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.

Yes. We are deeply interested in technology and innovation in technology and our software and hardware teams have always held future-proofing as a core principle. Simpson & Partners EV chargers are designed to be compatible with evolving EV technology, including different charging speeds, connectors and smart energy management. This ensures that your charger continues to meet your charging needs over time. Our chargers are repairable and upgradeable which is more than some other brands. This means in a few years, when you want your charger to have the latest firmware, you'll be able to purchase the latest circuit board and swap it out. As an example, Gen 1 Home Series chargers came out in 2022. Intelligent Octopus Go wasn't available as a tariff then. For these customers, we offer a Version 3 upgrade kit for £85, so they can swap out their old circuit board and connect to this smart tariff.

Yes. All Simpson & Partners EV chargers come with powerful management software built-in, designed for both home and commercial use.For home use – Our Home Series chargers seamlessly integrate with intelligent octopus go, the plus models allow you to use excess solar energy and the app allows you to lock your charger, set charging schedules and track energy usage. Good for those who need to submit energy usage to their employers for reimbursement. For businesses – Our Commercial Series chargers are modular and include user-management tools, secure access control (like RFID), MID-certified metering for accurate billing, and OCPP 1.6J support for managing multiple chargers across your site. We also integrate with third-party specialist apps like Tap Electric, Wevo and Fuuse so you can manage and monetise your charging infrastructure.

You set your own kWh rate and have two payment options. Use Tap Electric (free for hosts) where guests scan a QR code and pay automatically, with revenue going straight to your bank account. Or check the Simpson & Partners app to see energy usage and collect payment before guests leave. Either way, it's hassle-free. Beaumont House uses Tap Electric: "Tap Electric's app is so much simpler for guests to use. We haven't had one request for help with the app since installing Simpson & Partners chargers."

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.

It depends on your existing setup. A qualified installer will assess your consumer unit and electrical capacity during the survey. If upgrades are needed (such as a new consumer unit to meet safety regulations) costs are typically around £85 and can be included in your installation quote. Emma from Beaumont House recommends: "Check your electrics first. We have 3-phase, meaning we could install as many chargers as we wanted within our budget. We opted for two 22kW chargers initially but made the underground pipework suitable for further cables as I hope to install more in the future."

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.

Absolutely. Order a free colour card 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.

It's simple. Provide clear instructions in your guestbook under "Practical Essentials" alongside check-in times and Wi-Fi details. If using Tap Electric, guests scan the unique QR code on the charger to start charging and pay automatically. A well-lit setup and basic signage make self-charging straightforward for all guests. At Nuthatch Retreat: "Guests are always happy to know that all they need to do is bring their cable and plug in after a day exploring the area. No need to download apps or add credit to accounts."

Yes. Your charge history is kept on high-security AWS servers, all located within the UK. We’ve applied the same rigorous standards used in internet banking to ensure your data is protected. If you're comparing us to other EV charger brands, it's worth asking them where your data goes.

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.

Simpson & Partners chargers are engineered for reliability with close to zero downtime. If you ever need support, our technical team is available Monday–Friday 9am–5pm and Saturdays 9am–12pm at 01285 405 410. We resolve issues quickly to keep your guests happy and your reviews positive. Emma from Beaumont House explains: "I have particularly noticed repeat business from guests with electric cars, they like the reliability of the chargers as they know they always work. We haven't had any negative reviews at all since the Simpson chargers were installed. With our previous chargers, guests often thought they weren't working and gave up, which regularly resulted in negative customer reviews online."

Most holiday let chargers are cheap plastic units that look awful and break down. Holiday Series chargers are British-engineered from metal for superior durability and come in 132 colour combinations to match your property. We've been offering Business and Home EV chargers for years and started out making EV chargers in 2018. Crucially, they include OFGEM-compliant MID meters as standard. If you're charging guests for electricity, MID meters are a legal requirement in the UK. They're certified meters that provide accurate, auditable readings of exactly how much energy each guest uses protecting you from disputes and ensuring you charge fairly and legally. Purpose-built for holiday lets, Holiday Series chargers are reliable, beautiful, easy for guests to use and designed to generate revenue with minimal hassle.

Not at all. All our lids and finishes meet our high-quality standards. The choice of metal, wood or plastic is purely aesthetic, your charger will perform reliably whatever colour you pick. Our metal fronts are powder coated. Our lids are either anodised or made of sustainable Accoya wood with a no-rot guarantee for 50 years.

Homeowners that live in listed buildings (grade 1 or 2) or in conservation areas often chose our chargers due to their elegant design, discreet installation finish and customisable finishes. We are happy to help put together plans and image packs to present to your relevant authorities or heritage organisation panels to win their permission and gain approval. Our wall mount chargers are very small and slim. They come in metal (not plastic) with an option for wood lids and a carefully curated colour selection. Our integrated freestanding posts are also very discreet and help the charger blend seamlessly into environments where the final appearance is important.

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.

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.

No problem! We offer freestanding posts with a single socket, allowing you to install a charger anywhere in your driveway or garage. These posts feature a fully integrated, discreet, and slim design. No wall? No problem!

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."

We’re continuing to invest in support throughout 2026, building on the reliability gains delivered with our V3 hardware. This platform is also being extended to our 22 kW chargers, bringing the same stability across the full range.On the software side, we’re releasing updates that prevent issues before they appear, along with a full app redesign featuring guided, step‑by‑step diagnostics so you can resolve most problems instantly. And if you do need us, we’re expanding our phone, email and live chat availability for faster access to the team.Our approach is simple: the best support works quietly in the background with continuous firmware improvements, automatic fixes and regular updates that make your charger more reliable over time and more real people to answer your calls.

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.

David Simpson leads our hardware and software engineering teams and mechanical engineering team to ensure each charger can be physically built for durability and consistent performance. Both David and Mandy Simpson designed the chargers from scratch to have a signature look that they felt looks timeless, modern and discreet. Home Series Plus models feature premium lids in wood or metal, optional Wireless Energy Managers for 'no-mess' load balancing and ethernet connectivity option for ultimate connection. Home Series Freestanding are the worlds first fully integrated pedestal charger. The overall ethos of the business is to create upgradable and repairable chargers and ev chargers that won't end up in landfill.

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.‍

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.

The locking function (from your mobile) secures your charging cable in the charger socket, protecting against cable theft. How it works: The cable automatically locks into the charger when you're charging your car For untethered chargers, it also locks your cable in place when you're not charging, preventing theft if you leave it plugged in