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.

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.

Yes. Any qualified electrician can install Simpson & Partners products. If you have your own trusted electrician it's a good idea to share installer guides with them ahead of time.

When choosing a commercial EV charger, you should look for features that support heavy use, multiple users, billing and management. At Simpson & Partners we recommend you check for: Access control and user management (e.g., RFID cards or app login) so you can restrict or track who uses the charger. MID‑certified metering so you can accurately bill or monitor electricity usage per charger or user. Built‑in RCBOs and protection to comply with safety and electrical regulations in commercial sites. Robust connectivity and compatibility with management systems (such as OCPP support) so you can integrate chargers into your business infrastructure. Durable, weather‑proof hardware suitable for outdoor or high‑traffic use, with strong enclosures and high IP/IK ratings. Installation flexibility, including options for freestanding units and multiple charger points to accommodate multiple vehicles or different parking spots. Future‑proofing, such as capacity to upgrade for vehicle‑to‑grid (V2G) or energy management features as your business grows. Choosing a charger with these features ensures it will not just charge vehicles, but also deliver value, control and reliability for your commercial property.

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.

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.

Yes. The Basic model comes with a choice of four metal fronts and a grey plastic lid. The Plus model has 12 different front colours, 4 colours of metal lids and 4 colours of wooden lids. This ensures you get the right balance of style and functionality for your wallet.

Absolutely — we at Simpson & Partners can provide a tailored quote for multiple charger installations on a commercial site. Here’s how it works: Use our configurator or contact our team to specify the number of chargers, desired power rating (e.g., 7 kW, 22 kW), installation type (wall‑mounted or freestanding) and any business‑specific features like RFID access, MID metering or built‑in RCBOs. One of our approved installers will complete a site survey: photos of the consumer unit, fuse board, cable runs and distance between supply and charger positions are typically required. After review, you’ll receive a detailed quotation covering hardware, installation work, any civil works or cable trenching (if needed) and commissioning. Note: If special works like underground trenching or long cable runs are needed, extra costs may apply. simpson-partners.com Once approved, we schedule installation and deliver the chargers — for business installations, freestanding units with dual‑charger capability, MID metering and branded finishes are available.

Yes — connection via our charger is fully supported and will work as expected. Octopus can still start and stop charging, but it cannot automatically stop at your set battery limit because it doesn’t see the real-time charge level.

We offer a 10-year enclosure and 5-year electronics warranty, supported by our UK team. Many competitors provide shorter warranties or rely on overseas support.

Absolutely. We have free colour cards so you can see the colours in your own space before committing. Order from our website and we’ll post it out via snail mail.

If you wish to get an accurate quote, the answer is yes. Just select a local installer and enter your details to begin the survey process. Our trusted installers can be found here - https://simpson-partners.com/installers

Our V3 hardware now comes with an industry-leading 5-year hardware warranty. But support doesn’t stop there — whether you’re an existing customer or someone with a charger from the previous company, we’re committed to supporting you long into the future. For chargers that are out of warranty, we aim to provide ongoing help along with replacement hardware at cost where needed. We’re also launching a full catalogue of replacement parts, allowing you (or your installer) to repair your charger easily. This will include everything from front panels and lids to PCBs, sockets and even the small fixings. We’re also introducing a V3 Upgrade Programme, giving you the option to update your charger’s internal hardware to the V3 platform and benefit from the latest features and reliability improvements. So even if your warranty is coming to an end, there’s no need to worry — we’ll continue to support you and ensure your charger stays reliable for the long term.

Yes. All chargers (freestanding and wall mounted) are IP-rated, weatherproof and designed for outdoor use in rain, snow, or extreme temperatures.

No. Our paint finishes are designed to withstand UK weather, rain, UV sun and frost. Metal and wood lids on all models are treated for durability, so your charger will stay looking great for years. We make our wood lids our of sustainable Accoya. Dimensionally stable, Accoya wood is a modified pine that undergoes an acetylation process. The result is real wood that doesn’t rot. It doesn’t warp, swell or shrink becuase the small water molecules inside the wood are effectively replaced by acetic acid. ie it's 'pickled'. Wooden lids will in say 10 years begin to change colour if they are exposed to UV light. The change will be very slight becuase we use specialist transluscent paint coats that protect from UV light. The metal fronts are power coated. Their colour will stay the same for many years.

The short answer is it’s not that simple (or cheap) to upgrade your property to 3-phase power supply. But here are the steps on how to upgrade to 3-phase: You’ll need to reach out to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). If you don’t know who your DNO is, contact your electricity provider or search “who is my DNO”. Your DNO are responsible for the infrastructure that supplies electricity to your home or business. Assessment: The DNO will assess whether a 3-phase upgrade is feasible for your property. The feasibility study outcome depends on your location, existing supply and how close you are to a 3-phase network. Costs can vary widely, from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. It really depends on the complexity of the work. How long does it take? It may take several weeks or months to complete, especially if roadworks or new cabling are required. You will bear the full cost of this work as there are no grants available.

Yes! Our chargers are ideal for workplaces, commercial fleets, and public sites, offering smart scheduling, multiple-car support, and scalable options. They combine practical functionality with a stylish look, so your charging setup fits seamlessly into any environment.

This clever small device load balances the electrical load between your car and home. It works as an alterntive to the Wired energyg Manager and works wirelessly, giving you a no-mess finish and it’s quick to install (so no messy wires or bashing through walls). Load balancing enables you to avoid nuisance trips and ensures your car gets the maximum amount of charge available. The Wireless EM uses LoRa (Radio) technology to communicate with the charger. The Wireless EM has 2 modes – 1. In Standard Mode the Wireless EM has a range of up to approximately 65m. 2. The range in Long Range Mode is up to approximately 120m. Long Range mode is only supported when using an external USB-C power supply. If you're an electrician, you can watch Adam from Sota electrical installing one here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMWyaKCNOno

No. All Simpson & Partners chargers work without an internet connection. You can still charge your EV safely, but usage data and smart tariff features will not be available without connectivity.

Not necessarily. Octopus may charge your car at any time to optimize cost and carbon efficiency. Your bill will still reflect the lower smart charging rate.

Tethered: Charger comes with a cable permanently attached, it is very quick to plug-and-go. Great if you always use the same vehicle and want maximum convenience. Untethered: Charger has no fixed cable, you'll need to use your own but looks neater as there is no dangling cable on show. Untethered chargers can also become 'tethered' because you can leave the plug inserted into the charger all the time.

Absolutely. Simpson & Partners delivers chargers for large commercial and public projects, supporting hundreds of units per site with robust installation options, smart management, and consistent performance across all units.

Our Home Series suits every home scenario. Our Business Series suits commercial demanding sites. The Home Basic is perfect for straightforward home charging. There's 4 colour options to select and includes a grey plastic lid and wired energy management as standard. Home Plus gives you more choice - more colours, metal or wood lids, solar integration and wireless energy management. Both Basic or Plus options have tethered or untethered options. so you’ll get a charger that fits your home, style and wallet.

Our chargers are easy to install and require no earth rods. Install templates are on the packaging. We’ve got easy to use Bluetooth set up and electrician friendly details such as screw rib bars which hold screws in, eliminating the chance of losing them on the ground.

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.