A Cotswolds company is stepping in to help electric vehicle owners navigate one of the more modern holiday dilemmas: politely charging their cars when staying with friends or family.
Simpson & Partners, a Cotswolds-based EV charger manufacturer founded by husband-and-wife team Mandy and David Simpson, has released a set of guidelines for what it calls “holiday EV charging etiquette.” The guidance is aimed at helping drivers avoid awkward conversations while ensuring hosts are not inconvenienced.
During the festive period, households across the UK are accustomed to managing a range of concerns. Parents worry about having enough hot water and a full fridge. Teenagers fret over Wi-Fi access. Now, a growing number of guests are adding a new anxiety to the list: “Where can I charge my electric car, and how should I ask?”
Mandy Simpson said many drivers are surprised by how little charging a vehicle actually costs. “Most people are surprised to learn that charging an electric car overnight typically costs just a few pounds, often less than running the oven for a holiday lunch or running the dishwasher a few times,” she explained. Charging a car to provide around 150 miles of range on a home charger generally costs between £2.50 and £4.00, depending on the electricity tariff.
The guidelines released by Simpson & Partners recommend six simple steps for guests to follow.
First, always ask before plugging in
Second, be sure to offer to contribute to the electricity cost even if the host declines.
Third, do your best to charge overnight to benefit from off-peak rates.
Fourth, keep cables neatly organised to avoid hazards
Fifth, move the car to a more apt parking space once charging is complete
Sixth, remember to thank the host.
“Once people understand how little energy an electric car actually uses, charging at home quickly becomes as normal as sharing the Wi-Fi password or putting the kettle on,” said the company.
Simpson & Partners operates from a workshop in the Cotswolds, where each EV charger is hand-assembled. The company produces both domestic and commercial chargers, combining sustainability, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology. Products are available through specialist installers, premium automotive partners, and directly via simpsonandpartners.com.
The advice from the Cotswolds company highlights a wider trend in the UK as electric vehicles become increasingly common. Hosts who might never have considered the question of charging a guest’s car now find themselves weighing the potential inconvenience against the growing expectation of EV owners. The etiquette guidelines aim to make the process straightforward for everyone, removing stress from holiday visits.
As electric vehicles become more mainstream, Simpson & Partners hopes that the guidance will encourage polite and considerate behaviour while reinforcing how simple home charging can be. By following these basic rules, EV drivers can avoid awkwardness and ensure their festive visits remain enjoyable for hosts and guests alike.
For Simpson & Partners, the initiative also reflects a wider mission. Based in the picturesque Cotswolds, the company champions British engineering and design, offering products that appeal to discerning EV owners and developers seeking sustainable, thoughtfully designed home technology.
