Indra Smart Pro Installation

Key Features and Specifications

At its core, the Indra Smart Pro delivers a 7.4kW charge rate, with a variable output current ranging from 6A to 32A. This flexibility allows it to adapt to different electrical supply conditions and user preferences. As part of a new generation of ev chargers, the Indra Smart Pro is designed for advanced home charging, offering smart features and enhanced connectivity. The unit is compatible with single phase power supplies, which is standard in most UK homes. The unit measures 420mm in height, 200mm in width, and 130mm in depth, compact enough to fit neatly on most external or garage walls without dominating the space.

Advanced Connectivity Options

Connectivity is a standout feature. The Smart Pro supports WiFi, 4G, and Ethernet, ensuring reliable remote management and over-the-air firmware updates. Among these, an ethernet connection provides the most stable and reliable communication for remote management of the charger. This triple-redundancy approach means that even if a home WiFi network drops out, the charger can still communicate via mobile data or wired Ethernet. It’s this level of connectivity that enables the charger’s smart features to function seamlessly, from tariff scheduling to remote diagnostics.

Universal or Tethered

Buyers can choose between a tethered model, which comes with a fixed Type 2 cable (5–6 metres in length), or an untethered version that features a socket only. The tethered option offers convenience,simply grab the cable and plug in,whilst the untethered model provides flexibility for households with multiple EVs or those who prefer to use their own charging cable. Both configurations deliver the same underlying performance: the choice comes down to personal preference and usage patterns.

Display and User Interface

The Smart Pro is controlled primarily via the Indra App, available for iOS and Android. Users can download the app to their phone to remotely monitor and control the charger. Through the app, users can schedule charging sessions, initiate a ‘boost’ charge when needed, track energy consumption, lock or unlock the charger remotely, update preferences, and view their home charging history directly for better tracking and customisation. The physical unit itself features LED indicators that display charging status, fault codes, and connectivity at a glance. This combination of digital and physical feedback ensures users always know what their charger is doing, whether they’re standing in front of it or hundreds of miles away.

Power Management and Efficiency

One of the Smart Pro’s most valuable features is dynamic load balancing. This system continuously monitors the household’s total electrical load and adjusts the charger’s output to prevent overloading the main fuse, ensuring the vehicle is charged efficiently and safely. If someone switches on an electric oven or immersion heater whilst the car is charging, the Smart Pro can reduce its draw to keep everything within safe limits. The same technology enables the charger to respond to real-time solar generation, ramping up when excess solar power is available and dialling back when the panels aren’t producing. Importantly, this solar-matching capability is built in, no additional hardware or subscriptions are required. The system can also maximise the use of free power from your rooftop solar panels, reducing charging costs and increasing energy savings. When idle, the charger consumes less than 5W in standby, making it one of the most efficient units on the market.

Additionally, users can optimise charging based on their electricity supplier for further cost savings.

Solar Compatible

For homes with solar PV systems, the Smart Pro offers full compatibility with rooftop solar installations, with no need for an add on kit or third-party integrations. The charger can be configured to prioritise solar-generated electricity, effectively turning surplus daytime energy into free miles. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of EV charging but also maximises the financial return on a solar installation. Whether the goal is environmental or economic, solar-smart charging is a feature that pays dividends over the life of the vehicle.

Tariff Optimisation

The Smart Pro excels at exploiting time-of-use tariffs. For users on plans like Intelligent Octopus Go or Economy 7, the app allows them to set charging windows that align with the cheapest off-peak rates. With features like ‘Charge Anytime’, users can pay less for electricity by charging their EV flexibly at any time of day or night, taking advantage of cost-effective rates and maximising savings. The charger will automatically start and stop to capture the lowest-cost electricity, potentially saving hundreds of pounds per year compared to charging at peak rates. This scheduling intelligence transforms the Smart Pro from a passive device into an active participant in household energy management.

