SPATCO and ChargerHelp Team Up to Tackle the EV Industry's Biggest Problem: Charger Uptime

New industry regulations, federal funding uncertainties, and rising demand drive the need for improved maintenance solutions.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SPATCO and ChargerHelp have announced a partnership to enhance the reliability of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, as the industry faces growing scrutiny over charger uptime and serviceability. The collaboration comes at a critical moment, with federal funding uncertainties and new state-level regulations in California proposing penalties for prolonged charger downtime.

Industry reports highlight persistent reliability issues across public EV charging networks. In the fourth quarter of 2024, one in five EV drivers who visited a public charging station could not complete a charge due to station outages, malfunctioning equipment, or payment system failures. [J.D. Power]

At the same time, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program—a $5 billion federal initiative—has been paused, creating uncertainty for public and private charging operators. [The Guardian] Meanwhile, California's AB 1423 proposes new requirements for uptime reporting and penalties of up to $2,500 per violation for charging stations that fail to meet reliability standards. This shift signals growing regulatory pressure on charging providers to ensure consistent station uptime and performance. [California Legislative Information]

"Charger uptime is no longer just a convenience issue—it's a regulatory priority," said Kameale Terry, Co-Founder & CEO of ChargerHelp. "Our partnership with SPATCO is about scaling a structured, data-driven approach to charger maintenance, ensuring that as the industry grows, reliability keeps pace."

Scaling EV Charger Maintenance with Workforce and Technology

In response to these challenges, ChargerHelp and SPATCO are partnering to increase overall workforce capacity and improve field service coordination. ChargerHelp has developed the EMPWR Technician App to streamline charger troubleshooting, enhance coordination between stakeholders, and reduce repair times. SPATCO will be the first field service partner to integrate the platform, joining ChargerHelp's existing technicians.

The EMPWR Technician App enables SPATCO's 150 electricians across their 15-state footprint to respond to EC charger service calls by standardizing processes and guiding service personnel in the field through the most challenging work orders in a matter of hours, and drives preventive maintenance for Level 2 and Level 3 chargers. This breakthrough proprietary software platform also includes real-time technician support, improving both time and costs associated with resolving EC charger problems in the field.

"As the EV industry faces mounting regulatory scrutiny and increasing demand for reliable charging infrastructure, SPATCO is committed to delivering innovative service solutions that keep chargers operational. Now our charging operators can continue providing critical services to EV drivers with the confidence they need to meet evolving compliance standards. Together, we are ensuring that the future of EV charging is not only accessible but also dependable," said John Force, CEO & President, SPATCO Energy Solutions. "With uptime requirements becoming more stringent, we see a real need for modernized, scalable field service operations. Our collaboration with ChargerHelp will help meet that demand."

Industry Accountability and Future of EV Charging Reliability

The partnership comes as states and federal agencies increase focus on charger reliability metrics. In addition to uptime penalties, policymakers are pushing for standardized definitions of charger operability, ensuring networks report consistent data on performance. The California Energy Commission is expected to introduce new uptime assessment standards, aligning state and federal regulations to hold operators accountable for long-term reliability.

Beyond regulatory requirements, investors and infrastructure operators are also prioritizing reliability metrics. As uptime standards become key in securing state and federal funding, fleet operators, utilities, and charging network providers will need verifiable maintenance strategies to remain competitive.

With EV retail share growth projections reaching a total of 9.1% of the total automobile marketplace, or a total of 1.2 million vehicles sold, [J.D. Power] it's more important than ever to provide EV drivers with the same consistent fueling experience as traditional fueling at the pump.

Next Steps for the Partnership

"Leveraging technology to support our service techs in the field to expedite EV charger trouble-shooting will be key to this industry's success at keeping optimal charger uptimes" said Miguel Payan, VP & General Manager, SPATCO EV Solutions. ChargerHelp and SPATCO will begin deploying integrated workforce solutions in key markets over the next quarter, with additional service partners expected to join the initiative. The EMPWR Technician App will be available to select industry partners, helping streamline compliance and improve service response times.

About ChargerHelp

ChargerHelp is a technology-driven service company dedicated to improving the reliability and uptime of electric vehicle charging stations. Through its Reliability as a Service (RaaS) model, ChargerHelp provides on-demand workforce solutions, real-time diagnostics, and predictive maintenance to support charging networks, site hosts, and fleet operators. Founded in 2020, ChargerHelp has led data-driven EV infrastructure maintenance, working with policymakers, utilities, and private sector partners to establish optimal charger uptime and serviceability practices. Learn more at ChargerHelp.com.

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About SPATCO

SPATCO is a leading fueling and EV infrastructure solutions provider, offering comprehensive equipment, installation, and maintenance services across North America. With a 90-year legacy in energy infrastructure, SPATCO has expanded its expertise to support the transition to electrification, providing turnkey solutions for EV charging networks. The company's commitment to innovation, reliability, and service excellence makes it a trusted partner in the evolving clean energy landscape. Learn more at SPATCO.com.

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SOURCE SPATCO Energy Solutions