Passing the Torch: Why I Upgraded from zappi to zappi GLO (and Gave My Old One a Second Life)

Going off grid and becoming energy independent doesn’t need to feel complicated. It’s about making smart choices that reduce our carbon emissions, save us money and enrich our community along the way.

I’m a firm believer that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” but I also love to test out the newest tech which is why I’m upgrading my charger to the all new zappi GLO and upcycling my trusty zappi charger to my brilliant neighbours. Everyone’s a winner!

And we’re going to see how easy the process is along the way if you’re looking to do the same.

Plus, hopefully a few brownie points and feel good factor knowing my upgrade helped both our families drive cleaner and super low cost. About £3.50 for a full charge btw!!

What’s Changed: zappi vs. zappi GLO

 

1. Slick Looks, Less Fuss
The original zappi – with its little LCD screen and buttons was reliable and straightforward. But the GLO is a design shift: no screen, no buttons, just a slim, modern unit that you control entirely via the myenergi app. It’s neat, it’s sleek, it fits.

2. Smarter by Default
Sure, the old zappi works well with solar panels and energy tariffs – but you had to toggle between settings. The GLO takes the guesswork out: it auto-manages your solar, pulls in smart tariffs, and even connects to Gridpay – a system that lets your car support the grid (and earn you rewards while it’s at it).

3. Shared Use Done Better
zappi was a single-home, single-user setup. The GLO steps things up: RFID access means you can share charging with family – or friendly neighbours and the EV community – without fuss. It supports up to 126 user profiles! Ideal when your driveway becomes the neighbourhood hub.

4. Install Made Easy
Gone are the days of fiddly setups. The GLO comes with an Installer Assistant App that walks you and your electrician through commissioning step by step.

Why I Made the Switch (Without Regret)

It wasn’t about flashy names, it was about future-proofing. The GLO’s app-led approach, combined with grid integration and smart savings, feels like the way energy systems are evolving. I wanted a charger that grows with our eco-home, not one that could feel obsolete in a year or two.

But here’s the green win: rather than binning the old zappi, I handed it to my neighbour. Now, our street has two working chargers, doubling the local EV-charging power without buying one extra device. That’s real-world sustainability in action.

Final Thought 

Upgrades don’t have to mean waste. Giving your old tech a second life, especially to someone nearby – not only cuts down on waste, it helps inspire more green choices in your community.

If you’re thinking of upgrading, the myenergi zappi GLO strikes the balance between clean design, intelligent use, and shared sustainability. And remember: the most sustainable move might be the one you pass forward.

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