Andersen A3 charger review

Like the bigger and more expensive A2, the new Anderson A3 charger is all about looking good. Rather than just being a boring grey box, the A3 can be ordered in 247 colour and finish combinations so it can be matched to your house or even a car. Be warned though – the wood and limited-edition facias are between £200 and £320 extra.

Although the A3 is smaller than the A2, it still looks large next to rivals, mainly because the cable and Type 2 plug are hidden behind the facia panel rather than just being reeled around the housing. Lifting the lid triggers a handy LED so you can see what you are doing and allows you to unravel the lead.

Around the edge of the unit is a brush which cleverly hides and cleans the cable as it is reeled up. It’s a unique and clever feature, meaning it is hidden from sight and you’ll not get dirty hands. As anyone who has had to handle a wet cable while wearing your best clothes will know, this is a real benefit.  

An LED indicator light shows the charging status, while all the other features are controlled via the app. This now includes solar integration to make the most of the power from your panels. The A3 isn’t yet compatible with the ‘smart’ energy tariffs from OVO and Octopus, but we’ve been told it is coming shortly. 

So why would you choose the pricier A2 over the new A3? The main reason would be the cable length options. Both are only available with a tethered wire, but the A2 can be ordered with an 8.5m option, whereas the A2 can only fit the standard 5.5m. It can also only be used with the more common 7kW domestic single-phase power, whereas the A2 can handle three phase power at up to 22kW.

Both are covered by a seven-year warranty, so your charger will be covered for at least as long as your car.