Indra Smart Lux Installation

Key Features and Specifications

Understanding what the Indra Smart Lux brings to the table means diving into both its headline features and the finer technical details that define its day-to-day performance. As one of the leading Indra chargers, the Smart Lux stands out for its unrivalled durability and maximum convenience, setting a new standard among chargers for resilience and user-friendly design.

Smart Control Capabilities

The Indra app is the control centre for the Smart Lux. Once connected, users can manage charging sessions from their phone, setting limits by miles, kilowatt-hours, or cost. Users have complete control over each charging session, with the ability to set a charging schedule for smart charging. This allows them to optimise charging times, take advantage of renewable energy, and ensure efficient energy use. This is particularly useful if you’re on a tight budget or simply don’t need a full charge overnight.

Charging history is logged and accessible through the app, giving a clear view of energy consumption, costs, and session durations. It’s helpful for tracking spending or identifying any unusual patterns.

Scheduling is another strong suit. Users can set automated charging windows to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, which can significantly reduce running costs if you’re on a time-of-use tariff. The charger also supports RFID card or tag access, adding a layer of security, handy if the charger is installed in a shared or semi-public location.

Remote locking via the app means you can prevent unauthorised use even when you’re not home, which is reassuring if the charger is visible from the street.

Standard installation includes a surge protection device for added safety, and the charger is compatible with a wide range of electricity tariffs, including variable and special use plans.

The 7.4kW output (32A at 230V single phase) means the charger can deliver up to 60kWh in under nine hours, which is enough to fully charge most mid-range EVs overnight. Standby consumption sits at just 5W, so it’s not guzzling power when idle.

Solar Compatibility

For homes with rooftop solar panels, the Smart Lux includes a dedicated solar mode. This solar-compatible charger supports seamless solar integration, allowing it to utilise surplus energy generated by your solar panels to charge your EV for free. This maximises the use of renewable energy and reduces reliance on grid electricity.

The app indicates solar charging status with a yellow LED around the charger’s circumference, so it’s immediately obvious when you’re topping up with sunshine rather than grid power. It’s a feature that makes sense for environmentally conscious drivers or anyone looking to cut energy bills further.

Tethered Charger

The Type 2 cable is permanently attached to the unit, which simplifies the charging process. You don’t need to store a separate cable in the boot or worry about forgetting it when you get home.

The charging lead can be safely and tidily stowed on the unit, reducing tripping hazards and preventing damage, which ensures safe handling and convenience. The design is charger friendly, making everyday use straightforward and accessible for all users.

The trade-off is flexibility, if you need to charge a vehicle with a different connector type (unlikely in the UK and EU, where Type 2 is standard), you’re out of luck without an adapter. But for most users, the convenience outweighs this limitation.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi connectivity is built in as standard, allowing the charger to communicate with the Indra app and receive over-the-air firmware updates. During setup, users can scan a QR code for quick pairing with the app and easy access to device information or warranty registration. The charger indicates when it is successfully connected to the network by flashing the primary LED white, showing it is online and ready for remote control or software updates. Optional 4G and Ethernet modules are available for locations where Wi-Fi is patchy or non-existent, which is useful for workplace installations or rural properties.

The ability to update firmware remotely means the charger can gain new features or security patches without needing a technician visit, which is a nice long-term benefit.

Design

The Smart Lux has a minimalist, slimline profile that feels more considered than many bulkier competitors. The front panel features a unique lighting feature designed to enhance user experience, with a primary LED and turbine lights that provide real-time feedback on the charger’s status. When the charger is powered on, the unique light sequence creates a welcoming handshake, greeting users with a distinctive circular pattern visible through the turbine. This unique lighting feature makes it easy to check the charger status at a glance.

The turbine lights on the front panel change colour depending on the charger’s status: white for smart mode, blue for boost mode (which can be activated via the boost button), and yellow for solar match mode. These visual indicators allow users to quickly understand the charger’s status and operational mode without needing to access the app.

A cable storage hook is integrated into the design, keeping things tidy when the charger isn’t in use. It’s a small touch, but it makes a difference if you care about how your driveway looks.

Dimensions

At 306mm tall, 201mm wide, and 78mm deep, the Smart Lux is compact enough to fit discreetly on most walls. As one of the slimmest chargers on the market, it is ideal for installation in the narrowest of parking spaces and driveways, and its compact design fits easily into limited parking spaces. The relatively shallow depth means it doesn’t protrude awkwardly, which is helpful if space is tight or if you want to mount it near a doorway.

