SPATCO and ChargerHelp Join Forces to Improve EV Charger Uptime and Reliability

Enhancing EV Charger Reliability Through Strategic Partnership

In an era where electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming mainstream, the reliability of EV charging infrastructure cannot be understated. Recently, SPATCO and ChargerHelp announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at tackling one of the most critical challenges facing the EV industry today: charger uptime.

The need for improved charger maintenance and reliability is underscored by alarming statistics from the fourth quarter of 2024, which revealed that nearly 20% of EV drivers encountered charging stations that were either out of service or malfunctioning. Additionally, the ongoing uncertainties surrounding federal funding and state regulations—especially California's proposed penalties for charger downtimes—underscore the urgency of reliable infrastructure.

Spurred by these challenges, SPATCO and ChargerHelp have formed a partnership to enhance the operational efficiency of charging stations across the country. Kameale Terry, the CEO of ChargerHelp, remarked, "Charger uptime is no longer just a convenience issue—it's a regulatory priority." This statement highlights the seriousness with which both companies approach the modern EV infrastructure's reliability concerns.

The Role of Technology and Workforce Development

To address these pressing issues, the partnership is set to leverage a combination of workforce development and cutting-edge technology. ChargerHelp has created the EMPWR Technician App, which is designed specifically for streamlining the process of troubleshooting and repairing EV chargers. This app will not only facilitate better coordination among service technicians but also significantly cut down the time it takes to resolve issues.

SPATCO, with its substantial workforce consisting of 150 electricians across 15 states, will be the first to implement this innovative solution. By employing this technology, service personnel will be equipped to tackle complex repair orders swiftly and efficiently. The aim is not just to react to outages but to engage in preventive maintenance strategies for Level 2 and Level 3 chargers—thus ensuring chargers are operational when EV drivers need them the most.

As John Force, the CEO of SPATCO Energy Solutions, stated, "Our charging operators can continue providing critical services to EV drivers with the confidence they need to meet evolving compliance standards." Their commitment to reliability is expected to have a transformative impact on how charging networks operate under increasing scrutiny from regulators.

Accountability & Future of EV Charging

The collaboration comes at a time when both state and federal bodies are putting significant emphasis on accountability. New uptime assessment standards from the California Energy Commission aim to align state regulations with national regulations, ensuring uniformity in how reliability is measured across the grid.

For investors and infrastructure operators, these reliability metrics will become crucial in securing state and federal funds. With the growth of the electric vehicle market expected to account for 9.1% of total auto sales by the end of 2025, providing an uninterrupted charging experience is paramount. Each failure in this system could result in lost revenue and decreased consumer trust in EV technology.

Next Steps and Future Prospects

As both companies move forward, the key to success will be continuously enhancing their service capabilities and adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of EV regulations. The integration of the EMPWR Technician App will be rolled out over the next quarter with other service partners likely to join the initiative.

In conclusion, the partnership between SPATCO and ChargerHelp represents a proactive approach to ensuring that the future of electric vehicle charging is not only accessible but also dependable. By addressing both the regulatory challenges and the operational inefficiencies that have plagued the sector, they are paving the way for a more reliable EV ecosystem for all. As we look toward a future where electric vehicles dominate the roads, partnerships like this are essential in making that vision a reality.