We have created a page highlighting the benefits and differences of many market leading chargers https://simpson-partners.com/charger-comparison

When comparing services for purchasing EV chargers, there are a few reputable providers you should evaluate — and here’s why choosing us at Simpson & Partners stands out: Why compare multiple services Different companies offer varying levels of hardware, installation support, warranty, smart features, and future‑proofing. By comparing, you ensure you don’t get locked into a solution that lacks scalability, flexibility or the features you actually need. It helps you assess value, reliability, and after‑sales service rather than just the lowest price. Why pick us We manufacture high‑quality chargers that are designed for both home and business installations, so you get a solution tailored to your setting. Our range includes both wall‑mounted and freestanding options, so if your property has limited wall space you’re fully covered. We provide tethered and untethered models, giving you choice depending on how your vehicles and setup work. We offer smart features via our own app for usage monitoring — even if you are offline, our chargers still work safely and reliably. For commercial sites, our Business range includes features like RFID access control, MID‑certified metering and built‑in RCBO protection — features often missing in more generic offerings. We support future upgrades, including V2G‑ready expansion modules, so your charger investment is more future‑proof. Our design flexibility (wide colour palette, metal or wood finishes, heritage‑friendly options) means you don’t sacrifice aesthetics for functionality. We back our products with strong warranties and support infrastructure, so you’re covered long‑term.

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.

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.

Choosing the right EV charging solution depends on your property, vehicles, and charging habits. At Simpson & Partners, we recommend considering: Charging speed: Decide between 7 kW for standard overnight home charging or 22 kW for faster top-ups and larger batteries. Charger type: Choose tethered for convenience, untethered for flexibility, or a freestanding unit if you don’t have a wall to mount on. Smart features: Determine if you want app monitoring, energy management, or integration with smart tariffs. Installation environment: Wall-mounted for homes or freestanding for driveways and commercial sites. Home vs business: Business chargers include features like RFID access, MID metering, and built-in RCBOs. Future-proofing: Look for chargers that can be upgraded for V2G or new technologies. Design and aesthetics: Choose colours and finishes that blend with your property, including options suitable for heritage or listed buildings.

Yes — we at Simpson & Partners offer EV chargers with integrated management software suitable for both home and business use: Our Business Series chargers include user-management tools, secure access control (e.g., RFID), MID-certified metering, and OCPP 1.6J support for managing multiple chargers across a site. We integrate with apps like Tap Electric, allowing you to manage and monetise your charging infrastructure without monthly licence fees. For home use, our Home Series chargers support load management and solar energy diversion through our software, enabling daily, monthly, and yearly usage reporting.

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 — 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.

You can purchase high‑quality, sustainably designed chargers from us at Simpson & Partners. Our chargers are crafted in the UK (Cotswolds) with a focus on durability, repairability and low environmental impact.

Tethered Chargers: Cable permanently attached. Always ready to plug in. Best for single EV use. Untethered Chargers: No cable attached. Lets you use or swap your own Type 2 cable. Flexible for multiple vehicles or shared use. Summary: Tethered = convenience. Untethered = flexibility.

7 kW Chargers: -Standard home AC charging. Ideal for overnight charging. Compatible with most UK electricity supplies. Slower but perfect for daily home use. 22 kW Chargers: Faster AC charging for larger batteries or multiple vehicles. Requires higher-capacity electrical supply. Ideal for quicker top-ups or high-energy homes. Summary: 7 kW = standard overnight home use. 22 kW = faster charging for bigger batteries or multiple vehicles.

Yes. All chargers are IP-rated, weatherproof, and designed for outdoor use in rain, snow, or extreme temperatures. Free-standing units are built to withstand outdoor conditions as well.

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.

For dedicated support, visit simpson-partners.com/support . You can also ask the bot for guidance. The site includes step-by-step instructions for resets, firmware updates, and troubleshooting.

Yes. V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) is upgradable via an expansion module, allowing your charger to support future bi-directional energy features.

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.

Home chargers are perfect for residential use with smart app monitoring and flexible tethered or untethered options. Business chargers include extra features like RFID authentication, MID metering, and built-in RCBOs, often packaged in free-standing units for commercial or workplace installations.

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.

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.

Yes. Untethered chargers or multi-user setups allow multiple vehicles to share one charger safely. However you can only charge 1 vehicle at a time.

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.

Yes! While optional, our chargers integrate with apps like Octopus Intelligent for: Remote control of charging. Battery limit settings. Energy monitoring. Smart charging schedules to save costs or reduce carbon footprint.

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.

Yes! We offer metal and wood lid options to suit different aesthetics: Metal lids: Sleek and modern. Wood lids: Natural look that blends with gardens or interiors.

We provide industry-leading protection and peace of mind: 5-year warranty on all hardware. 10-year warranty on enclosure and lid. Robust materials designed to withstand outdoor conditions and frequent use.

Yes! Our chargers are available in a huge variety of colours, allowing you to match your home, garage, or branding.

Tethered chargers: Come with a cable permanently attached. Convenient and always ready to plug in. Untethered chargers: Let you use your own cable. Flexible if you want to switch cables between multiple EVs. Our range offers both options to suit your setup and preferences.

