The UK’s 99% Uptime Rule for Rapid EV Chargers And How M2M Data Connect Ensures You Stay Compliant
The UK’s transition to electric mobility is accelerating — and with it comes a new level of accountability for charge point operators (CPOs). Under the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023, the government now requires all rapid EV chargers (50kW and above) to achieve 99% uptime across their network.
This is one of the strictest reliability standards in the world, and it officially comes into force on 24 November 2024.
For CPOs, this isn’t just a technical challenge it’s a business‑critical requirement. Failure to meet the threshold can lead to fines of up to £10,000, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust.
Connectivity is at the heart of this regulation. And that’s exactly where M2M Data Connect delivers unmatched value.
What the 99% Uptime Regulation Actually Means
The regulation sets out clear expectations for rapid charging infrastructure:
Scope
Applies to all public rapid charge points rated 50kW+.
Measurement
Uptime is calculated as a mean average across the operator’s entire rapid network over a calendar year.
Definition of “Reliable”
A charger counts as available when its OCPI status is:
Available
Charging
Reserved
If a charger cannot communicate its status often due to connectivity issues it risks being marked as offline, directly harming uptime scores.
Compliance Timeline
First full compliance year: 2025
Reporting deadline: January 2026
Operators must publish reliability data publicly.
Penalties
Up to £10,000 per network for failing to meet the 99% threshold.
Exceptions
Allowed for:
Grid outages
Severe weather
Vandalism
(with documented evidence)
Additional Requirements
24/7 telephone helpline
Contactless payment on all new and existing rapid chargers
Open data sharing
The Hidden Threat to Uptime: Connectivity Failures
Most uptime failures aren’t caused by rdware faults — they’re caused by connectivity dropouts.
If a charger can’t communicate:
It can’t authenticate payments
It can’t report OCPI status
It can’t receive remote diagnostics
It may be incorrectly flagged as “Unavailable”
Even a few minutes of downtime per charger, multiplied across a network, can push a CPO below the 99% threshold.
This is why connectivity is now mission‑critical infrastructure for EV charging.
How M2M Data Connect Helps CPOs Achieve 99% Uptime
M2M Data Connect provides industrial‑grade IoT connectivity designed specifically for high‑availability environments like EV charging.
Here’s how we help operators stay compliant:
Multi‑Network Resilience
Our SIMs automatically connect to the strongest available network — and switch instantly if coverage drops.
This eliminates the single‑operator dependency that causes most charger outages.
4G/5G High‑Availability Connectivity
Rapid chargers require:
Real‑time OCPI communication
Payment processing
Remote monitoring
Firmware updates
Our high‑bandwidth, low‑latency connectivity ensures these services stay online 24/7.
Private APNs & Secure Networking
We provide secure, isolated data paths that:
Reduce cyber‑risk
Improve reliability
Ensure stable communication with back‑office systems
Real‑Time Monitoring & Alerts
Operators can track:
Signal strength
Data usage
Device status
Network performance
Proactive alerts help prevent downtime before it happens.
Rugged, EV‑Ready Hardware
We support industrial routers and modems built for:
Outdoor enclosures
Extreme temperatures
High‑vibration environments
Perfect for roadside and motorway charging sites.
Scalability for Growing Networks
Whether you operate 10 chargers or 10,000, our platform scales effortlessly — with centralised management for every SIM in your fleet.
Why CPOs Choose M2M Data Connect
Proven reliability across mobility, energy, and infrastructure sectors
10+ years delivering mission‑critical IoT connectivity
European‑wide coverage for cross‑border charging networks
Flexible tariffs tailored to EV usage patterns
Expert support from a team that understands EV infrastructure
We don’t just provide SIMs we provide the connectivity backbone that keeps your chargers online, compliant, and profitable.
The Bottom Line
The UK’s 99% uptime regulation raises the bar for EV charging reliability — and connectivity is the single most important factor in meeting it.
With M2M Data Connect, CPOs get:
Always‑on connectivity
Multi‑network resilience
Secure, scalable infrastructure
Tools to monitor and maintain uptime
A partner who understands the regulatory landscape
As the EV market grows, the operators who invest in robust connectivity will be the ones who stay compliant, competitive, and trusted by drivers.
