Frequently asked questions.
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How does S&P pricing compare to other chargers with similar features?
Our wall‑mounted untethered chargers start from £649 inc. VAT. We keep pricing transparent and straightforward. Our premium build quality and smart features come as standard, and you only pay for optional upgrades like signature colours, metal lids or wireless energy management. Cheaper alternatives often cut corners or add hidden costs later. Every S&P charger includes a 10‑year external enclosure warranty and a 5‑year electrical warranty. Because we manufacture and finish our chargers in‑house and sell directly, you get exceptional quality at a genuinely competitive price.
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Will it actually increase my bookings?
Yes. EV drivers actively filter their search for properties with on-site charging. Without it, you're invisible to this fast-growing market. As EV ownership increases, properties without charging are losing bookings year-round to those that offer it. An on-site charger also generates better reviews and repeat bookings because it enhances the guest experience, gives EV drivers a home from home necessity. Even for those that don't have an ev, well, it shows you've thought of everything.
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How does guest payment work?
You have two options. Use Tap Electric (free for hosts) where guests scan a QR code on the charger, pay automatically, and the money goes straight to your bank account. Or check the Simpson & Partners app to see exactly how much energy was used and collect payment before guests leave. Either way, you set your own kWh rate and guests understand they need to pay, just like they would at any public charging point.
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What’s the difference between the Home 7 and Home 22?
The Home 7 and Home 7 Plus are both single-phase AC chargers and will deliver up to 7.3kW (32 amps) to your car. The Home 22 is a three-phase charger and can deliver up to 22kW—three times the power. Just keep in mind, you’ll need a three-phase power supply to get the full 22kW.
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Is installing an EV charger a good long-term investment?
Absolutely. EV chargers are considered fixed appliances that increase your property's value and future-proof it for the growing EV market. Our data shows a single-socket charger pays for itself in approximately 12 months through guest charging revenue. After that, it's a permanent income stream with minimal ongoing effort required from you. Simon from Coillemore House addresses remote locations: "The nearest public charging station is about 40 minutes drive away, so it's not really practical for guests to use. It adds time to their day trips. It's much preferable for them to be able to plug in whilst back at the house relaxing in the hot tub or preparing dinner. Before we had the charger, guests with EVs just had to plug into a socket through a window. It wasn't ideal as we couldn't charge them easily and couldn't offer fast or efficient charging." Emma from Beaumont House adds: "Guests often think charging points are more essential than a breakfast service. If you need to charge, you need to charge!"
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Can you help me compare different brands of electric vehicle chargers for my business?
Yes — when comparing EV charger brands for business use, consider features like user management, metering, access control, installation flexibility and future‑proofing. For example, the Simpson & Partners Home Series EV Charger Plus and its business counterpart from Simpson & Partners offer commercial‑grade options: MID‑certified metering, RFID access control and OCPP support for workplaces and visitor parking. When comparing other brands, check whether they also provide features such as built‑in RCBOs, dynamic load management and freestanding posts. Simpson & Partners stands out for blending these business features with aesthetic design and UK manufacturing.
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How long will the Accoya wood last?
We make our wood lids out of real wood Accoya. Accoya wood is a dimensionally stable, modified pine that undergoes a special acetylation process. It doesn’t warp, swell or shrink becuase small water molecules inside the wood are effectively replaced by acetic acid. ie it's 'pickled'. The result is real wood that doesn’t rot. We finish our lids in four beautiful translucent shades which allow the grain of the wood to shine through. Accoya wood is guaranteed not to rot in 50 years and is used by architects around the world of domestic and commercial buildings, window and doors, cladding and bridges.
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Do Simpson & Partners EV chargers support Ethernet connections?
Yes. Simpson & Partners EV chargers support hardwired Ethernet connections, providing a more stable and reliable alternative to Wi-Fi—particularly in areas with poor signal strength or network interference.
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What is load balancing?
