While each type of connectivity has its merits, a cellular solution can offer additional benefits – particularly if it includes full management and monitoring that enables proactive maintenance and significantly reduces downtime for DC fast chargers.
Fully managed connectivity can simplify remote diagnostics, firmware updates, load balancing, and other tasks. Other benefits include all-in-one billing, seamless support, and robust warranties.
Improved Uptime via Real-Time Monitoring
Real-time monitoring is critical for several reasons, such as:
- Proactive Maintenance: If you have a fleet of chargers, you need to spot potential issues before they escalate. And resolve them without sending a technician to fix the problem on site. Remote monitoring lets you do it all.
- Operational Efficiency: You already have to monitor metrics like energy usage and charging patterns. Cellular monitoring helps you also check usage, signal strength, and other connectivity metrics.
- Security: The right cellular solution works proactively to safeguard chargers and customer payments. Built-in sensors can further protect valuable equipment. You also receive alerts when events occur.
- Regulatory Compliance: Use real-time data to inform decisions, reduce operational downtime, run reports, and stay compliant.
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction via Seamless Service
Of course, a reliable connection extends beyond operational efficiency.
When EV drivers experience issues with a DC fast charger port, they look for immediate resolution. At least in terms of connectivity, a robust cellular solution provides instant troubleshooting and real-time updates to owners and operators. This helps mitigate frustration and allows customers to stay informed of any ongoing issues or expected resolutions.
Moreover, such transparency can improve trust and loyalty. The more uptime at the EV station, the greater its reputation and likelihood that customers will return. This level of service can significantly differentiate your business in a competitive market.
Reduced Operational Costs via Remote Maintenance
Here are two seemingly unrelated realities: Network outages will happen. It’s not “if,” but “when.” Secondly, truck rolls are expensive.
When your fast chargers go down, it’s not always convenient – or cheap – to roll a truck, especially if it’s possible to re-establish a connection offsite. The right cellular solution makes it easy to check connectivity, perform proactive maintenance, re-boot a router, view usage and signal strength, install firmware updates, and do it all autonomously.
As part of a fully managed plan, owners of EV chargers should also have 24 x 7 support when issues arise. Before committing to a cellular provider, ask about their tech support and customer service. An outage is not a good time to fill out a support ticket and wait. Live support is invaluable, both in terms of time and money.
