EV Charging Reliability Improved in 2024, But it Remains an Important Problem

EV adoption in the United States reached a historic all-time high last year, despite rumors of a sales slowdown. CNBC reported that In 2024, over 3.2 million electrified vehicles were sold in the U.S., including 1.9 million hybrids (both plug-in and non-plug-in) and 1.3 million all-electric models. This accounted for 20% of new car and truck sales, marking a new milestone for green vehicles. Traditional gas and diesel internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles still dominated, making up 79.8% of sales, but this was the first time in history they fell below 80%, reflecting a astoundingly fast shift in the automotive market towards mass EV adoption.

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity and adoption, one critical aspect of their success is the reliability of charging infrastructure. While many consumers are making the switch to EVs in hopes of reducing their carbon footprint and embracing a cleaner future, the reliability of EV chargers is a big problem which discourages many buyers.

Charging companies are working to enhance the functionality of their stations, with real-time updates on availability and operational status. This would help drivers plan their trips better and avoid arriving at broken or crowded stations. However, the reliability problem remains significant.

The reliability of charging stations plays a crucial role in EV adoption. If potential buyers perceive that charging their EV is difficult, unreliable, or inconvenient, they may be hesitant to make the switch. In fact, according to some studies, charging infrastructure is one of the top concerns for potential EV buyers. Until this issue is addressed with more success, EV adoption will continue to face significant roadblocks.

For years, drivers of gasoline-powered vehicles have relied on an easily accessible and consistent network of gas stations. In comparison, EV owners are still facing challenges in finding reliable charging stations. An innovative company, WattsUp, is tackling the challenge of EV charging reliability, using cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI).

WattsUp Provides Charge Point Operators (CPOs) With a Proactive and Efficient Solution for Managing Maintenance Workflows

WattsUp offers advanced solutions designed to enhance the reliability of EV chargers through AI-driven technology. The innovative company’s services include:

Predictive Maintenance: Using machine learning to predict failures before they occur, minimizing downtime.

Real-Time Monitoring & Anomaly Detection: Identifying issues as they arise to prevent cascading failures.

Automated Diagnostics & Part Ordering: Automating the ordering of necessary parts based on predictive diagnostics, ensuring parts are available when needed.

Automated Labor Scheduling: Coordinating labor schedules with predicted failure timelines, reducing downtime and labor costs.

WattsUp’s solutions are tailored to help Charge Point Operators (CPOs) maintain a smooth and efficient operation, offering honest, non-biased insights into the health of EV chargers.

“In an environment where EV skepticism is high and charger reputation is low, innovative and end-to-end solutions like WattsUp’s are what the industry needs to propel us into the next wave of electric vehicle adoption,” said Audrey Wooding, Chief Operating Officer at WattsUp.

WattsUp collaborates with a diverse range of EV charging site operators, hardware manufacturers, and technician groups to enhance the reliability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Central to WattsUp’s platform is its cutting-edge AI technology, which places a strong emphasis on a frequently overlooked yet crucial stakeholder — the technician. By leveraging proprietary machine learning algorithms, WattsUp processes data from EV chargers to offer accurate forecasts and actionable insights that support both site operators and technicians.

This advanced technology empowers a proactive approach to maintenance, boosting the long-term performance of charging stations. More importantly, it fosters collaboration between two vital players in the EV charging ecosystem. By combining these capabilities, WattsUp helps improve the profitability of charging infrastructure while ensuring a superior experience for EV drivers.

Designed for maximum flexibility, WattsUp’s system can process both OCPP-compliant and non-OCPP-compliant data, making it compatible with a broad spectrum of charging equipment, including legacy chargers. This versatility, along with the platform’s robust API and proxy architecture, enables seamless integration into any existing charging ecosystem, providing comprehensive support for both new and older systems.

Paren’s Reliability Index

EV charging data company Paren transforms fragmented EV charging data into clear, actionable insights, by synthesizing real-time data from all key aspects of EV charging.

In Paren’s December 2024 article, the company revealed that improvement in charger reliability rose to 85.5% in the Paren Reliability Index.

It’s encouraging to see the improvement in charger reliability. This signals a positive trend for EV drivers, indicating that their experiences with public chargers are improving compared to the previous year, however the reliability problem remains a significant barrier to adoption.

While many charge point operators (CPOs) claim their “uptime” rates meet or exceed the 97% National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) minimum requirements, this metric often only reflects whether the charging system is operational, not whether a driver can actually complete a successful charging session. Uptime doesn’t account for factors like broken connectors, software glitches, or payment processing issues that could prevent a driver from finishing their charge.

This distinction is important because while the charger may technically be “on,” it doesn’t guarantee a seamless or successful experience for the user. The Paren Reliability Index, on the other hand, focuses on whether drivers can start and complete their charging sessions, offering a clearer picture of how reliable the network really is.

The improvements in reliability can be attributed to a variety of factors. Newer and more reliable hardware has been deployed, which reduces the chances of equipment failures during charging. Enhanced cellular connectivity and backup systems also play a significant role in keeping chargers online and functional, reducing disruptions due to connectivity issues.

Furthermore, the entry of new companies with more capital has allowed for better equipment maintenance and faster upgrades to meet the growing demand for EV infrastructure. As charging companies focus more on delivering a better user experience, driven by increased competition and revenue, the overall reliability of the charging network continues to improve.

EVinfo.net had the great pleasure and honor of speaking with our esteemed EV industry colleague, Bill Ferro, Co-Founder, CTO at Paren.

“I think 2025 is the “Year of Charging Reliability” as it’s the timeframe in which we’ll see NEVI and RAA funding, Charging 2.0 operators (Ionna, Mercedes, etc), and (of course) software in place to track and measure improvements all coming together in full force,” said Ferro.

“At Paren, we look at Reliability from the driver’s perspective with a focus on one simple question: Can I successfully charge? Changes can come from CPOs using better software and hardware, but it’s the driver’s point-of-view that will be the ultimate judge. As referenced in the recent Harvard academic study, real-time charger data is needed to assist EV drivers, but that data alone doesn’t tell the full story. Our unique algorithms and understanding of the EV charging infrastructure bring our reliability measurement to a level that will assist drivers in real-time using the devices they prefer,” continued Ferro.

Paren and WattsUp Improving EV Charging Reliability and More

One of the most frustrating aspects of EV ownership is the unpredictability of chargers. Some stations may be out of service, have broken connectors, or experience technical malfunctions. In some cases, the station may simply stop charging halfway through. The lack of real-time data about the status of charging stations exacerbates this issue, leaving drivers with no way of knowing whether a charger is functional until they arrive at the location.

The EV charging reliability problem continues to plague EV adoption. Innovative companies such as Paren and WattsUp are doing their parts to make EV adoption smoother and easier for drivers. EVs are the most eco-friendly form of transportation, fighting climate change during every mile they drive. Additionally, owners enjoy significant financial savings through EV ownership. EVinfo.net highly recommends as Paren and WattsUp.