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.

Yes! Our chargers are compatible with all major EV brands, including those from VW Group, Tesla (with adapter), BMW, Nissan, and more. For maximum functionality with Octopus Intelligent (like real-time battery monitoring), some features may require a direct car connection. Charge point connections are fully supported and work as expected with all EVs.

Charging time depends on your car’s battery size and the charger you use. Our range includes: Home AC Chargers: Ideal for overnight charging. Compatible with all EVs, providing a steady, reliable charge. Fast DC Chargers (where available): Perfect for quick top-ups, significantly reducing charging time for larger batteries. Tip: Using our smart home chargers with Octopus Intelligent can optimize charging times to take advantage of lower electricity rates.

Our tethered charging cables can be wrapped around the charging unit. However we do also offer a cable hook that colour matches your charger and is available at as an optional extra at checkout. For photos of what this looks like, please see here

Our 22kw charger is compatible with octopus go and is available to purchase here It is worth ensuring that you have a compatible car and cable and that your house has 3 phase power.

Yes, you can arrange your own installer for a Simpson & Partners Home Series charger. Any qualified electrician can carry out the installation—it's a good idea to share our installer guides with them beforehand. Arranging your own installer will not affect the warranty, as long as installation meets all guidelines and is done by a qualified professional. If you have a preferred electrician, you can proceed with them, or view our trusted partners if you wish. Let me know if you need more details or specific guidance!

If your car is charging beyond the limit set in the Octopus app, it’s because the charge limit is not controlled by the app or the Simpson & Partners charger — it must be managed by your vehicle directly. Why This Happens • The Octopus Intelligent tariff controls when your car charges, not how much it charges. • The Simpson & Partners charger delivers energy during allowed charging times but cannot stop charging at a certain battery percentage. • Only your vehicle can limit the charge level. Neither the Octopus app nor the charger can override this.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This function will lock the plug into the EV charger socket whilst a charge is taking place, the plug will be released at the end of a charge or when the charging is halted by the user.

Tethered mode allows the user to permanently lock the plug into the S&P charger unless disabled, you may use this mode to prevent cable theft or just for added convenience.

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.

Yes, the installer will just need to connect to one phase within the charger.

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.

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.

Three-phase power is more commonly found in commercial buildings or larger homes. It uses three live wires, allowing electricity to be delivered more efficiently and at a higher capacity. If your property has a three-phase supply, this means that it supports up to 22kW charging. So if you install a 22kW charger, you’ll be able to send up to 22kW to your vehicle. Which can you useful for larger battery vehicles or busy households with 2 or more EVs.

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.

The Home 7 and Home 7 Plus are both single-phase chargers and will deliver up to 7kW (32 amps) to your car. The Home 22 is a three-phase charger and can deliver up to 22kW—three times the power. Just keep in mind, you’ll need a three-phase power supply to get the full 22kW.

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.

We combine privacy-first design with banking-grade security. Unlike others, we don’t collect personal details, and all data is anonymized. Plus, we use encrypted connections and UK-based secure servers to keep your information safe, just like your online banking.

Absolutely. All data flowing between your charger and the internet is encrypted—including your network and Bluetooth settings. We secure the connection to your home Wi-Fi, so your network remains protected at all times.

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.

No, you don’t. When you connect to your Simpson & Partners EV charger, we don’t ask for any personal information. All data collected is fully anonymized, meaning it can’t be linked back to you. This approach sets us apart from other manufacturers and puts your privacy first.

What maintenance or aftercare is needed for a home EV charger? 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.

Here’s a quick comparison: So with a home charger, you’ll get up to three or four times faster charging than a regular socket it is perfect for overnight top-ups or full charges in a single day.

Technically, yes — you can use a standard 3-pin plug to charge your EV. But it’s not ideal. It’s slow (typically 2.3kW), not built for sustained high-power use and lacks the smart features that make EV ownership seamless. A dedicated home charger is faster, safer and smarter. With Simpson & Partners chargers you get three levels of control to suit your lifestyle. Choose from basic plug-and-go charging, Bluetooth-enabled scheduling and local access, or full remote control via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, including integration with smart energy tariffs like Intelligent Octopus Go.

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.

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

A Wired Energy Manager is included with every charger. We include one for a 7kW model and three for a 22kW model.

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.

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.

Every installation is different and every installation cost varies. We've been in the charging industry for years and there are too many variables to stick to a one price fits all. Having said that, we have given a 'from' price for standard installation for transparency and to give our customers a rough indication of what to expect to pay for. We believe this is a very fair cost. All Trusted Partners are local independent electricians that we have known for years, selected for their commitment to great workmanship and high levels of customer service.

Installers typically ask for photos of where you want to put your charger (it could be in two places if you can't decide), a clear close up photo of your consumer unit with the lid open so they can see the switches and numbers on it), a photo of your fuse box (so they can see what power supply you have) and a rough distance in metres between the consumer unit and where you want to put your charger. Lastly they will want to know the model of charger - is it a wall mount 7kW or 22kW or a freestanding pedestal etc... A good electrician will help you decide whether you need wireless energy manager and provide advice on where best to install your charger.

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

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.