UK EV Charger Supply Delays 2025: Stock Shortages & Best Alternatives

Facing 4-8 week delivery delays for your preferred EV charger? You're not alone. UK supply chain disruptions in 2025 mean many popular charger models are backordered. This guide shows which chargers are in stock NOW, equivalent alternatives, and interim charging solutions so you don't waste weeks waiting.

Don't wait two months for an out-of-stock Wallbox when an equivalent Ohme or Zappi can be installed next week.

Current UK EV Charger Stock Situation (January 2025)

High Demand + Supply Constraints = Delays

Several factors are causing UK EV charger shortages:

1. EV Sales Surge

• UK EV registrations up 35% in 2024 vs 2023
• New EV owners need home chargers immediately
• Demand outstripping Q1 2025 supply

2. Component Shortages

• Semiconductor chips (for smart features)
• Networking modules (WiFi/4G connectivity)
• Particularly affects premium smart chargers

3. Brexit Import Delays

• EU-manufactured chargers (Wallbox Spain, Easee Norway) face customs delays
• 3-5 day border hold-ups adding to lead times

4. Manufacturing Backlogs

• Popular models (Wallbox Pulsar Plus, Ohme Home Pro) sold out at distributors
• Manufacturers ramping production but 6-8 week lead times

5. Installer Stock Allocation

• Large installation companies securing stock for their customers
• Independent installers struggling to source units

Which Chargers Have Longest Delays? (January 2025)

⏰ 6-8 Week Delays (Out of Stock)

• Wallbox Pulsar Plus (tethered) - 7-8 weeks
• Ohme Home Pro (socket) - 6-7 weeks
• Pod Point Solo 3 - 5-6 weeks
• Andersen A2 - 8-10 weeks (premium model, low production volume)

⏰ 3-5 Week Delays (Low Stock)

• Zappi v2 (tethered 7m) - 4-5 weeks
• Wallbox Commander 2 - 3-4 weeks
• Easee One - 3-4 weeks

✅ In Stock / Short Lead Time (1-2 Weeks)

• Hypervolt Home 3 - Stock available, 1-2 week install
• EO Mini Pro 3 - Limited stock, 1-2 weeks
• Zappi v2 (untethered socket) - 2-3 weeks (better availability than tethered)
• Rolec WallPod EV HomeSmart - Stock available, 7-10 days
• Project EV Indra Smart Pro - 2 weeks

Note: Stock levels change weekly. Always check with your installer for current availability.

Stock Checker: Where to Check Real-Time Availability

Manufacturer Websites (Official Lead Times)

Wallbox UK

• Website: wallbox.com/en_uk
• Stock indicator: Available on product pages
• Current status: "Expected late February" for Pulsar Plus tethered

Ohme

• Website: ohme-ev.com
• Stock indicator: Installer portal shows availability
• Current status: "4-6 week lead time" for Home Pro

Zappi (myenergi)

• Website: myenergi.com
• Stock indicator: Available through installers
• Current status: Untethered units 2-3 weeks, tethered 4-5 weeks

Pod Point

• Website: pod-point.com
• Stock indicator: Online booking shows earliest install date
• Current status: "5-6 weeks from order"

UK Electrical Wholesalers (Trade Stock)

If your installer is struggling to source, check these trade suppliers:

CEF (City Electrical Factors)

• 390+ UK branches
• Real-time stock checker online
• Often have Hypervolt, EO, Rolec in stock

Edmundson Electrical

• 230+ UK branches
• Stock varies by region
• Good for Zappi, Hypervolt availability

Rexel

• 200+ UK locations
• Installer-focused
• Can check stock for your installer

Note: Trade suppliers sell to registered electricians only (not public).

Online Retailers (Direct Purchase + Installation)

EV Charger Installation UK

• Shows live stock status
• Offers installation packages
• Transparent lead times

The EV Shop

• Live stock for DIY buyers (if you have installer separately)
• Delivery 2-3 days for in-stock units

Amazon UK

• Some chargers available (Rolec, Hypervolt occasionally)
• WARNING: Ensure seller is official distributor (check warranty validity)

Best Equivalent Alternatives for Out-of-Stock Chargers

Don't wait 8 weeks for your first choice. These alternatives offer similar features and availability.

