The Ohme Home Pro features a built-in LCD screen and a permanently attached 5m or 8m cable, while the Ohme ePod is an untethered unit that requires you to plug in your own charging cable. Both units share the exact same internal software and smart charging capabilities, meaning the choice between them comes down entirely to physical design, cable preference, and how you prefer to interact with your charger.
At Volt Éire, we provide EV charger installation Ireland wide. Our standard installation package starts from €1,599 all-in (or €1,299 net after the €300 SEAI grant) for our standard charger, the Beny 7.4 kW (model BCP-A2N-P). However, many customers choose to upgrade to an Ohme unit for its specific smart tariff integrations. This comparison breaks down the technical and practical differences between the two Ohme models to help you decide which fits your property.
What is the difference between the Ohme Home Pro and Ohme ePod?
According to the official specifications from Ohme, both chargers deliver up to 7.4 kW of power, which adds roughly 40km of range per hour to a standard EV. The differences lie in their exterior hardware.
| Feature | Ohme Home Pro | Ohme ePod |
|---|---|---|
| Cable Type | Tethered (attached 5m or 8m Type 2) | Untethered (socket only) |
| Physical Controls | LCD screen and physical buttons | Start/Stop/Pause buttons only |
| Dimensions | 170mm x 200mm x 100mm | 230mm x 140mm x 100mm |
| App Connectivity | 3G/4G Multi-net SIM (built-in) | 3G/4G Multi-net SIM (built-in) |
| Max Power Output | 7.4 kW (32A) | 7.4 kW (32A) |
Should I get a tethered or untethered Ohme charger?
The most significant functional difference between the two units is the cable. The Ohme Home Pro is tethered, meaning the cable is permanently wired into the unit. You simply park your car, unwrap the cable from the wall mount, and plug it in. For most drivers, this is the most convenient option, particularly when it is raining.
The Ohme ePod is untethered. It features a universal Type 2 socket, meaning you must retrieve the charging cable from your car's boot, plug one end into the ePod, and the other into your car. While this adds a step to your daily routine, it offers a cleaner aesthetic on the front of your house when not in use. It also provides flexibility if you frequently charge different types of vehicles, though almost all modern EVs in Ireland now use the Type 2 standard. For a deeper breakdown of this choice, read our guide on tethered vs. untethered chargers.
Is the Ohme Home Pro screen better than the ePod app?
The Ohme Home Pro features a full LCD screen. This allows you to see your current charging speed, the amount of energy delivered, and your target battery percentage directly on the unit. You can also use the physical buttons to delay a charge or override a smart schedule without taking your phone out of your pocket.
The ePod removes the screen entirely, relying on a minimalist design with simple LED indicator lights and basic play/pause buttons. To view charging statistics or adjust schedules on the ePod, you must use the Ohme smartphone app. Because both chargers use the exact same app and backend software, neither is technically superior in smart capabilities—it is purely a matter of whether you want physical controls on the wall.
Do Ohme chargers work with Irish smart tariffs?
Yes. Both the Home Pro and the ePod are highly regarded for their ability to integrate with dynamic energy tariffs. They connect to the internet via a built-in multi-network SIM card (meaning they do not rely on your home Wi-Fi signal) to download the latest electricity pricing data.
If you are on a time-of-use tariff, you can tell the Ohme app how much charge you need and by what time. The charger will automatically schedule the session during the cheapest hours. This makes both units excellent choices for night rate EV charging. You can estimate your potential return on investment using our savings calculator.
Do Ohme chargers work with solar panels?
Both the Ohme Home Pro and the ePod have a solar diversion feature, allowing them to charge your EV using excess energy generated by your home's solar PV system. However, to enable this feature, a CT (Current Transformer) clamp must be installed at your consumer unit to monitor the flow of electricity to and from the grid.
It is important to note that Ohme chargers require a minimum of 1.4 kW of surplus solar energy to initiate a charge. If your solar array is small or the Irish weather is heavily overcast, the charger will pause or pull the remaining required power from the grid, depending on your app settings.
What are the installation and safety requirements for Ohme chargers in Ireland?
All EV charger installations in Ireland must be completed by a Safe Electric registered contractor. Both Ohme models come with built-in PEN (Protective Earth and Neutral) fault detection. In many installation scenarios, this eliminates the need to install a physical earth rod at your property, saving time and reducing disruption to your driveway. However, local site conditions dictate the final safety setup. You can read more about earth rod requirements to understand how this applies to your home.
If you are unsure about your home's electrical capacity or where the charger should be mounted, you can review what to expect during installation or read about our installation process.
How much do the Ohme Home Pro and ePod cost in Ireland?
When evaluating our pricing, it is important to look at the fully installed cost rather than just the hardware price. Volt Éire offers a standard installation package for €1,599 fixed (€1,299 net after the SEAI grant). This base package includes the Beny 7.4 kW tethered charger, which is an excellent, reliable unit for standard charging needs.
Because the Ohme Home Pro and ePod offer advanced API integrations for dynamic tariffs, they are offered as upgrade units. When you select an Ohme charger during sign-up, the upgrade carries its own fixed all-in price. The flat €300 SEAI grant applies to every unit we offer, provided you meet the criteria. Both Ohme models fully comply with the SEAI requirements for smart chargers.
Which is better, Ohme Home Pro or Ohme ePod?
Neither unit is objectively better; they serve different preferences. The Ohme Home Pro is better for users who want maximum convenience. The attached cable means you never have to unpack your boot in the rain, and the screen allows you to check your charging status at a glance as you walk past the unit.
The Ohme ePod is better for users who prioritize exterior aesthetics. It is smaller, more discreet, and does not leave a heavy black cable permanently looped on the front of your house. It is also the correct choice if you share a driveway with an older EV that requires a Type 1 cable, as you can simply swap the cables at the socket.
What's the best home EV charger in Ireland?
The best charger depends on your specific energy setup and budget. If you want a reliable, high-quality charge without paying a premium for software features you may not use, our standard Beny 7.4 kW (model BCP-A2N-P) is the most cost-effective option on the market.
If you are actively managing a dynamic smart tariff or want to integrate with a solar PV system, the Ohme Home Pro is widely considered one of the best smart chargers available due to its robust app and built-in SIM connectivity. If you have further questions about compatibility, check our frequently asked questions or start the process today by submitting photos of your fuse board for a remote assessment.
What to do today
- If you own a new build with a pre-wired driveway, check your fuse board location and start the process to see if you qualify for a standard installation.
- If you live in an existing home and want to utilize night-rate electricity, check your current energy provider's EV tariffs to see how much an Ohme charger could save you annually.
- If you're doing a renovation or driveway upgrade, decide between the tethered Home Pro or untethered ePod now so your electrician can run the correct cabling to your preferred mounting location.