Frequently asked questions.
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Who are Simpson & Partners, and why do people trust us?
We’re a UK-based EV charger manufacturer. Founded in 2018 by husband and wife team Mandy and David Simpson, who focus on creating high-performance charging solutions with excellent design aesthetics and smart future proof technology. S&P chargers are designed and built to meet real-world needs. Customers trust us because we combine innovative engineering know-how with exceptional support, ensuring your EV always charges safely and efficiently today and into the future. S&P are proud to say that it is their ethos their chargers are not destined for landfill. Trusted by over 700 qualified electricians in the UK. We have a 4.3* rating on Trustpilot. Our chargers are built by us in our HQ based in the Cotswolds SN16 9SH. All our chargers are upgradeable and repairable.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Do the colours affect durability or performance?
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.
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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.
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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.
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What smart features set Simpson & Partners chargers apart from competitors?
Every S&P charger comes with smart app control, load management, and over-the-air updates. That means you can schedule charging, monitor usage, and future-proof your setup. Some competitors may have app control, but few combine this with advanced energy management and OTA updates in one reliable package.
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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.
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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.
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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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Are S&P chargers more compatible with renewable energy than other brands?
Yes. Our chargers are fully solar-compatible, letting you maximise your home energy and reduce costs. Many other chargers claim “green energy support,” but only S&P chargers integrate seamlessly with solar generation and smart tariffs, making your EV charging both efficient and environmentally friendly.
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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.
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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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What is Three-Phase Supply?
Three-phase power is term used for describing the amount of power going into a building from the national grid. It 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 than the more common single-phase power. 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 be useful for vehicles with larger on-board battery or busy households with 2 or more EVs. If your home has single phase power, then you'll be able to happily charge up to 7kw.
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Will a 3-phase charger work on a single-phase supply?
Yes, the installer will just need to connect to one phase within the charger.
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Will the colour fade if my charger is outdoors?
No. Our paint finishes are designed to withstand UK weather, rain, UV sun and frost. Metal and wood lids on all models are treated for durability, so your charger will stay looking great for years. We make our wood lids our of sustainable Accoya. Dimensionally stable, Accoya wood is a modified pine that undergoes an acetylation process. The result is real wood that doesn’t rot. It doesn’t warp, swell or shrink becuase the small water molecules inside the wood are effectively replaced by acetic acid. ie it's 'pickled'. Wooden lids will in say 10 years begin to change colour if they are exposed to UV light. The change will be very slight becuase we use specialist transluscent paint coats that protect from UV light. The metal fronts are power coated. Their colour will stay the same for many years.
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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.
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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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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.
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What is load balancing?
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.
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Are your chargers compatible with all types of EVs?
Absolutely. Simpson & Partners chargers are engineered to support all EV models and PHEV. Tethered (Built-in Cable): Comes with a fixed Type 2 cable. Untethered (Socket): Features a universal socket, allowing you to use your own Type 1 or Type 2 charging cable, supporting older Type 1 vehicles as well as newer Type 2 cars.
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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
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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.
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