If You Want: Wallbox Pulsar Plus (8 Weeks Out of Stock)

🔄 Best Alternative: Hypervolt Home 3 (In Stock, 1-2 Weeks)

Why it's equivalent:

• ✅ 7kW charging speed (same as Wallbox)
• ✅ Smart connectivity (WiFi + 4G)
• ✅ Excellent app (similar to myWallbox)
• ✅ Tethered 5m cable option
• ✅ Load balancing capable
• ✅ British brand (UK-based support)

Differences:

• ✨ Better: UK company = faster support
• ✨ Better: Easier installation (smaller footprint)
• ⚠️ Slightly higher cost: £900-£1,050 vs £750-£900

Price: £900-£1,050 installed
Availability: ✅ In stock, 1-2 week install
Warranty: 3 years

🔄 Alternative 2: Zappi v2 (Untethered) (2-3 Weeks)

Why it's equivalent:

• ✅ 7kW smart charger
• ✅ Excellent reliability reputation
• ✅ Solar PV integration (bonus feature)
• ✅ Load balancing

Differences:

• ✨ Better: Solar compatibility
• ⚠️ Untethered (socket) - you provide cable
• ⚠️ App less polished than Wallbox

Price: £900-£1,100 installed
Availability: ⏰ 2-3 weeks
Warranty: 3 years

If You Want: Ohme Home Pro (6-7 Weeks Out of Stock)

🔄 Best Alternative: EO Mini Pro 3 (1-2 Weeks)

Why it's equivalent:

• ✅ 7kW smart charger
• ✅ British brand (Milton Keynes based)
• ✅ Octopus Intelligent Go compatible
• ✅ Smart tariff integration
• ✅ Compact design (similar size to Ohme)

Differences:

• ⚠️ App slightly less feature-rich than Ohme
• ✨ Better: Faster availability
• ✨ Better: Easier wall mounting (smaller)

Price: £850-£1,000 installed
Availability: ✅ 1-2 weeks
Warranty: 3 years

🔄 Alternative 2: Hypervolt Home 3 (In Stock)

Why it's equivalent:

• ✅ Full smart tariff support
• ✅ Octopus integration
• ✅ 4G connectivity (like Ohme)
• ✅ British company

Price: £900-£1,050 installed
Availability: ✅ In stock now
Warranty: 3 years

If You Want: Pod Point Solo 3 (5-6 Weeks Out of Stock)

🔄 Best Alternative: Rolec WallPod EV HomeSmart (In Stock)

Why it's equivalent:

• ✅ 7kW charging
• ✅ Smart connectivity
• ✅ Reliable British brand (established 1996)
• ✅ Tethered options available
• ✅ Good app functionality

Differences:

• ✨ Better: Availability (stock now)
• ✨ Better: Lower cost
• ⚠️ Less "premium" aesthetic than Pod Point

Price: £750-£900 installed
Availability: ✅ In stock, 7-10 days
Warranty: 3 years

🔄 Alternative 2: Project EV Indra Smart Pro (2 Weeks)

Why it's equivalent:

• ✅ Similar design language to Pod Point
• ✅ 7kW smart features
• ✅ Good connectivity

Price: £850-£1,000 installed
Availability: ⏰ 2 weeks
Warranty: 3 years

If You Want: Zappi (Solar Integration) (4-5 Weeks Out of Stock)

🔄 Best Alternative: Hypervolt Home 3 (In Stock)

Why it's equivalent:

• ✅ Solar PV integration capability
• ✅ Load balancing
• ✅ CT clamp monitoring
• ✅ British brand

Differences:

• ✨ Better: Slicker app interface
• ⚠️ Solar integration newer (Zappi more proven)
• ✨ Better: Availability (in stock now)

Price: £900-£1,050 installed
Availability: ✅ In stock
Warranty: 3 years

🔄 Alternative 2: Ohme Home Pro (6-7 Weeks - Still Faster Than Zappi Tethered)

If solar is critical, wait for Ohme (6 weeks) rather than Zappi tethered (4-5 weeks) - similar wait, better smart features.