Scheduling

Scheduling is highly configurable. Users can set recurring weekly patterns, say, charging between 00:30 and 04:30 every weeknight, or create one-off sessions for specific needs. A ‘boost’ function allows users to switch to immediate charging, overriding any schedule when plans change or an unexpected journey arises. This blend of automation and manual control strikes a practical balance, giving drivers the convenience of set-and-forget operation without sacrificing flexibility.

Installation and Setup Process

Installing the Indra Smart Pro is straightforward, but it must be carried out by a qualified electrician holding at least an 18th Edition certification. Indra also requires installers to complete specific training to maintain warranty validity, a step that ensures the unit is commissioned correctly and safely. The charger must be installed according to Indra’s guidelines. This training is typically brief and can be completed online, but it’s a non-negotiable requirement for professional installations.

Physically, the charger mounts to a wall, either indoors in a garage or outdoors on an external wall. The compact dimensions and robust IP65/IP66 weatherproofing make outdoor installation hassle-free in most UK climates. The installer will connect the unit to a dedicated circuit, protected by an RCD and MCB sized appropriately for a 7.4kW load. You can install the charger using WiFi, 4G, or Ethernet connections, depending on your setup. Depending on the home’s existing electrical infrastructure, some upgrading of the consumer unit or main fuse may be necessary, though this is relatively uncommon in modern properties.

Once the hardware is in place, commissioning is handled via a dedicated installer app. The electrician configures network settings (WiFi, Ethernet, or 4G), links the charger to the homeowner’s Indra account, and verifies that all safety features, PEN fault detection, earth leakage monitoring, and load balancing, are functioning correctly. The entire process, from unboxing to first charge, typically takes two to three hours for a standard installation. A survey may be conducted to assess installation requirements and provide an accurate quote. After commissioning, the homeowner takes over via the consumer-facing Indra App, where they can personalise schedules, set tariff windows, and monitor usage.

It’s worth noting that while the initial setup requires professional assistance, subsequent firmware updates and feature enhancements are delivered over the air. This means the Smart Pro can improve over time without the need for return visits or hardware swaps, a significant advantage in terms of long-term value and convenience. However, additional costs may apply if non-standard installation work or special connections are required.

Performance and Real-World Applications

In daily use, the Indra Smart Pro delivers dependable, efficient charging. With a 7.4kW output, it can replenish a typical 60kWh EV battery in under nine hours, comfortably overnight for most users. Designed specifically for electric vehicles, the Smart Pro EV Charger offers a convenient home charging solution. This makes it ideal for domestic routines: plug in after the evening commute, let the charger work through the night, and wake up to a full battery. For smaller battery packs or plug-in hybrids, charging times are proportionally shorter, often just a few hours.

Real-world performance extends beyond raw speed. The Smart Pro’s ability to integrate with household energy systems means it can adapt to fluctuating solar output, variable grid tariffs, and changing domestic loads. A user with solar panels might see the charger automatically increase its rate mid-morning as the sun comes out, then taper off as cloud cover rolls in. Meanwhile, someone on a time-of-use tariff can set the unit to charge exclusively during the cheapest four-hour window, avoiding peak-rate electricity entirely. This kind of intelligent, responsive behaviour is what separates the Smart Pro from basic ‘dumb’ chargers that simply draw maximum current whenever they’re plugged in.

The Smart Pro is also suited to light commercial applications, small business fleets, holiday lets with EV facilities, or shared charging in apartment complexes. As a smart pro ev charger, it is suitable for both residential and light commercial use. Its robust build, remote management capabilities, and accurate energy metering make it a practical choice for scenarios where multiple users or vehicles are involved.

Reliability and Accuracy

Indra has built a reputation for reliability, and the Smart Pro upholds that standard. The unit’s metering accuracy is precise to 0.2 seconds, ensuring that energy consumption figures are trustworthy for billing, reimbursement, or personal tracking. Over-the-air firmware updates continuously refine performance and add new features, meaning the charger improves over its lifetime rather than becoming obsolete. Field reports and user reviews consistently highlight the Smart Pro’s dependability, with minimal downtime or fault reports compared to some competitors.

