Does the Alpha7 need an earth rod?

No. Built-in PEN fault detection — no external PME device required.

Does the Alpha7 support OCPP?

No. For OCPP-required installations, the BG Sync EV is the better choice.

Fast Amps Alpha7 vs BG Sync EV: Which EV Charger Is Better?

Q: Does the BG Sync EV need an earth rod?

No. Integrated earth monitoring satisfies BS 7671 Section 722 without an earth rod.

Fast Amps Alpha7 vs BG Sync EV | EV Charger Comparison UK 2026

EV Charger Comparison · UK 2026

Fast Amps Alpha7 vs BG Sync EV: Which EV Charger Is Better?

The Fast Amps Alpha7 is a proudly UK-built smart charger from Shrewsbury. The BG Sync EV — now rebranding as Sync Energy — is one of the UK's best-regarded installer-friendly chargers, with OCPP 1.6J, Ethernet, and a 10-year warranty programme. Here's how they compare.

✓ Best UK-built value: Fast Amps Alpha7 — Best warranty & OCPP: BG Sync EV

Expert EV Charging Knowledge Competitive Prices via Volume Buying Fast UK Dispatch UK-Based Support Team Championing British Manufacturing

Quick verdict: These two chargers are closer than most comparisons — both include built-in PEN fault protection, both support solar, and both are respected in the UK installer market. BG Sync EV edges ahead on OCPP support, a potentially longer warranty, and strong brand backing. Alpha7 wins on UK manufacturing, lower price, and Bluetooth commissioning. For most domestic installs it's genuinely close; for OCPP-required sites, BG Sync EV has the advantage.

🇬🇧 UK-built Alpha77.4kW outputSolar integration (both)Built-in PEN protection (both)OCPP 1.6J (BG Sync)10-year warranty available (BG)

Fast Amps Alpha7UK-designed & manufactured in Shrewsbury · From £399

BG Sync EVUK brand · OCPP 1.6J · Ethernet · 10-year warranty available · From approx. £400+

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Fast Amps Alpha7	BG Sync EV
Max output	7.4kW (32A)	7.4kW (32A) / 22kW three-phase
Solar integration	Dynamic solar — standard	Dynamic solar via CT clamp — standard
Built-in PEN fault protection	Yes — no earth rod required	Yes — integrated earth monitoring
OCPP 1.6J	No	Yes — open platform
Connectivity	WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet	WiFi, Ethernet (4G optional model)
Bluetooth commissioning	Yes — no WiFi needed on site	WiFi/app required for commissioning
Tethered / untethered	Both available	Both available
RFID access control	App-based locking	RFID available on select models
Warranty	3 years	3 years standard / up to 10 years (Sync Energy)
UK-manufactured	Yes — Shrewsbury	UK brand, manufactured overseas
Price (charger only)	From £399	From approx. £400+

📖 Plain English

This is one of the closest comparisons in the market. Both chargers include PEN protection, solar, and Ethernet. The BG Sync EV adds OCPP — which opens it up to fleet management and billing platforms — and a potential 10-year warranty under the Sync Energy brand. The Alpha7 counters with entirely UK-made manufacturing, Bluetooth commissioning, and a lower or equivalent price. For straightforward domestic installs, either is an excellent choice. For sites needing OCPP or a maximum warranty, BG Sync EV wins that argument.

Where Fast Amps Alpha7 Has the Edge

🇬🇧

Entirely UK-Manufactured

Designed and built in Shrewsbury. BG Sync EV is a UK brand with a strong heritage but manufactures its hardware overseas.

🔵

Bluetooth Commissioning

Alpha7 is commissioned entirely over Bluetooth — no WiFi credentials needed on site. Faster and simpler for installers.

💷

Competitive Pricing

Alpha7 from £399 — at or below BG Sync EV pricing depending on the model, with no additional accessories required for solar.

📞

UK Manufacturing Support

FastAmps is a small British team that answers the phone. Direct, expert support rather than a large corporate support structure.

Where BG Sync EV Has the Edge

OCPP 1.6J support: Open Charge Point Protocol enables integration with fleet management, billing, and energy management backends — the Alpha7 does not support OCPP.
Up to 10-year warranty: Sync Energy (the evolving BG Sync brand) offers extended warranty programmes up to 10 years — significantly beyond Alpha7's 3-year warranty.
RFID access control: Available on select models for secure access in accessible or shared locations.
Three-phase model: BG Sync EV offers a 22kW three-phase commercial variant. Alpha7 is single-phase only.
BG brand heritage: BG (British General) has over 80 years in the UK electrical industry — strong brand trust with electricians and specifiers.
4G option: A 4G model is available for installations where WiFi signal is unreliable.

PME Safety: Both Comply — Different Approaches

Both chargers satisfy BS 7671 Section 722 requirements without an earth rod. The Alpha7 uses integrated PEN fault detection in accordance with Section 722.411.4.1 iv. The BG Sync EV uses an earth monitoring system that disconnects the earth when a fault is detected, achieving equivalent compliance. Neither requires an external PME protection device on standard PME supplies.

Why this matters On approximately 80% of UK domestic properties, PEN fault protection is required by BS 7671 Section 722. Both chargers have this built in — an advantage both share over chargers like Ohme, Hypervolt, and the Andersen range.

Which Should You Choose?

Our Verdict

Choose Fast Amps Alpha7 if…

UK manufacturing is important to you
Bluetooth commissioning saves site time
OCPP not required for this installation
Standard 3-year warranty is sufficient
Domestic residential installation

Choose BG Sync EV if…

OCPP integration is required
Maximum warranty length matters
RFID access control is needed
Three-phase supply is present
4G backup connectivity required

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Fast Amps Alpha7 need an earth rod on a PME supply?

No. The Alpha7 includes built-in PEN fault detection in accordance with BS 7671 Section 722. No external PME device or earth rod is required.

Does the BG Sync EV need an earth rod?

No. The BG Sync EV uses an integrated earth monitoring system that disconnects the earth when a fault is detected, satisfying BS 7671 Section 722 without an earth rod on PME supplies.

Does the Fast Amps Alpha7 support OCPP?

No. The Alpha7 does not support OCPP. If OCPP integration is required for fleet management, billing, or energy management platforms, the BG Sync EV is the better choice.

What is the warranty on the BG Sync EV?

The BG Sync EV comes with a standard 3-year warranty. Under the evolving Sync Energy brand, extended warranty programmes up to 10 years are available. The Fast Amps Alpha7 comes with a 3-year warranty.

Is the BG Sync EV also UK-made?

BG (British General) is a UK electrical brand with over 80 years of heritage in the UK market. However, the BG Sync EV charger is manufactured overseas. The Fast Amps Alpha7 is designed and manufactured entirely in the UK in Shrewsbury.