EV Charger Uptime Report - Flipbook - Page 12
STRATEGIES FOR
MAINTAINING
CHARGER UPTIMES
The cost of truck rolls can be substantial, especially when you consider the time and resources required to dispatch
a technician. Furthermore, many CPOs are struggling to find enough people to maintain the mandated EV charger
uptimes. This is due in part to the technical nature of the work and the need for specialized training and knowledge.
Despite these challenges, CPOs are making progress in improving the reliability of public EV fast chargers. For example,
some CPOs are investing in remote monitoring systems that can detect and diagnose problems before they cause an
outage. By addressing problems before they occur, CPOs can minimize the need for truck rolls and reduce the cost and
downtime associated with repairs.
It’s essential for CPOs to implement effective and proactive maintenance programs for not just the EV chargers, but
the entire power infrastructure of the site including electrical switchgear. Switchgear is a critical component of DC Fast
charging infrastructure, which is composed of electrical panels with the task of receiving, transforming, distributing, and
protecting the site’s power. Proper maintenance not only ensures a positive user experience for EV drivers, but it also
helps to secure grants and federal funding for future infrastructure projects.
5 STEPS
F O R C P O S T O C O N S I D E R I N L AY I N G O U T A P R O A C T I V E M A I N T E N A N C E P R O G R A M F O R P U B L I C E V FA S T C H A R G E R S TAT O I N S :
#1
REMOTE INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING
#2
REMOTE UTILILITY POWER MONITORING
#3
POWER BACK UP SYSTEMS
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Utilize remote monitoring technologies to keep an eye on the chargers and
their supporting infrastructure. This includes not only the chargers themselves,
but also switchgear and utility power. Monitoring helps CPOs quickly identify
and respond to issues before they become bigger problems.
Monitoring the utility power that feeds the charging station is essential for
reporting on charger uptimes. This will allow CPOs to quickly identify any issues
with the utility power and take action to resolve them.
Installing power backup systems, such as generators or Battery Energy Storage
Systems (BESS), can ensure that the charging station remains operational
during a power outage. This will ensure that EV drivers are not left without a
charging option during outages.
#4
MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS
#5
THINK BEYOND THE CHARGERS
CPOs should consider entering into maintenance contracts with local or
national charger maintenance providers. This will help ensure that downtime
issues are quickly addressed and prevent extended outages.
Unlike the Level 1 or Level 2 chargers commonly found at in-home charging
systems and shopping centers, DC fast chargers (Level 3) require an enormous
amount of utility power and station infrastructure. It is important to invest in
high quality electrical switchgear components capable of receiving the 480
VAC utility power, distributing power to on-site equipment, protecting the site
from electrical faults, and converting the high-voltage 480 VAC power to the
lower-voltages necessary for charger equipment like credit card processing
and communication devices.
