Does the Alpha7 need an earth rod?

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

Is the Project EV app reliable?

Multiple reviews cite the app as clunky and prone to scheduling failures — a known weakness of the platform.

Fast Amps Alpha7 vs Project EV: Which EV Charger Is Better?

Q: Which has the longer warranty?

Project EV offers 5 years. Fast Amps Alpha7 offers 3 years.

Fast Amps Alpha7 vs Project EV | EV Charger Comparison UK 2026

EV Charger Comparison · UK 2026

Fast Amps Alpha7 vs Project EV: Which EV Charger Is Better?

The Fast Amps Alpha7 is a UK-built smart home charger celebrated for its installer-friendly design and strong value. Project EV's Pro Earth and Apex chargers are feature-rich, popular with installers, and backed by a 5-year warranty — but their app has received mixed reviews.

✓ Best UK-built value & app: Fast Amps Alpha7 — Best warranty: Project EV (5 years)

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

Quick verdict: Project EV chargers offer an impressive specification at a competitive price — solar integration, CT clamp included, RFID option, and a 5-year warranty. However, the app is widely criticised for being clunky and unreliable, and the body is notably bulky. The Fast Amps Alpha7 delivers a cleaner installation experience, a better-regarded app, UK manufacturing, and Bluetooth commissioning — at a comparable price.

🇬🇧 UK-built Alpha77.4kW outputSolar integration (both)Built-in PEN protection (both)5-year warranty (Project EV)CT clamp included (Project EV)

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

Project EVFeature-packed · 5-year warranty · CT clamp included · RFID option · From approx. £277–£399 ex. VAT

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Fast Amps Alpha7	Project EV (Pro Earth / Apex)
Max output	7.4kW (32A)	7.3kW (32A) / 22kW three-phase
Solar integration	Dynamic solar — standard	Solar integration — standard with CT clamp
CT clamp included	Requires installer to fit clamp	CT clamp supplied as standard
Built-in PEN fault protection	Yes — no earth rod required	Yes — Pro Earth built-in (check model)
Connectivity	WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet	WiFi standard; 4G on select models
Bluetooth commissioning	Yes — no WiFi needed on site	No — WiFi required for setup
App quality	Well-regarded, clean interface	Widely criticised — clunky, slow, unreliable
RFID access control	App-based locking	Yes — RFID on SE RFID models
Cable lock system	Standard cable management	Unique cable lock — converts untethered to tethered
Warranty	3 years	5 years (3 parts + labour, 2 parts)
UK-manufactured	Yes — Shrewsbury	Manufactured overseas
Physical size	Compact	Large and bulky
Price (ex. VAT, charger only)	From £399 (inc. VAT)	From approx. £277–£399 ex. VAT

📖 Plain English

Project EV chargers tick a lot of boxes on paper — solar, CT clamp included, RFID, cable lock, 5-year warranty. The catch is the app, which reviewers consistently describe as frustrating and unreliable. The charging experience works when it works, but smart features like scheduling sometimes fail to execute. The Alpha7 does slightly less on paper (no cable lock, no RFID) but does it more reliably, with a better app, Bluetooth commissioning, and it's made entirely in Britain.

Where Fast Amps Alpha7 Has the Edge

📱

Far Better App

The FastAmps app is clean, reliable, and well-regarded. The Project EV app is widely criticised for clunky UI, slow data syncs, and smart features that don't always execute as scheduled.

🇬🇧

UK-Manufactured

Designed and built in Shrewsbury. Project EV is a UK-based company but manufactures its hardware overseas.

🔵

Bluetooth Commissioning

No WiFi required during installation. Project EV requires WiFi for setup — a complication on many customer sites.

📐

Compact Form Factor

Alpha7 is compact and unobtrusive. Project EV Pro Earth is notably large — described by reviewers as bulky on the wall.

🌐

Ethernet Available

Wired network connectivity available as standard. Project EV's Ethernet availability varies by model.

✅

Reliable Smart Features

Alpha7's scheduled charging executes reliably. Multiple Project EV reviews cite schedules not being followed and connectivity issues.

Where Project EV Has the Edge

5-year warranty: 3 years parts and labour plus 2 years parts-only — longer than Alpha7's 3-year warranty.
CT clamp included: The current clamp for solar/load balancing is supplied in the box on most models. Alpha7 requires the installer to supply and fit a clamp.
Cable lock system: Unique feature allows the untethered cable to be locked to the charger and vehicle — a useful safety and convenience feature.
RFID access control: Available on SE RFID models for secure access control.
Three-phase option: Available in 22kW three-phase configuration. Alpha7 is single-phase only.
Emergency stop button: Physical emergency stop button on the side of the unit.

The App Problem

The most significant real-world disadvantage of Project EV chargers is consistently cited in reviews: the app. Multiple independent reviews describe the Project EV app as having a clunky interface, slow data syncing, and — critically — smart scheduling features that don't always execute reliably.

For a charger marketed as "smart", unreliable smart features are a serious shortcoming. The hardware engineering inside Project EV chargers is generally considered good; the software layer is where the product lets itself down. Until the app is substantially improved, customers who rely on scheduled off-peak charging may find the experience frustrating.

The FastAmps app receives consistently positive feedback for its clean interface and reliable execution of scheduled charging.

Which Should You Choose?

Our Verdict

Choose Fast Amps Alpha7 if…

App reliability is important
UK manufacturing matters to you
Bluetooth commissioning needed
Compact wall appearance preferred
Standard 3-year warranty sufficient

Choose Project EV if…

5-year warranty is the priority
CT clamp included in box matters
RFID access control required
Cable lock feature is valued
Three-phase supply is present

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 Project EV Pro Earth need an earth rod?

The Pro Earth model includes built-in earth protection ("Pro Earth" refers to its integrated PME compliance). However, note that some reviewers have raised questions about whether all Project EV models fully meet BS 7671 requirements in all configurations — always confirm compliance with your installer.

Is the Project EV app really that bad?

Multiple independent reviews consistently describe the Project EV app as clunky, slow to sync, and prone to scheduling failures. Top Charger scored the overall charger 3.4/5 largely due to app issues. The hardware is generally well-regarded; the software is a known weakness.

Which has the longer warranty, Alpha7 or Project EV?

Project EV offers a 5-year warranty (3 years parts and labour, plus 2 years parts only) — longer than the Fast Amps Alpha7's 3-year warranty.

Does the Project EV include a CT clamp?

Yes. The CT clamp for dynamic load management and solar integration is supplied as standard with most Project EV models. The Fast Amps Alpha7 requires the installer to supply and fit a suitable current clamp.