Frequently asked questions.
If your question isn't answered below, please ask our friendly chat AI as this has access to our entire knowledge base and will be able to provide an answer for you
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.
Plus iconPlus icon
Where is my charging data stored? Is it safe?
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.
Plus iconPlus icon
How Easy Is It to Upgrade to 3-Phase Power?
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.
Plus iconPlus icon
How long does it take to charge my EV?
For most UK homes and electric vehicles, a full charge takes 6-8 hours overnight using a 7kW home charger. The exact time depends on your car's battery size and how much charge is left. For example, a typical 60kWh EV battery charging from empty to full at 7kW takes around 8-9 hours. Smart charging tip: Use our smart chargers with tariffs like Octopus Intelligent to automatically schedule charging during off-peak hours, saving money while your car charges overnight.
Plus iconPlus icon
Will having an EV charger help me get more bookings?
Yes. EV drivers actively filter their search for properties with on-site charging, and this segment is growing rapidly. Without a charger, you're invisible to these guests. Properties with charging see increased bookings year-round, improved competitiveness, and future-proof appeal as EV ownership continues to rise. Emma from Beaumont House Hotel in Cheltenham explains: "It makes the hotel appear higher up in the ranking on online travel agents such as Booking.com and Expedia as guests can tick hotels with EV chargers, we pop up immediately. I estimate 10% of business is repeat business by guests owning electric cars throughout the year." Simon from Coillemore House in the Scottish Highlands adds: "We were keen to offer EV charging as a value add and as a differentiator to other homes in the area. We were surprised to have multiple guests from the south east and London driving up in electric vehicles. There's more demand than we initially believed."
Plus iconPlus icon
Can I be sure this charger will work with my home and my car?
Absolutely. All our chargers are designed to work with the UK’s standard electrical supply and with every EV connector type currently on the market. Before installation, our team or your qualified electrician will double-check that your setup is compatible. If you’re buying a Plus model, features like solar integration or the wireless Energy Manager will also be assessed for your home to ensure seamless operation.
Plus iconPlus icon
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.
Plus iconPlus icon
Will Octopus still work if connected via my charge point?
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 read the real-time charge level.
Plus iconPlus icon
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.
Plus iconPlus icon
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.
Plus iconPlus icon
Do I need a Wired Energy Manager?
A Wired Energy Manager is included with every charger. It is a CT clamp. We include one for a 7kW model and three for a 22kW model.
Plus iconPlus icon
Will I need to make any electrical upgrades to my property?
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."
Plus iconPlus icon
What’s the difference between a Wired vs Wireless Energy Manager?
A Wired Energy Manager is a hard-wired kit that monitors your home’s power draw, so your charger knows when to throttle EV charging to avoid overloading your main supply. A wireless Energy Manager gives you the same load-balancing benefits, but communicates over wireless — handy if you want cleaner install and simpler cabling. Both options protect your home electrical system while optimising charging.
Plus iconPlus icon
What’s the difference between wall-mounted and free-standing chargers?
Wall-mounted chargers attach to a suitable vertical wall (eg brick). The free-standing charger is an integrated pedestal model that has been designed for properties and driveways and car parking bays that don’t have a wall nearby to mount the charger on.
Plus iconPlus icon
My charger is out of Warranty, are you able to help?
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.
Plus iconPlus icon
What is a Wired Energy Manager?
The Wired Energy Manager is a clever small device that balances the electrical load between your car and home. It constantly measures the amount of energy that your home is using and sends any availiable energy to your car (if it's plugged in). Known as a 'load balancing' device it avoids nuisance trips by prioritising energy to the home. So for example when you use the hob, hot tub, microwave etc, the energy manager will prioritise energy for your home appliances and reduce energy going to your car. As soon as you switch off your home appliances and 'reduce the load' on the house, it sends more to your car. We include a Wired Energy Manager with every Home basic or Home Plus charger.
Plus iconPlus icon
Do Simpson & Partners offer modular and upgradable EV charging solutions for businesses?
Yes. Simpson & Partners provides modular, upgradable EV charging solutions designed for AC commercial use: Our Business Series includes 7kW-22kW wall‑mount and freestanding models, built for scalability and demanding use. Features such as user access control, MID‑certified metering and OCPP compatibility ensure the chargers can expand and integrate with your business infrastructure. Our hardware architecture supports future upgrades. For example, add‑on modules for features like V2G (vehicle‑to‑grid) and dynamic load balancing. Everything is designed and engineered for long‑term use: robust enclosures, British engineering and software built in‑house.
Plus iconPlus icon
How quickly will it pay for itself?
Typically within 12 months through guest charging revenue, often sooner with just a few extra bookings. After that, it's pure profit a permanent feature that keeps generating income stay after stay, year after year. You're not just covering costs; you're creating a revenue stream while future-proofing your property.
Plus iconPlus icon
How fast can I charge my car?
The speed you can charge your car at home depends on three things: your home’s electricity supply, the charger you install (7kW or 22kW) and your car’s onboard charging capability. Most UK homes have a single-phase supply, which supports up to 7kW charging. If you have a three-phase supply, you can install a 22kW charger for much faster charging. The third but crucial element is your car’s onboard battery. Sometimes referred to as an OBC, the onboard battery is fixed and inside your car. Some hybrid plug in cars have 3.7kW on board battery, the majority of cars have 7kW, some have 11kW and a few have 22kW. The fastest you can charge your car at home is always going to be limited by the smallest number: Let’s see this in action: Example 1: If your home power supply is single phase and you choose a 7kW charger and plug in a Tesla with an onboard battery of 22kw, then the fastest you can charge will be 7kW. This is because the maximum available of power at your home is 7kW. If you have a 22kW charger, then the maximum rate you can charge is still 7kW. Example 2: You have three phase power supply and a 22kW eV charger, your car is a lovely brand-new car that has an on-board charger of 3.7kW. The fastest you’d be able to charge is 3.7kW.
Plus iconPlus icon
What improvements are being made over the coming months?
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.
Plus iconPlus icon
Does your 3 phase charger work with Octopus Go
Our 22kw charger is compatible with octopus go and is available to purchase online. It is worth ensuring that you have a compatible car with a 22kW On board battery (OBC) and that your house has 3 phase power.
Plus iconPlus icon
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.
Plus iconPlus icon
Can you help me compare different brands of home EV chargers based on durability and design?
We have created a page highlighting the benefits and differences of many market leading chargers https://simpson-partners.com/charger-comparison Design and appearance is obviously subjective. David and Mandy Simpson have spent a long time designing S&P chargers to be discreet, understated. Quiet luxury. Every curve, radius and angle has been considered.
Plus iconPlus icon
What if I don’t have a wall to mount the charger?
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!
Plus iconPlus icon
What type of EV charger is best for my holiday let?
Look for a reliable, durable charger with minimal downtime that complements your property's aesthetic. It should include MID meters for accurate billing and OFGEM compliance with UK government requirements. Simpson & Partners Holiday Series offers both wall-mounted and freestanding models, built from metal (not plastic) with 132 colour combinations to enhance your property. Simon from Coillemore House chose carefully: "I chose the Home 7 Plus so I could get the right colour combination. Neptune blue with a mid oak lid to fit in with the stone walls of our Georgian property. We love how it looks, it's super durable so it can stand up to all the weather Scotland can throw at it, and it's discreet so it doesn't look out of place."
Plus iconPlus icon

Need more help?

Can’t find what you’re looking for in the support hubs, or need help troubleshooting an issue? Our friendly, knowledgeable support team is here to help.