The Maintenance of EV Charging Stations is a Problem: DAVACO Can Help Solve It
By - Paul Hamer
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, the demand for reliable charging infrastructure continues to grow. However, a significant pain point has emerged for EV owners: the maintenance, or lack thereof, of EV charging stations. Additionally, charging stations subsidized with federal funds are required to maintain 97% uptime performance or risk those subsidies being clawed back.
The downtime of these charging stations affects EV owners in the same way a broken gas station pump affects a liquid-fuel powered vehicle owner....except, usually there's not another pump around the corner, or another station a few blocks away.
EV owners rely on the functionality of charging stations to meet their daily commitments and use their vehicle. So what can be done to improve the reliability and functionality of EV charging stations? The answer lies in understanding the root cause of the problem.
The Problem: EV Charger Maintenance Issues
According to a Canary Media article, more than 25% of public EV chargers are non-functional at any given time. This high rate of inoperability demonstrates the inconsistency and unreliability of the current infrastructure frustrating EV owners and leaving them stranded.
In an article from AutoWeek, Andrew Fox, founder and CEO of Charge Enterprises, an EV charging station maintenance provider, states "EV station pain points include deferred maintenance, absent operators, decommissioned software, putting stickers over the operating/payment instructions and broken charging wands."
Clearly there are a multitude of issues affecting charging stations, but they can generally be categorized into the areas of software and hardware.
Software Failures: Network Connectivity Issues
EV solutions provider NovaCHARGE blogs about how network connectivity is one of the biggest factors affecting inoperable charging stations. "Because the housing and hardware on EV charging stations is designed specifically for the elements, the primary issue for many stations is they are either non-networked or the network is down."
Non-networked stations operate as standalone units without any connection to a monitoring system. This setup leaves station owners unaware when a unit becomes non-functional, leading to prolonged downtime. On the other hand, networked stations are connected to a system (not the internet!) that allows owners to monitor their status and receive alerts when maintenance is required. Yet, many maintenance providers are not adequately trained to resolve software issues like network connectivity, because the networks vary in design and maturity.
Hardware Failures: Elements, User-error, Theft, and More
Beyond software issues like network connectivity, hardware issues abound. Although EV chargers are made to withstand the elements, they are still susceptible to environmental factors. Unlike gas stations, most EV charging stations lack sunshade canopies, leaving them exposed to harsh sunlight and heavy rain. This exposure can cause physical damage to screens, connectors, and other components, leading to more frequent maintenance needs.
Additionally, EV chargers usually offer only one cable and a single, specified parking spot. Yet, the location of charging ports varies between vehicle models – some are on the front, some the back, and either side of the vehicle. This design variance sometimes forces drivers to maneuver awkwardly to connect their cars, leading to potential damage. If the charger does not work, it's common to see the cable left on the ground, an action we'd never take with a gas pump. This improper handling can cause further hardware deterioration and disrupt service for the next user.
The entire EV charging infrastructure is still relatively new and evolving. This immaturity contributes to frequent breakdowns and inconsistent service. As noted in an article from Fluke, the lack of robust, field-tested technology means that many chargers are not equipped to handle the wear and tear of daily use.
In addition to these issues, there can be challenges in the actual connection between vehicle and charger. As with cell phone or USB chargers, the input needs to be oriented correctly for the charging to function properly. Attempted forced connections can damage components and lead to station inoperability while awaiting maintenance.
Finally, vandalism and theft join the list of components affecting the operability of EV charging stations. Chargers contain copper wiring which is valuable enough to be stolen. According to CleanTechnica, the theft of EV charging cables is an increasing problem, occurring even in broad daylight!
Maintenance Needs as the Underlying Issue
The Need for Quality Maintenance Protocols
Whether software or hardware, what all of these pain points have in common is an increased need for quality maintenance solutions. Unlike more established industries, the world of EV charging lacks comprehensive guidelines and consistent standards.
"Maintenance is a mature and relatively straightforward process on the liquid fuels side, but in many ways it is the Wild West with EV charging technology. Not every charger is created equally, and not every service provider offers the same level of support," according to NACS Magazine.
This patchwork of maintenance practices fails to ensure consistent reliability. Servicing technicians need proper training to address both hardware and software issues, and equipping to accurately diagnose issues across widely varying technological setups.
Solutions to Maintenance Problems
Preventive Maintenance and Regular Inspections
Routine checks and preventive maintenance are crucial for ensuring that chargers remain operational. Whether initiating software updates in non-networked systems, inspecting and maintaining hardware, or replacing weather-worn components before they fail, regular preventative maintenance is critical to keeping EV charging stations online and operational. And, as is the case with most preventative maintenance, it can save station owners money in the long run.
Enhanced Software and Diagnostic Tools
Advanced diagnostic tools and software updates can help identify and resolve issues before they become significant problems. As the AutoWeek article suggests, implementing better software solutions can prevent a large number of failures.
Training and Skilled Technicians
The EV charging industry urgently requires more technicians with specialized training in charger maintenance. A skilled workforce is essential to effectively address the complex issues these systems present. Recent guidelines proposed by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration emphasize the need for licensed and certified technicians to ensure safe and efficient installation and maintenance. These rules are part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which aims to enhance the reliability and accessibility of EV charging networks through better data collection and skilled labor.
"Among many other provisions, the federal rules call for accessible and efficient provisions for consumers to report outages, and for installation and maintenance work to be 'performed safely by a skilled workforce that has appropriate licenses certifications and training.' Electricians taking part in the funded work will have to get certified through a training program, or via an electrical apprenticeship," Autoweek reports.
This is hopeful news for EV owners, as electrical vehicles continue to increase in popularity. The government is attempting to help improve the reliability of chargers and the industry as a whole through regulations promoting trained technical support.
DAVACO Offers Reliable EV Charging Maintenance Solutions
In the meantime, DAVACO is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. With extensive experience in large-scale deployments and maintenance, DAVACO offers end-to-end solutions for EV charging infrastructure. From installation to ongoing maintenance, DAVACO ensures that charging stations are always operational and up to date.
Our comprehensive services also include preventative maintenance, software updates, hardware swaps, and parts inventory, which are crucial for maintaining a high uptime for chargers. Our time-tested commitment to quality and reliability make DAVACO a preferred partner for those looking to invest in robust EV charging solutions. Learn how DAVACO solved EOS Linx's needs during an intricate EV charging kiosk installation project.
The growth of electric vehicles hinges on the reliability of charging infrastructure. As the demand for EVs continues to rise, so does the need for well-maintained charging stations. By investing in better maintenance and support solutions, and partnering with experts like DAVACO, we can ensure a reliable and efficient charging network for all EV users.
For more information on how DAVACO can help maintain your EV charging stations, schedule a call today.
References:
https://www.autoweek.com/news/a40576648/ev-charger-maintenance-problem/
https://www.novacharge.net/blog/why-ev-charging-station-maintenance-and-support-matters
https://www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/blog/renewable-energy/evse-infrastructure
https://cleantechnica.com/2024/06/30/how-we-can-stop-ev-charging-cable-theft-for-good/
https://www.nacsmagazine.com/Issues/October-2023/Inside-the-Current-State-of-EV-Charger-Maintenance
