Simpson & Partners vs
Andersen A2

The Simpson & Partners Home Series and the Andersen A2 are both premium EV chargers designed for residential installations in the UK.

At first glance, they offer a similar high-end proposition — smart charging capability, solar integration, and refined design suitable for modern homes.

However, they are built around different engineering and design philosophies.

Simpson & Partners is designed as a complete home energy platform, combining premium build quality with advanced connectivity, intelligent load management, and industry-leading software integration. It is also positioned to deliver stronger overall system value, offering a lower entry point into a fully featured smart charging ecosystem without compromising on design or performance.

The Andersen A2, by contrast, is primarily a design-led solution, focusing on minimalist aesthetics and integrated cable storage, with a more traditional feature set and fewer system-wide integration options.

This guide breaks down the real-world differences that matter when choosing between them — including design, installation flexibility, smart functionality, and long-term energy performance.

Gallery

  • Simpson & Partners

  • Anderson A2

Choose Simpson & Partners if you want:

  • More robust, future-proof system

    That won’t need replacing as technology evolves

  • Future-proof charging with OCPP and V2G capability

    Giving access to smart tariffs, energy platforms, and future integrations

  • Reliable connectivity

    With both Ethernet and Wi-Fi (not Wi-Fi only)

  • Greater flexibility

    A charger that can adapt to solar, battery storage, and load management systems

  • More installation flexibility

    Including freestanding or wall-mounted setups

  • Long-term reliability with a 10-year enclosure warranty

    with a 5 year Hardware and 10-year enclosure warranty

Choose Andersen if you want:

  • A clean, design-led charger with hidden cable storage

  • A more minimal, lifestyle-focused product

  • A simpler home charging setup

  • Premium pricing largely driven by design and finish

KEY DIFFERENCES

Simpson & Partners

Core advantages

  • Ethernet + Wi-Fi connectivity
    → More stable, more reliable, and essential for consistent performance (especially in garages or outdoor installs)
  • OCPP 1.6J+ support
    → Enables integration with third-party platforms, future energy tariffs, and smarter charging control
  • Future-ready architecture
    → Designed to work with evolving technologies like smart grids and energy management systems
  • Flexible installation (wall or freestanding)
    → Not restricted by property layout
  • IK10 impact protection
    → Built to handle real-world use, not just indoor conditions
  • 10-year enclosure warranty
    → Reflects long-term build quality and manufacturer confidence

👉 Simpson & Partners is built as a complete charging system, not just a wall-mounted appliance.

KEY DIFFERENCES

Andersen

Core advantages

  • Integrated cable management
    → Keeps the installation visually clean and uncluttered
  • Strong emphasis on minimalist, architectural design
  • Simplified feature set
    → Easier to use, but with fewer advanced capabilities

👉 The A2 is designed to blend into your home visually, but offers less flexibility as your needs evolve.

FEATURE BREAKDOWN

Simpson & Partners

Smart Features

Offers advanced smart capabilities including OCPP support, enabling integration with third-party systems and future commercial platforms.

Also includes:

  • Solar integration
  • Dynamic load balancing
  • Smart app control
  • V2G upgradeability

Installation & Electrical

Supports both single-phase and three-phase charging, making it suitable for a wide range of installations, including future upgrades.

Each unit includes integrated:

  • PEN fault protection
  • RCD protection
  • PME compliance

In most UK installations, this means the charger can be installed using a dedicated RCBO-protected circuit, often alongside a surge protection device (SPD) where required.

Simpson & Partners also includes Ethernet connectivity, offering more stable communication than Wi-Fi alone — particularly important for smart scheduling and updates.

Access & Billing

Home models focus on private use, with advanced billing features available in other ranges (holiday/commercial).

Hardware & Format

Simpson & Partners

  • Wall-mounted and freestanding options available
  • Tethered or socketed
  • IP54+ rated
  • IK10 impact resistance

Design & User Experience

A clear leader in design, offering:

  • Over 100 colour combinations
  • Premium aluminium and wood finishes
  • Integrated ambient lighting

Designed to complement high-end homes and architectural spaces.

Commercial Features

Offers scalable solutions across:

  • Business charging
  • Multi-site setups
  • Revenue generation

FEATURE BREAKDOWN

Andersen

Smart Features

Includes:

  • Built-in protection systems
  • Wi-Fi connectivity (no Ethernet)

👉 Installation is straightforward, but less flexible and less connected than Simpson

Installation & Electrical

Designed primarily for single-phase residential installations, making it a straightforward choice for most UK homes.

It includes built-in safety protections such as:

  • PEN fault protection
  • RCD protection

Like most EV chargers, installation typically requires a dedicated RCBO-protected circuit, with an SPD recommended or required depending on the installation setup.

