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
What’s the difference between home and business chargers?
Home chargers are perfect for residential use (7kw and 22kW and wall mount and freestanding options) with free mobile app and tethered or untethered options. Business chargers include all this and extra features like RFID authentication, MID metering and built-in RCBOs.
Plus iconPlus icon
Are Simpson & Partners chargers suitable for listed or historic buildings?
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.
Plus iconPlus icon
Do your chargers work with all EV models?
Yes! Our EV chargers are compatible with all EV brands, including those from VW Group, Tesla, BMW, Nissan and more. Charge point connections are fully supported and work as expected with all EVs.
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. 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.
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
Willhaving an EV charger help me get more bookings?
Tethered mode is a feature you can activate from your mobile app that locks the charging cable into your Simpson & Partners charger. This is handy for preventing cable theft when you're not using the charger, or simply for added convenience – keeping your cable securely stored and ready to use.
Plus iconPlus icon
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.
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
What is the Locking Function?
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
Plus iconPlus icon
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.‍
Plus iconPlus icon
Can I see the colours before I buy?
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.
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
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
Do the chargers work in extreme weather?
Yes. All chargers (freestanding and wall mounted) are IP-rated, weatherproof and designed for outdoor use in rain, snow, or extreme temperatures.
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
If Octopus controls charging, will it always be off-peak?
Not necessarily. Octopus may charge your car at any time to optimise cost and carbon efficiency. Your bill will still reflect the lower smart charging rate.
Plus iconPlus icon
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.
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
What happens if the charger stops working?
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."
Plus iconPlus icon
Do Simpson & Partners chargers require an internet connection?
No. All Simpson & Partners chargers work without an internet connection. You can still charge your EV safely. You can just plug in a charge. If you also want to see your energy usage and remote control your charger from your mobile (eg locking and scheduling and charging history) then you'll need to have an internet connection.
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
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.
Plus iconPlus icon
Are your chargers future-proof?
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.
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
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!"
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.