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.