Access & Billing

  • Designed for private residential use only
  • No RFID, billing, or guest charging features

👉 Not suitable for rentals or commercial use

Hardware & Format

  • Primarily wall-mounted
  • Tethered design with hidden cable storage
  • IP-rated but lower impact resistance than Simpson

Design & User Experience

Known for minimalist, clean design
Interchangeable front panels
Hidden cable system (major selling point)

Commercial Features

No commercial or billing functionality
Strictly residential use

BEST FOR

  • Best for Homeowners

    👉 Simpson & Partners — more flexible, more future-proof, better connectivity

  • Best for Design Simplicity

    👉 Andersen — clean look with hidden cable storage

  • Best for Long-Term Value

    👉 Simpson & Partners — won’t need replacing as your setup evolves

💡 Installation Note


Most EV chargers in the UK require a dedicated circuit with appropriate protection. While many modern chargers include built-in safety features, installers will typically still specify an RCBO and, in many cases, surge protection (SPD) to ensure compliance and long-term reliability.


EXPERT INSIGHT

The Andersen A2 is one of the most premium and customisable EV chargers on the market, particularly focused on hidden cable systems and high-end finishes.

However, this level of design complexity often comes with increased installation considerations and a more fixed ecosystem approach.

Simpson & Partners takes a more modular approach, prioritising flexibility across different electrical setups, mounting options, and future energy system compatibility.

The key difference is philosophy:

Andersen A2 is built as a design statement.

Simpson & Partners is built as a scalable energy platform that also looks premium.

For installers and long-term owners, scalability usually wins over design-only optimisation.


FINAL VERDICT

Simpson & Partners is the better long-term investment.

It delivers:

More reliable connectivity

Greater flexibility

Higher durability

And significantly more future-proofing

The Andersen A2 is a strong choice for design-focused buyers, but it’s ultimately more limited in capability.

👉 If you want a charger that continues to work for you as your home evolves — Simpson & Partners is the clear winner.

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FAQ's

Do I need a separate consumer unit or distribution board for an EV charger?


In many cases, yes. A dedicated circuit is required for EV charging, and depending on the installation, you may need a separate consumer unit or EV-specific distribution board with appropriate protection such as RCBOs, surge protection, and PME fault detection.

Do I need load balancing for my EV charger?


Load balancing is recommended if your property has limited electrical capacity or if you plan to install multiple chargers. It ensures the total electrical demand does not exceed your supply limit, preventing overloads. This is especially important in commercial or multi-EV environments.

What’s the difference between single-phase and three-phase EV charging?

Single-phase chargers (typically 7kW) are common in residential homes, while three-phase chargers (up to 22kW) are used in commercial or high-demand environments. Three-phase setups allow faster charging and better support for multiple vehicles, but require the appropriate electrical supply and distribution equipment.

Can I install a Simpson & Partners charger without an earth rod?

In most cases, yes. Simpson & Partners chargers typically include built-in PEN fault protection, meaning an earth rod is not required for standard UK PME (TN-C-S) installations. This can reduce installation complexity and cost.
Feature Simpson & Partners Andersen A2
Primary Focus ✔ Future-proof smart charging, flexibility & system integration ⚠ Design-led premium home charging with hidden cable aesthetic
Solar Integration ✔ Advanced solar + load balancing integration ✔ Solar compatible via smart tariff integration
Connectivity ✔ WiFi + Ethernet + Bluetooth (model dependent) ⚠ WiFi-based (cloud dependent functionality)
OCPP Support ✔ Yes (open platform ready) ✖ No
Smart Features ✔ Advanced load control, integrations, V2G roadmap ⚠ Strong app control, limited extensibility
Load Management ✔ Advanced wired & multi-unit load balancing ✔ Built-in load management
Installation Flexibility ✔ Wall or freestanding pedestal options ⚠ Wall-mounted only (hidden cable design focus)
Design & Aesthetic ✔ Minimal architectural design, multiple finishes ✔ Premium hidden cable “furniture-like” design
Repairability ✔ Modular & serviceable design ⚠ Limited modular repairability
Future-Proofing ✔ Designed for upgradeability (incl. V2G path) ⚠ Limited long-term upgrade pathway
Connectivity Reliability ✔ Ethernet fallback option available ⚠ Cloud-reliant architecture (no wired fallback)
Warranty ✔ Up to 5–10 years (hardware/enclosure dependent) ✔ 7-year warranty
Best For ✔ Future-focused homes, multi-site installs, flexibility ⚠ Design-first users prioritising aesthetics and cable concealment

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