Load balancing is a safety feature which automatically balances the power consumption between your house and the charger, to avoid overloading your fuse. For example, if your home has a 60A fuse and you turn on the electric ovens, electric showers and other high draw appliances and try and charge your vehicle same time, there may not be enough load available for the charger to charge at the maximum rate (which is 32A). When this happens, the charger automatically lowers the charge rate to avoid overloading your supply. To enable load balancing, connect the wired Energy Manager included with Home Series products, or purchase the optional wireless Energy Manager.
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What features should I look for in an electric vehicle charger for commercial use?
Choosing the right EV charging solution for your hotel, business, or facility means finding a system that serves your guests, staff, and visitors reliably while fitting your operational needs and budget. Simpson Partners' Commercial Series delivers elegant, commercial-grade AC charging designed specifically for hospitality venues, workplaces, apartment blocks, and visitor car parks. We work with you and qualified electrical engineers to tailor a charging solution that meets your requirements on time and on budget. Key Features to Consider: Charging Speed – 7–22 kW AC charging suits guests and staff who park for extended periods, ensuring vehicles are ready when needed. Flexible & Scalable – We offer dual socket pedestals, single socket wall mount models, and plinth-only models to suit your site layout and budget. Start with what you need today and expand easily as EV adoption grows among your guests and team. Our plinth-only option is a clever way to future-proof your charging: install the plinth infrastructure now alongside your active chargers, then add sockets later when budget allows. This cost-effective approach gets the groundworks done once, saving you money and disruption down the line. Easy Management – Our commercial chargers are OCPP-compliant, allowing seamless control through third-party specialist energy apps such as Fuuse, Tap, and Wevo. This means seamless integration if your site already has solar PV, battery storage, and daytime charging. Tap, for example, is a free app for landlords and businesses that cleverly bills users when they charge their car, with payments going straight into your bank account. Built to Last – Robust, weather-resistant designs withstand heavy use in outdoor and high-traffic environments. Future-Proof Compatibility – Universal connectors and open standards ensure your investment works with all vehicle types and avoids vendor lock-in.
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Will it actually increase my bookings?
Yes. EV drivers actively filter their search for properties with on-site charging, without it, you're invisible to this fast-growing market. As EV ownership increases, properties without charging are losing bookings year-round to those that offer it. Guests driving EV's need to charge it's an essential feature, not an extra. An on-site charger also generates better reviews and repeat bookings because it enhances the guest experience and shows you've thought of everything.
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What is the difference between the Home Basic and Home Plus?
The Basic comes with a plastic lid and the Home Plus has eco wood or metal lid options. The Plus comes with more front colours, options of wireless energy management and ethernet connection (rather than only wired energy management and wifi only), courtesy lights and the Charge Doctor. The Charge Doctor is a clever device that automatically detects faults and instantaneously fixes them without you even knowing about them.
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Who are Simpson & Partners, and why do people trust us?
We’re a UK-based EV charger manufacturer. Founded in 2018 by husband and wife team Mandy and David Simpson, who focus on creating high-performance charging solutions with excellent design aesthetics and smart future proof technology. S&P chargers are designed and built to meet real-world needs. Customers trust us because we combine innovative engineering know-how with exceptional support, ensuring your EV always charges safely and efficiently today and into the future. S&P are proud to say that it is their ethos their chargers are not destined for landfill. Trusted by over 700 qualified electricians in the UK. We have a 4.3* rating on Trustpilot. Our chargers are built by us in our HQ based in the Cotswolds SN16 9SH. All our chargers are upgradeable and repairable.
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What is the difference between single-phase and three-phase power?
