Which is better for a home with a large solar array?

Zappi's ECO+ mode is excellent for pure solar diversion. But for solar paired with battery storage, smart tariffs and future devices, Simpson & Partners offers broader energy management integration.

Simpson & Partners vs Zappi v2: Which EV Charger Is Best?

Q: Is the Zappi v2 still worth buying in 2026?

Yes for solar-focused households. Zappi's ECO/ECO+ modes are mature and proven. However for OCPP, Ethernet, three-phase or longer warranty, Simpson & Partners is the stronger platform.

Q: Does Simpson & Partners work with solar panels?

Yes. Simpson & Partners supports solar via CT clamp and dynamic load balancing, prioritising surplus solar generation for charging.

Q: What is OCPP and why does it matter?

OCPP is an open standard allowing EV chargers to connect to any compatible backend. Zappi does not support OCPP. Simpson & Partners does, giving far more flexibility for commercial and future use.

Simpson & Partners vs Zappi v2 | EV Charger Comparison UK 2026

EV Charger Comparison · UK 2026

Simpson & Partners vs Zappi v2: Which EV Charger Is Best?

The Zappi is the UK's most popular solar-optimising charger. Simpson & Partners is the most complete all-round platform. If you're choosing between the two, the right answer depends on whether you're optimising for solar today — or building a future-ready home energy system.

✓ Best all-rounder: Simpson & Partners — especially if your needs go beyond solar

Expert EV Charging Knowledge Competitive Prices via Volume Buying Large Project Buying Power Fast UK Dispatch

Quick verdict: Zappi wins on solar diversion simplicity. Simpson & Partners wins on everything else — connectivity, OCPP, build quality, three-phase, warranty, and long-term flexibility. For most UK homes, Simpson & Partners via EcoHarmony offers better total value.

7.4kW Single Phase OCPP Open Platform Solar Compatible Ethernet + WiFi 5–10yr Warranty UK-Supported

Simpson & Partners Home Series EV Charger

Simpson & Partners Home Series From EcoHarmony — competitive pricing via volume buying

myenergi Zappi v2 Solar-optimising charger

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Simpson & Partners	Zappi v2
Max Charge Rate	7.4kW single / 22kW 3-phase	7.4kW single phase only
Solar Integration	Dynamic solar + load balancing	Industry-leading ECO / ECO+ diversion
OCPP Support	Yes — open platform	No
Connectivity	WiFi + Ethernet (model dependent)	WiFi only (hub optional)
Three-Phase Ready	Yes	No
Load Management	Advanced wired load balancing	Built-in DLM
Design / Finish	Premium — 200+ colour options	Functional — limited finishes
Warranty	Up to 5–10 years	3 years standard
Repairability	Modular & serviceable	Limited repair modularity
Commercial / Fleet	Yes — multi-site & OCPP billing	No
V2G Path	Roadmapped	Not confirmed
Price via EcoHarmony	Competitive — volume buying advantage	Standard retail pricing

📖 Plain English

Zappi is brilliant if your main goal is using surplus solar power to charge your car for free. It detects spare solar generation and automatically diverts it to your EV — no fuss. But if you want a charger that works with Ethernet (not just WiFi), has an open protocol so it isn't locked to one app, and comes with a longer warranty — Simpson & Partners is the stronger platform overall.

Solar Integration: Where Zappi Still Leads

The Zappi's ECO and ECO+ modes remain the gold standard for solar diversion. If you have a PV system and your primary use case is maximising free charging from surplus solar, Zappi has years of refinement in this specific area.

Simpson & Partners supports solar integration via CT clamp and dynamic load balancing — it works well and handles most home solar setups — but Zappi's solar logic is more granular and has a larger community of experienced installers.

Why this mattersIf solar optimisation is your only priority and you don't plan to use OCPP, add more chargers, or need three-phase in future — Zappi is a genuinely strong choice at its price point.

Where Simpson & Partners Wins Clearly

🔌

OCPP Open Protocol

Not locked to one app or ecosystem. Installers and businesses can integrate with any OCPP-compatible backend.

🌐

Ethernet Connectivity

Wired network connection available — far more reliable than WiFi-only for commercial and demanding domestic installs.

⚡

Three-Phase Ready

22kW three-phase charging capability — future-proofs homes being upgraded or properties with three-phase supply.

🛡️

Up to 10-Year Warranty

Industry-leading enclosure warranty. Zappi offers 3 years standard — a meaningful difference in long-term confidence.

🎨

200+ Colour Options

Designed to be seen. The Zappi comes in grey. Simpson & Partners matches your home's aesthetic.

🏢

Commercial Capable

OCPP + billing integration makes it suitable for workplaces, fleets, and multi-unit sites — Zappi is domestic only.

EcoHarmony Price Advantage

EcoHarmony works on large residential and commercial projects, meaning we purchase Simpson & Partners chargers in significant volume. That buying power is passed directly to you — our pricing on Simpson & Partners is consistently competitive versus standard retail channels.

When you factor in the longer warranty, reduced need for external add-ons (like separate OCPP gateways or PME devices on many setups), and the all-round capability of the platform, the total cost of ownership for Simpson & Partners frequently undercuts alternatives once everything is accounted for.

Why this mattersDon't compare sticker prices alone. Compare what you actually need to install and maintain a complete, compliant, future-ready system over 5–10 years.

Which Should You Choose?

Verdict

Choose Simpson & Partners if…

You want OCPP and open-platform flexibility
You need Ethernet connectivity
You want three-phase capability now or in future
You want a 5–10yr warranty
You have commercial or multi-charger needs
You want more than 3 colour options

Choose Zappi if…

Solar diversion is your single priority
You have a large PV system and want ECO+ mode
You're happy with WiFi-only connectivity
You don't need OCPP or multi-charger
You're on a tight budget for the charger alone

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Zappi v2 still worth buying in 2026?

Yes — for solar-focused households, Zappi remains a strong, proven charger. Its ECO/ECO+ solar diversion modes are mature and well-supported. However, for homes wanting OCPP, Ethernet, three-phase, or longer warranty, Simpson & Partners is now the stronger platform overall.

Does Simpson & Partners work with solar panels?

Yes. Simpson & Partners supports solar integration via CT clamp and dynamic load balancing, allowing the charger to prioritise surplus solar generation. While Zappi's solar modes are more granular, Simpson & Partners handles most UK home solar setups effectively.

Can I get Simpson & Partners cheaper than Zappi from EcoHarmony?

EcoHarmony's volume purchasing means Simpson & Partners is priced very competitively. When comparing total installed cost — including any required external components — Simpson & Partners frequently offers better value than the comparable Zappi setup.

What is OCPP and why does it matter?

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is an open standard that allows EV chargers to communicate with any compatible backend system — billing platforms, fleet management, energy management tools. Zappi does not support OCPP. Simpson & Partners does, making it far more flexible for commercial and future-proof domestic use.

Is Zappi or Simpson & Partners better for a home with a big solar array?

Both work well. For pure solar diversion, Zappi's ECO+ mode is excellent. But if your solar system is paired with a battery, a smart tariff, and future plans for more devices, Simpson & Partners' broader energy management integration is a better long-term fit.