Frequently asked questions.
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Are Simpson & Partners chargers suitable for listed or historic buildings?
Yes. Our chargers are preferred by many authorities and heritage organizations due to their elegant design, discreet installation options, and customizable finishes. Metal or wood lids, wide colour selection, and freestanding posts help the charger blend seamlessly into historic properties.
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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 prioritse 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.
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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.
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What’s the difference between the Basic and Plus chargers?
The Basic charger is our reliable, no-fuss option. It comes with a durable plastic cap and covers all the essential home‑charging needs. The Plus charger gives you more choice and flexibility: Design options: wood or metal lids for a more premium finish. Solar-ready: fully compatible if you want to integrate solar panels. Connectivity upgrades: add a wireless Energy Manager or use an Ethernet connection for smarter charging control. In short, the Plus is ideal if you want extra style, smarter energy management, or solar integration — the Basic is perfect if you just need a solid, dependable charger.
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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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I’m looking to get a quote for installing multiple EV chargers for my commercial property.
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.
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2026 Outlook
2026 is set to be an exciting year for Simpson & Partners, with a range of new features, products, and services designed to make EV charging smarter and more convenient. Here’s a brief overview of what’s coming: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Support: Launching early next year, V2G will allow compatible cars to power your home. This functionality will be available as a hardware upgrade for all V3 chargers. 22 kW V3 Chargers: Our 22 kW range is being upgraded to V3, bringing the enhanced reliability and performance of V3 hardware to higher-powered chargers. Business Range Revamp: New business chargers will include features such as 4G connectivity and built-in MID meters, improving both monitoring and billing capabilities. Holiday Rental Chargers: A new series designed specifically for rental properties, with integrated MID meters, payment solutions, and all essential features to simplify guest charging. Dedicated Installer Support: A new support line for installers will provide onsite assistance when needed, making installation and maintenance smoother. App Overhaul: The Simpson & Partners app is being redesigned with new features and improvements requested by customers over the years, making it easier to manage and monitor your chargers. With these updates, 2026 will bring smarter hardware, enhanced software, and more accessible support — helping our customers get even more from their chargers.
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What’s the difference between Tethered and Untethered chargers?
Tethered: Charger comes with a cable permanently attached — quick and plug-and-go. Great if you always use the same vehicle and want maximum convenience. Untethered: Charger has no fixed cable — you use your own. This gives flexibility if you have multiple EVs with different connectors, or want to swap cables between them.
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Which of our chargers is right for your home or business?
We offer a range of options to suit every situation. The Basic is perfect for straightforward home charging, while the Plus adds style, solar integration, and smart energy management. Choose tethered or untethered, and you’ll get a charger that fits your vehicle, space, and lifestyle.
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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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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.
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Are your chargers compatible with all types of EVs?
Absolutely. Simpson & Partners chargers are engineered to support all EV models, with a full range of connector types and smart features. You never have to worry about compatibility — from everyday family cars to large commercial EV fleets.
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What improvements are being made over the coming months?
We’re investing heavily in support over the next few months, building on the major reliability gains already delivered with our V3 hardware. This same platform will be extended to our 22 kW chargers in 2026, bringing the same stability and long-term durability across the full range. On the software side, we’re rolling out updates aimed at preventing issues before they appear. The Simpson & Partners app is also getting a full redesign — with guided, step-by-step on-site diagnostics to help you resolve most issues instantly without needing to contact us. Of course, if you do need us, we’re expanding our phone, email and live chat availability in 2026 to give faster access to the team. Our philosophy is simple: the best support happens quietly in the background. That means continuous firmware improvements, automatic fixes, and regular updates that make your charger more reliable and capable over time — without you having to lift a finger.
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What’s the difference between wall-mounted and free-standing chargers?
Wall-mounted chargers are ideal for homes and garages with a suitable wall. The free-standing charger is a separate product built for properties that don’t have a wall to mount on. It provides the same charging performance with flexible installation.
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Are some colours only available on certain models?
Yes. The Premium finishes (metal and wood lids) are exclusive to the Plus model, while the Basic model comes in standard plastic finishes. This ensures you get the right balance of style and functionality for your chosen charger.
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Should I Upgrade to 3-phase power supply?
It’s up to you, but it’s not a widespread practice by any means. A 3-phase supply allows for faster EV charging (up to 22kW). It’s also useful if you have two EV’s (they can share the load) or if you have high-demand appliances like heat pumps, hot tubs, an indoor swimming pool or multiple ovens. Many commercial premises such as warehouses, farms, factories, shops and restaurants have three phase power. The residential buildings that might have three phase power could include new build large homes, barn conversions (which used to be/ still are working farms that power machinery), homes in tower blocks (there could be a lift). Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason as to why some building have three-phase or single phase. There's notihng stopping you from exploring upgrading to 3-phase, but just know that it can be time consuming and expensive.
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Do Simpson & Partners offer modular and upgradable EV charging solutions for businesses?
Yes — we provide modular, upgradable EV charging systems designed for commercial use: Our Business Series includes wall‑mount and freestanding models, built for scalability. Features like user access control, MID‑certified metering and OCPP compatibility ensure you 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 for long‑term use: robust enclosures, British engineering, and software built in‑house.
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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, but usage data and smart tariff features will not be available without connectivity.
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Are your chargers easy to install?
Absolutely! Our product range is designed for simple, safe installation: Home AC Chargers: Compact, wall-mounted units suitable for garages and driveways. Smart features: Setup is quick via the app, allowing remote monitoring and scheduling. Professional Installation: Our certified installers ensure your charger meets all safety standards.
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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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Who are Simpson & Partners, and why do people trust us?
We’re a UK-based EV charger manufacturer with a focus on reliability, style, and innovation. From home users to commercial sites, our chargers are designed and built to meet real-world needs. Customers trust us because we combine high-quality engineering with exceptional support, ensuring your EV always charges safely and efficiently.
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What if I don’t have a wall to mount the charger?
No problem! We offer freestanding posts, so you can install your charger anywhere in your driveway or garage. Fully compatible with all our home chargers. Provides flexibility for homes without convenient wall access.
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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.
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Do Simpson & Partners chargers support smart tariffs?
Smart tariff features are only available when the charger is connected to the internet and/or integrated with Octopus Intelligent. Offline charging will work safely, but energy optimization or cost tracking will not be available.
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Can I choose the colour of my charger?
Yes! Our chargers are available in a huge variety of colours, allowing you to match your home, garage, or branding.
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