Single-phase power is the standard electricity supply for most UK homes — around 85% of domestic properties use it. It delivers electricity through one live wire and is protected by a single fuse (typically rated at 60, 80, or 100 amps). With single-phase, the maximum charging rate for an EV charger is usually 7.3kW, which is ideal for overnight charging and suits most households. Three-phase power, on the other hand, is more common in commercial buildings or larger homes. It uses three live wires, allowing electricity to flow more efficiently and at higher capacity. If your property has a three-phase supply, you can install a charger capable of delivering up to 22kW —useful for larger battery EVs or homes with multiple electric vehicles needing faster turnaround. In short: • Single-phase = up to 7.3kW charging, standard for most homes • Three-phase = up to 22kW charging, suited for high-demand setups, commercial car parks, multi-dwelling residences.
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Are your chargers easy to install?
Our EV chargers are designed to be installer-friendly, making the installation process straightforward for qualified electricians. Professional Installation Required: We recommend using a qualified electrician to install your charger. This isn't a DIY product – professional installation ensures your charger meets all safety standards and building regulations. Why installers love our chargers: Our products are built with installers in mind, featuring intuitive design and clear instructions that make the job quick and hassle-free. Easy setup for you: Once installed, connecting your charger to WiFi is simple. Just use Bluetooth on your mobile phone, stand near your charger, and follow the app prompts to connect to your WiFi network. You'll be up and running in minutes with full access to smart features like remote monitoring and charging schedules.
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What does Single-Phase mean?
Single-phase is the phrase given to describe the electrical power supply that comes from the national grid into your property. Single-phase power supply is the most common type of electricity supply in UK homes, about 85% of domestic properties use it. It means electricity flows through one live wire, protected by a single fuse (usually rated at 60, 80, or 100 amps). With a single-phase power supply, the maximum charging rate for an EV charger is typically 7.3kW, which is perfect for most home charging needs.
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My Car Keeps Charging Beyond the Limit Set in the Octopus App
If your car is charging beyond the limit set in the Octopus app, it’s because the charge limit is not controlled by the app or the Simpson & Partners charger — it must be managed by your vehicle directly. Why This Happens • The Octopus Intelligent tariff controls when your car charges, not how much it charges. • The Simpson & Partners charger delivers energy during allowed charging times but cannot stop charging at a certain battery percentage. • Only your vehicle can limit the charge level. Neither the Octopus app nor the charger can override this.
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can-i-monitor-charging-usage
Yes. Usage can be monitored via the Simpson & Partners app, which works independently of internet connectivity or Octopus integration. You can track energy consumption and charging sessions directly through the app.
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How can I ensure the charger blends in with my property's aesthetics?
Simpson & Partners chargers come in 132 colour combinations, allowing you to match your property's style perfectly. Unlike bland plastic chargers, ours enhance your property's visual appeal and create a positive first impression for guests — important for instant "judgement" scores when they arrive. Nuthatch Retreat chose Holiday Series specifically for design: "We'd witnessed the frankly ugly and cumbersome chargers on the market and wanted something refined, thoughtful and beautiful that would tie in with the aesthetic of the building."
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Octopus Intelligent Says My Charger Requires an Upgrade
If you're seeing a message from Octopus Intelligent that your charger needs an upgrade, it's likely that your charger's hardware version isn't compatible with Octopus Intelligent. This guide explains why and what you can do about it. Why This Happens • Octopus Intelligent relies on a communication protocol called OCPP, which requires certain hardware capabilities. • Only V2 and V3 Simpson & Partners chargers support this protocol. • V1 chargers do not have the required memory or processing power to work with Octopus Intelligent. How to Check Your Charger’s Hardware Version 1. Open the Simpson & Partners app 2. Go to Settings 3. Tap on Info 4. Look at the Firmware Version Use the first number of the firmware version to identify your hardware type: • 1.x.x = V1 • 2.x.x = V2 • 3.x.x = V3 If your firmware version starts with 1, your charger is a V1 model and will need to be upgraded to work with Octopus Intelligent. What Are My Options? 1. Confirm Your Firmware is Up to Date If you have a V2 or V3 charger, but still see the upgrade message: • Make sure your charger is connected to the internet • Restart the charger to trigger a firmware update • During an update, the status light will flash purple 2. Upgrade to V3 Hardware If you have a V1 charger: • A hardware upgrade programme will be available soon • This will allow you to upgrade to the latest V3 hardware • Full details will be shared when the programme launches 3. Use Manual or Scheduled Charging (For Now) While waiting for an upgrade: • You can continue using manual start/stop charging • You can also use Bluetooth-based scheduled charging via the app • However, you won’t be able to use Octopus Intelligent’s automated schedules Need Help? If you're not sure what version charger you have or need help upgrading: Contact the Simpson & Partners support team via simpson-partners.com/support Summary If your charger shows an upgrade message in the Octopus app, check your firmware version. • V1 chargers are not compatible and will require a hardware upgrade. • V2 and V3 chargers must be online and updated to work with Octopus Intelligent. Support is available to help you check, update, or prepare for the upcoming upgrade programme.