Installation and Setup Process

Getting the Indra Smart Lux up and running isn’t a DIY job. The power requirements and regulatory compliance mean professional installation is both recommended and, in most cases, legally required. With its IP67 rating, the unit is protected against dust damaging conditions, ensuring long-term reliability even in challenging environments.

Wiring and Physical Installation

The charger must be hardwired into your home’s electrical system by a certified electrician. It draws up to 7.4kW, which is a significant load, so the installer will need to assess whether your existing consumer unit and wiring can handle it. In some cases, an upgraded fuse board or a dedicated circuit may be necessary.

The unit is designed for permanent wall mounting, typically on an exterior wall close to where the vehicle parks. The installer will drill mounting holes, secure the charger, and connect it to the mains supply. Cable management is relatively straightforward thanks to the integrated storage hook, but the electrician may also install additional trunking or conduit depending on the site.

Compliance with UK building regulations and the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 is mandatory, so the installer will ensure the charger meets all required standards, including BS EN 61851-1 and IEC 62196 Type 2.

Installation costs vary depending on location, existing electrical infrastructure, and any additional work required, but budgeting for professional installation is essential.

Connecting to Your Smart Home System

Once the physical installation is complete, the charger connects to your home Wi-Fi network via the Indra app. The setup process is relatively straightforward: download the app, create an account, and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the charger.

Once connected, the app provides access to all smart features, scheduling, monitoring, remote locking, and solar mode. Firmware updates are delivered over the air, so the charger stays current without manual intervention.

It’s worth noting that the Smart Lux doesn’t have native integration with major smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. Control is limited to the Indra app, which may be a drawback for those heavily invested in a particular smart home ecosystem. But, for most users, the app provides sufficient functionality without needing broader integration.

Safety Features

Safety is a non-negotiable aspect of any home EV charger, and the Indra Smart Lux covers the bases you’d expect from a modern unit.

It includes inbuilt PEN (Protective Earth and Neutral) fault protection, which guards against a specific type of electrical fault that can occur in TN-C-S earthing systems common in UK homes. This is a critical feature for preventing dangerous voltages on the vehicle chassis.

Earthing protection, simultaneous contact protection, and touch voltage protection are also built in, reducing the risk of electric shock during use or if a fault.

Load curtailment is another safety-oriented feature. The charger can adjust its output to prevent overloading your home’s electrical supply, which is particularly useful if multiple high-power appliances are running simultaneously.

The IP67 rating means the unit is fully dust-tight and can withstand temporary immersion in water, so heavy rain or a hosing down won’t damage it. The IK10 impact rating indicates it can handle significant mechanical stress,useful if you’ve got children playing in the driveway or if there’s a risk of accidental knocks.

Remote locking via the app and RFID access control add layers of security, preventing unauthorised use and giving peace of mind if the charger is accessible to the public or shared users.

The three-year warranty provides reasonable coverage, though it’s worth checking the terms for any exclusions or conditions that might affect claims.

Using the Indra Smart Lux in Daily Life

Once installed and set up, the Smart Lux integrates into daily routines with minimal fuss. The app-based control means most interactions happen from your phone rather than the charger itself. The app also notifies you when your vehicle is fully charged, so you always know when charging is complete.

Creating Lighting Scenes and Schedules

The term ‘lighting scenes’ is a bit of a misnomer here,it’s borrowed from smart lighting jargon but doesn’t quite apply. What the Smart Lux does offer is flexible scheduling for charging sessions.

Users can set the charger to start and stop at specific times, aligning with off-peak electricity rates or personal routines. For example, if you’re on an Economy 7 or similar tariff, you might schedule charging to begin at midnight and end by 7am, capturing the cheapest rates.

The app also allows you to set charging limits,by miles, kilowatt-hours, or cost,so you don’t overshoot your budget or charge more than necessary. This is particularly useful for drivers who don’t need a full battery every night.

The colour-changing LED ring provides at-a-glance status updates: white for smart mode, blue for boost (full-speed charging), and yellow for solar match. It’s subtle but effective, especially if you’re checking from a window.

Voice Control Integration

Direct voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri isn’t currently supported by the Smart Lux, based on available documentation. Control and monitoring are handled exclusively through the Indra app.

For some users, this won’t matter. The app is functional and responsive, and the need to voice-control an EV charger is arguably less pressing than, say, smart lights or thermostats. But, if you’ve built a heavily integrated smart home and expect every device to respond to voice commands, the lack of native support may feel like a gap.

There’s potential for workarounds using third-party automation platforms like IFTTT or Home Assistant, depending on the app’s API capabilities, but that’s not officially supported and may require technical know-how.