while helping EV drivers throughout the UK make sensible charger choices. Our engineers are directly employed, never subcontracted, and we can often install your new charger within five days of accepting a fixed-price quote.
If the Andersen A3 sounds right for your home, contact EV Power Point for a fixed-price quote. We will look at your property, your car, your tariff plans and your budget, then give you straightforward advice : without the hard sell or the jargon fog.