Integration with Smart Home Systems

Whilst the Smart Pro doesn’t currently integrate with broader smart home platforms like Apple HomeKit or Google Home, it does work seamlessly with smart energy tariffs and apps from providers such as Octopus Energy. The Indra App itself functions as a control hub, offering scheduling, real-time monitoring, and remote locking. For users invested in optimising household energy use, this level of integration is often more valuable than generic smart home compatibility, as it directly targets the areas where EV charging intersects with electricity costs and carbon footprint.

Safety

Safety is paramount in any EV charging installation, and the Indra Smart Pro incorporates multiple layers of protection to safeguard users, vehicles, and property.

PEN Fault Detection

One of the most critical safety features is PEN fault protection. A PEN (Protective Earth and Neutral) fault can occur when the neutral connection in the supply fails, potentially causing dangerous voltages to appear on exposed metalwork. The Smart Pro continuously monitors for this condition and will immediately cease charging if a fault is detected, preventing risk of electric shock. This protection is mandated for many EV charger installations in the UK, and the Smart Pro’s implementation is robust and reliable.

Beyond PEN fault detection, the charger includes 6mA DC leakage detection, which guards against faults within the vehicle’s onboard charger that could otherwise compromise safety. Contact protection and voltage monitoring further ensure that the unit operates within safe parameters at all times.

Load Curtailment

Load curtailment, a feature already discussed in the context of efficiency, also serves a safety function. By preventing the household’s total electrical load from exceeding the rating of the main fuse or supply cable, the Smart Pro reduces the risk of nuisance tripping, overheating, or damage to the consumer unit. This is especially valuable in older properties where the incoming supply may be more limited. The charger’s ability to dial back its output in response to high household demand means that charging can continue safely even when other high-power appliances are in use,an intelligent compromise that maximises convenience without compromising safety.

All of these safety features operate automatically and transparently. Users don’t need to configure or monitor them: the Smart Pro handles protection in the background, providing peace of mind alongside performance.

Comparing Indra Smart Pro to Alternative Solutions

The UK residential EV charger market is crowded, with offerings from brands like Ohme, Zappi, Wallbox, Easee, and OVO, another provider of smart EV charging solutions. So where does the Indra Smart Pro stand?

One of its key differentiators is built-in solar matching without the need for add-on hardware. Whilst some competitors require separate CT clamps, energy monitors, or hub devices to achieve similar functionality, the Smart Pro includes this capability out of the box. This not only simplifies installation but also reduces ongoing costs and potential points of failure.

Tariff optimisation is another area where the Smart Pro excels. Its integration with time-of-use tariffs is seamless, and the Indra App provides clear, intuitive controls for setting charging windows. Some rival chargers rely on third-party apps or require manual intervention to align with off-peak rates: the Smart Pro automates this process effectively.

In terms of build quality and reliability, Indra’s British manufacturing and rigorous testing protocols give it an edge. The IP65/IP66 weatherproofing and IK10 impact resistance are on par with or exceed most competitors, and field reliability reports are consistently positive. The unit’s standby power consumption of less than 5W is also among the lowest in its class, contributing to long-term energy savings.

The Indra App is generally well-regarded for its user-friendly interface and responsive performance. Whilst some competitors offer more extensive smart home integrations, the Smart Pro’s focus on energy management and charging control is well-executed and meets the needs of most residential users.

On the downside, the Smart Pro’s price point sits towards the upper end of the market. Budget-conscious buyers might find cheaper alternatives, though these often lack the advanced features, robust build, or comprehensive support that Indra provides. For those prioritising long-term value, reliability, and smart energy management, the additional cost is often justified.

Overall, the Indra Smart Pro competes strongly against alternatives by offering a well-rounded package: genuine intelligence, safety, solar compatibility, and ease of use, all in a single, British-made unit.