EV charger maintenance is crucial for ensuring that electric fleet operations run smoothly and efficiently. A recent study revealed that connectivity issues and internal faults or errors are the top reasons electric vehicle (EV) charging sessions fail. Although the research focused on public charging infrastructure, depot-based fleet chargers face similar challenges if they aren’t properly maintained.
Consistent, professional charging maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity, reliability, efficiency, and safety of EV Supply Equipment (EVSE). Proper upkeep also helps prevent costly downtime by identifying and resolving potential issues before they escalate. Below are four best practices for maintaining your EV charging infrastructure, so you can maximize your electric fleet’s return on investment.
Best Practice 1: Conduct Regular Visual Inspections and Preventative EV Charger Maintenance
Regular Physical Inspections
Perform routine checks on each charging station’s structural components, wiring, cables, and connectors. This allows you to spot safety hazards, hardware damage, corrosion, or other wear and tear. Proactively fixing issues such as faulty connectors or cables not only increases charging efficiency but also minimizes downtime.
Cleaning and Seasonal Care
Keep charging ports and surrounding areas clean. Dirt, dust, and debris buildup can reduce a charger’s efficiency. Additionally, schedule seasonal EV charger maintenance based on your climate. In colder regions, clear snow from around chargers and inspect for damage from ice and extreme temperatures. In warmer months, routinely check cooling systems—such as fans and temperature sensors—to prevent overheating and maintain safe operations.
Best Practice 2: Perform Electrical System Checks
Conduct regular electrical system tests to ensure your EV chargers are running at peak efficiency and within safe parameters:
- Voltage and Current Testing: Confirm that each unit’s power output aligns with manufacturer specifications.
- Circuit Breakers and Fuses: Prevent power surges by testing and replacing circuit breakers and fuses as needed.
- Grounding and Insulation: Inspect these components to avoid electrical faults that could compromise safety.
Best Practice 3: Update Software and Firmware
Keeping your EV charging stations up to date with the latest software and firmware is critical. These updates often include security enhancements, interoperability improvements, and new features that improve the user experience. Remember to verify network connectivity and user interface performance to deliver smooth charging sessions.
Best Practice 4: Partner with a CaaS Provider
A Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) provider can simplify EV charger maintenance, letting fleet managers focus on their core responsibilities. Companies like Electrada handle the design, installation, management, and ownership of onsite EV fleet charging infrastructure––which includes ongoing equipment monitoring and maintenance.
When you opt for CaaS, maintenance costs are typically bundled into the service contract, saving you money. Independently hiring a technician to service EV equipment can cost at least $400 per charger per year. Meanwhile, Electrada’s dedicated support teams are there for you 24/7/365, managing everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. They maintain on-site spare parts for uninterrupted service and guarantee response times. These strategies contribute to industry-leading guaranteed uptime rates of 99%+.
How Electrada Can Help Simplify EV Charger Maintenance
EV Charger maintenance can be complex and expensive—and if it’s overlooked or done improperly, it can lead to costly downtime. By choosing a CaaS solution from Electrada, fleets can avoid maintenance headaches, minimize risk, and reduce electric fuel costs.
Electrada Electric Fuel, with its flagship 360 CaaS solution, is a comprehensive, fully capitalized, and performance-guaranteed model. It streamlines every aspect of fleet charging infrastructure management—planning, installation, maintenance, and more—so your fleet can count on reliable, cost-effective, and hassle-free charging.
Get in touch with us to find out how our tailored approach can meet your specific fleet needs and use cases.