Budget Option: Rolec AutoCharge** (Always In Stock)

Who it's for: Need charging NOW, don't care about smart features

Features:

• ✅ 7kW charging (same speed as premium models)
• ✅ Reliable (Rolec est. 1996, proven track record)
• ✅ Weatherproof (IP66 rating)
• ❌ No smart features (no app, no scheduling)
• ❌ Basic design

Price: £550-£700 installed
Availability: ✅ Always in stock
Warranty: 3 years

Best for: Rentals, second homes, budget-conscious buyers who don't need smart features.

Interim Charging Solutions While Waiting for Your Charger

Solution 1: 3-Pin "Granny Cable" Charging (Free, Slow)

What it is: Your EV's supplied emergency cable (plugs into standard UK 13A socket)

Pros:

• ✅ Free (cable included with every EV)
• ✅ Available immediately
• ✅ No installation needed

Cons:

• ❌ Very slow: ~8-10 miles per hour (2.3kW)
• ❌ Not safe for regular use (socket not designed for sustained 10A load)
• ❌ Fire risk if socket/wiring is old

Recommendation: Acceptable for 1-2 weeks while waiting, NOT for months. Only if:

• You have outdoor weatherproof socket OR can run cable through window
• Socket is on dedicated circuit (not shared with other appliances)
• Wiring is recent (post-2005)
• You check socket temperature after 1 hour (should be cool)

Setup:

1. Check outdoor socket is weatherproof (IP66 rated)
2. Plug in granny cable
3. Check socket doesn't get hot (major fire risk if it does)
4. Charge overnight (8-9 hours = 70-80 miles added)

Solution 2: Temporary "Builder's Charger" Installation (£150-£250, 1 Week)

What it is: Basic non-smart charger on temporary circuit

How it works:

1. Electrician installs basic 7kW charger (e.g., Rolec AutoCharge)
2. Proper circuit, proper installation
3. When your preferred charger arrives, swap it (reuse circuit)

Costs:

• Rolec AutoCharge: £400
• Installation: £250
• Later swap to smart charger: £100 (just swap unit, circuit stays)
• Total: £750, but you're charging safely in 1 week

Pros:

• ✅ Safe 7kW charging within 1 week
• ✅ Proper installation (no fire risk)
• ✅ Can upgrade later

Cons:

• ⚠️ Extra cost (£100 for later swap)
• ⚠️ Two installations needed

Recommendation: Worth it if you drive 150+ miles/week and waiting 6-8 weeks is impractical.

Solution 3: Public Charging Memberships (£0-£8/month, Immediate)

What it is: Use public chargers while waiting for home installation

Best UK networks for "temporary home replacement":

1. Tesco Charging (FREE, 7kW)

• ✅ Free charging (up to 1 hour)
• ✅ 600+ locations across UK
• ✅ 7kW = 25-30 miles in 1 hour (while grocery shopping)
• Strategy: Shop 2-3x/week, charge each time
• Limitation: 1 hour maximum (use 7kW, not 22kW, to maximise electricity in 1 hour)

2. Pod Point (Subscription)

• £8/month membership
• 20-30p/kWh charging (cheaper than public rapid)
• 6,000+ chargers at Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury's
• Strategy: Destination charging while shopping/working

3. Lidl Charging (Cheap, 22kW)

• Typically 20-30p/kWh
• 22kW chargers (faster than 7kW)
• 900+ UK stores
• Strategy: 30 minutes = 50-60 miles added

4. Workplace Charging (Often FREE)

• Check if your employer offers charging
• Many UK businesses now install chargers
• Strategy: Charge during work hours (free = massive savings)

Monthly cost comparison while waiting:

• Scenario: 1,000 miles/month (typical UK driver)
• At 3.5 miles/kWh = 285kWh needed
• Tesco free (1 hour, 3x/week) = 12 hours = ~80kWh free = £20 saved
• Remaining 205kWh at Lidl (30p/kWh) = £61
• Total: £61/month vs £68 on home standard tariff, £21 on Octopus Intelligent

Recommendation: Fine for 4-8 weeks if you have convenient public chargers. Saves buying temporary charger.