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Can your charger work smarter with my energy and solar setup?
Yes! Our Home Series Plus chargers are designed to work seamlessly with solar panels, intelligently using any surplus energy your system produces. Every charger comes with a Wired Energy Manager as standard, and you can also choose a Wireless Energy Manager if that suits your setup better. Together, they automatically balance power between your home and your EV, helping you make the most of renewable energy, charge efficiently and keep your energy bills down.‍
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What maintenance or aftercare is needed for a home EV charger?
Minimal! All Simpson & Partners EV chargers are built to last and weatherproof. We recommend: • Occasional visual checks for wear or damage • Keeping the cable clean and safely stored • Software updates (done automatically via Wi-Fi) • Do not use harsh chemicals (eg bleach) • Never jet wash your EV charger And if you need support, our UK-Cotswolds based team is here to help.
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Are your chargers made in the UK?
Yes. You are welcome to have a factory tour and see your charger being made. Please ring us before hand! All our chargers are designed and built our Cotswolds HQ, maintaining strict British quality standards. Every charger, whether it's a 7kW Home Series socket or a multi-storey installation requiring multiple sockets meets the same high reliability and build quality. We regularly hold installer events and can accommodate individual factory visits.
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What smart features set Simpson & Partners chargers apart from competitors?
Every S&P charger comes with smart app control, load management, and over-the-air updates. That means you can schedule charging, monitor usage, and future-proof your setup. Some competitors may have app control, but few combine this with advanced energy management and OTA updates in one reliable package.
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How do I choose the best electric vehicle charging solution for my needs?
Choosing the right EV charging solution depends on your property, vehicles, and how you'll use it. At Simpson & Partners, we've built a product solution designed to hit all the things that matter – our chargers are beautiful, durable, repairable and upgradable, so they won't end up in landfill. Here's what to consider: Charging speed – 7 kW works well for standard overnight home charging and runs on single-phase power available in most homes. 22 kW is better for faster top-ups and larger batteries, but requires a three-phase power supply, which typically isn't widely available in domestic properties. Charger type – Tethered chargers offer convenience with an attached cable, untethered gives you flexibility to use your own cable, or choose a freestanding unit if you don't have a suitable wall. Smart features – Our chargers connect with Intelligent Octopus and offer app monitoring, energy management, and integration with smart tariffs to help reduce costs. Installation location – Wall-mounted chargers suit most homes, while freestanding units work well for driveways and commercial sites. Home vs business use – We offer a dedicated commercial range built for heavy-duty business environments and high-demand use, featuring RFID access control, MID metering for accurate billing, and built-in RCBOs for safety. For home charging, we provide industry-leading warranties: 10 years on the enclosure and 5 years on the electronics, giving you complete peace of mind. Future-proofing – Our chargers can be upgraded for emerging technologies like V2G (vehicle-to-grid), and because they're repairable, they're built to last for years to come. Design and aesthetics – Choose colours and finishes that complement your property, with options suitable for heritage or listed buildings.
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