Simpson & Partners Dual Freestanding vs Rolec Quantum: Which EV Charger Is Better?
Simpson & Partners Dual Freestanding vs Rolec Quantum: Which Commercial EV Charger Is Better?
Most commercial EV charger comparisons focus on unit price. Experienced installers compare total installed cost, time on site, and long-term reliability. That's where the Simpson & Partners Business Pro Dual Freestanding separates itself from the Rolec Quantum and similar pedestal options.
The Core Difference: Integrated vs Pieced-Together
Most commercial pedestal setups require separate components assembled on-site: a charger unit, external RCBO protection, separate metering, additional networking hardware, and often external PME protection devices. Each is a separate purchase, a separate installation step, and a separate potential failure point.
The Simpson & Partners Business Pro Dual Freestanding takes a different approach — everything is engineered as one complete system from day one. Internal cabling, protection, and connectivity are fully integrated before the unit leaves the factory.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Simpson & Partners Dual | Rolec Quantum / Typical Pedestal |
|---|---|---|
| Dual sockets | Yes — standard | Often single socket only |
| RCBO built-in | Yes — per socket | External RCBO required |
| PME / PEN protection | Integrated | External device required |
| Load management | Built-in dynamic load balancing | External system required |
| OCPP support | Yes — open platform | Limited / proprietary |
| Network connectivity | WiFi + Ethernet | WiFi only (typical) |
| Metering | Built-in kWh metering | External meter often required |
| Multi-charger scaling | OCPP backend + DLM | Complex — external systems needed |
| Billing capability | OCPP billing-ready | Separate system required |
| Warranty | Up to 10 years | Typically 2–3 years |
| Total installed cost | Lower — fewer add-ons | Higher when all components included |
When you price up a Rolec Quantum for a real car park project, you have to add: RCBO protection box, PME device, kWh meter, networking hardware, load management system. By the time you've bought all of that and paid for the labour to install it, the Simpson & Partners unit — which includes all of this — often works out cheaper overall. And it's all under one warranty.
Where Simpson & Partners Wins on Commercial Projects
Real-World Cost Comparison
| Cost Element | Rolec Quantum Setup | Simpson & Partners Dual |
|---|---|---|
| Charger hardware | £X (single unit) | £X (dual unit — 2× sockets) |
| External RCBO/protection | Required — additional cost | Built-in — £0 extra |
| PME device | Often required — additional cost | Integrated — £0 extra |
| Load management | External system required | Built-in — £0 extra |
| kWh metering | Separate meter required | Built-in — £0 extra |
| Install time (extra complexity) | More components = more time | Single system = faster install |
| Warranty coverage | 2–3 years typical | Up to 10 years |
When Would You Still Choose a Basic Pedestal?
For a single-charger, single-vehicle installation with no future expansion plans, no billing requirements, and a very tight budget — a basic pedestal with an external charger can still be a functional solution.
But as soon as any of these apply — more than one charger, limited available power, requirement for billing, need for management software, or plans to expand — the Simpson & Partners integrated system becomes the more cost-effective and practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Simpson & Partners Dual Freestanding really cheaper than a Rolec Quantum setup?
Does the Simpson & Partners Dual support OCPP billing?
Can the Simpson & Partners Dual Freestanding handle limited power supplies?
What warranty does the Simpson & Partners Business Pro Dual have?
How does EcoHarmony price Simpson & Partners for commercial projects?
More from EcoHarmony
Guides, comparisons, and resources to help you choose and install the right EV charger.