Solution 4: Mobile Charger Rental (£40-£60/month)

What it is: Rent a portable EV charger while waiting for fixed installation

UK providers:

EV Charger Hire UK

• £45/month
• Includes Type 2 cable
• Delivery to your door
• How it works: Plugs into 32A commando socket (electrician installs socket for £150, keeps charger portable)

Pros:

• ✅ 7kW charging at home
• ✅ Can take charger with you (caravan, holiday home)
• ✅ No long-term commitment

Cons:

• ⚠️ Rental cost (£45 x 2 months = £90)
• ⚠️ Still need electrician to install commando socket (£150)

Recommendation: Only if you want portable charging long-term (e.g., motorhome owners, multiple properties).

How to Speed Up Your Charger Delivery

Tactic 1: Ask Installer to Source Alternative Brand

Most installers are brand-agnostic. If they quote Wallbox (8 weeks), ask:

"Can you source a Hypervolt or EO instead? I'd like installation within 2 weeks."

Installers often have better access to alternative brands through different wholesalers.

Tactic 2: Use Installer with Pre-Ordered Stock

Some large UK installation companies pre-order bulk charger stock:

British Gas EV Charger Installation

• Pre-orders Hive EV chargers
• Typically 2-3 week lead time
• £899-£1,099 installed

Octopus Energy EV Install Service

• Pre-orders Ohme Home Pro
• Priority allocation for Octopus customers
• May reduce 6 weeks to 3-4 weeks

Pod Point Direct Install

• Pre-orders Pod Point Solo 3
• 4-5 weeks (vs 5-6 weeks through other installers)

Tactic: Call large installation companies, ask about current lead times. They often have better stock access.

Tactic 3: Buy Charger Unit Yourself, Hire Installer for Labour Only

If you find a charger in stock online:

1. Purchase charger directly (e.g., Amazon UK, The EV Shop)
2. Hire local electrician for "supply and fit" labour only
3. Cost: Usually £250-£400 labour

Pros:

• ✅ You control charger sourcing
• ✅ Can buy in-stock unit immediately

Cons:

• ⚠️ Warranty complications (installer may not warranty charger they didn't supply)
• ⚠️ Some electricians refuse (prefer to supply charger themselves)

Recommendation: Ask installer first. Some are happy with this arrangement, others aren't.

Tactic 4: Check Multiple Installers' Stock Access

Get quotes from 3-4 installers. Ask each:

"What chargers do you have in stock or can source within 2 weeks?"

Different installers have different wholesaler relationships. One may have Zappi in stock, another has Hypervolt.

Use comparison services:

• Zap-Map Installer Directory
• Ohme Installer Locator
• Wallbox Installer Finder
• Google "EV charger installer [your town]" - local independents often have better stock access

Manufacturer Lead Time Tracker (Updated January 2025)

Key:

• ⬆️ Improving stock / shorter lead times
• ➡️ Stable / no change
• ⬇️ Worsening / longer delays

Real UK Buyer Experiences (January 2025)

Case 1: London EV Owner

"Ordered Wallbox Pulsar Plus in November 2024, told 2-3 weeks. By December, pushed to 6 weeks. By January, 8 weeks. Cancelled order, went with Hypervolt Home 3 instead - installed within 10 days. Should've done this from the start. Hypervolt is brilliant."

Outcome: Lost 8 weeks waiting, Hypervolt alternative worked perfectly.

Case 2: Manchester EV Owner

"Wanted Ohme for Octopus Intelligent. 6-week wait. Installer suggested EO Mini Pro 3 - works with Octopus too. Installed in 12 days. Saving £45/month on charging vs waiting 6 weeks for Ohme."

