Graham Rowlands, Managing Director at Devitech, discusses why this is the biggest barrier to the transition of EVs (electric vehicles) and what can be done to remedy issues at the outset.
Why mobile signal connectivity is impacting the transition to EVs
According to research carried out by the RAC Foundation in April 2024, around two thirds of the country's public EV chargers experience limited mobile signal connectivity, making it challenging to activate them when required.
The research analysed a sample of 2,059 publicly available type 2 EV chargers across the UK and found that many lack an adequate level of coverage from all four mobile phone network providers, making it impossible to guarantee they can be activated 100% of the time.
While a residual 3G signal may be present where a 4G signal is absent, the national 3G network is set to close down completely by 2033, rendering this a temporary solution.
So, how can you remedy connectivity issues for your EV chargers?
To address these connectivity issues, we recommend installing a backup hard wired network for EV chargers or utilising roaming SIM cards that choose the best signal in the area.
Also, an assessment of your connectivity options should be carried out at the point of installation, including a Wi-Fi test, to ensure there are alternative secondary networks available if the primary connection fails.
Ensuring strong mobile signal connectivity is crucial in the transition to EVs, and it’s essential steps are taken to address the issue to accommodate the growing demand for EV chargers across the UK.
Keeping your EV chargers connected with EV ChargeCare
Don't let connectivity issues disrupt your EV chargers with EV ChargeCare. Our comprehensive subscription manages the communication between your EV chargers and back-office platform, ensuring a smooth heartbeat for your entire EV charging network.
Every minute, your EV chargers send an "I'm alive" message to the back-office. If this message isn't received routinely, the chargers go offline. But with EV ChargeCare, you can rest easy knowing that we are instantly alerted whenever this happens. Our team will swiftly investigate whether it's a connectivity issue or a power outage and take prompt action to resolve the problem.
Contact our team to learn more about this cost-effective subscription and our aftercare services.
Graham Rowlands, Managing Director at Devitech
We know there’s so much to take in, so we’re here to help you every step of the way. To start your EV charging journey, book a site assessment via the button below.