Outcome: Alternative saved 5 weeks, identical functionality.

Case 3: Birmingham EV Owner

"Ordered Pod Point, 5 weeks wait. Couldn't wait - drive 200 miles/week. Got temporary Rolec AutoCharge (£650 installed in 1 week). Now charging at home immediately. Will upgrade to smart charger later."

Outcome: Temporary solution worked - now charging safely, upgrade later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cheaper chargers slower than expensive ones?

No. A £600 Rolec charges at the same 7kW as a £1,200 Andersen. Price differences reflect:

• Smart features (app, scheduling, solar integration)
• Design/aesthetics
• Brand premium
• Warranty length

All 7kW chargers charge at the same speed. Premium features are convenience/cost savings (smart tariffs), not speed.

Can I install a charger myself to avoid waiting for installers?

No - illegal and dangerous. UK law requires:

• EV charger installation by NICEIC/NAPIT qualified electrician
• Building Regulations Part P compliance
• Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)

DIY installation voids warranty, invalidates home insurance, and risks electrocution/fire.

Will supply improve in 2025?

Yes - manufacturers are ramping production:

• Wallbox opening UK distribution centre (Q2 2025)
• Ohme increasing manufacturing capacity 40%
• Hypervolt expanding (British-based, good stock control)

Expect lead times to improve by March-April 2025. But if you need charging NOW, don't wait.

Should I wait for my preferred charger or choose an in-stock alternative?

Depends on:

Wait if:

• You can use public chargers conveniently (work, supermarket)
• Waiting 6-8 weeks is acceptable
• Specific feature is essential (e.g., Zappi for solar, Ohme for specific tariff integration)

Choose alternative if:

• You drive 150+ miles/week (public charging is expensive)
• You have no convenient public chargers nearby
• Waiting 6-8 weeks costs you £100+ in expensive public charging
• In-stock alternative has 90% of features you need

Math: If Octopus Intelligent saves you £45/month vs public charging, waiting 2 extra months for Ohme costs £90 in lost savings. An in-stock Hypervolt delivers those savings immediately.

Can I cancel my charger order if I've already paid a deposit?

Depends on contract terms:

Distance selling regulations: If ordered online/phone, you have 14-day cooling-off period (right to cancel, full refund).

After 14 days: Check installer's T&Cs:

• Most allow cancellation with partial deposit forfeit (£50-£100)
• Some offer full refund if lead time exceeds quoted time by 50%+
• Read contract before cancelling

Recommendation: If lead time keeps extending (2 weeks → 4 weeks → 8 weeks), request cancellation citing "unreasonable delay". Most installers refund to maintain reputation.

Are "refurbished" or "ex-demo" chargers worth considering?

Rarely available, but if you find one:

Pros:

• ✅ 30-40% discount
• ✅ Immediate availability

Cons:

• ⚠️ Shorter warranty (often 12 months vs 24-36 months)
• ⚠️ Unknown history (was it faulty? Returned?)
• ⚠️ May not qualify for OZEV grant (if applicable)

Recommendation: Only if:

• Sold by official manufacturer/installer
• At least 12-month warranty
• 40%+ discount (otherwise buy new)

Conclusion: Don't Wait - Get Charging Sooner

If your preferred EV charger has a 6-8 week lead time:

1. Check stock availability for equivalent alternatives (Hypervolt, EO, Rolec all in stock)
2. Ask your installer to source in-stock models (they often have better access)
3. Consider interim solutions (Tesco free charging, temporary basic charger)
4. Don't wait if waiting costs you £50+ in expensive public charging

The best charger is the one charging your car next week, not the "perfect" one arriving in 8 weeks. Modern EV chargers are all excellent - Hypervolt, EO, and Zappi are just as good as Wallbox and Ohme.

Take action today: Call 3 installers, ask "What can you install within 2 weeks?" You'll be charging at home by next month instead of waiting until March.