As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates, EV charging infrastructure is under enormous pressure to deliver consistently. For fleet operators, EV fleet reliability isn’t optional. When an EV charger goes offline, delivery routes are disrupted, schedules slip, and operational costs rise.
At the EV Charging Summit and Expo earlier this year, Pearce Services led a workshop that generated dozens of questions from EV charging infrastructure operators and EV fleet managers alike. One theme stood out above the rest: how do we improve EV fleet reliability?
This blog explores the most pressing questions about EV fleet reliability, with a closer look at the unique challenges faced by EV fleets.
Why EV Fleet Reliability Matters
Public charging networks have their share of problems like hardware failures, software glitches, and connectivity issues, but EV fleets operate in a higher-stakes environment with one down charger creating real logistical challenges. Unlike retail drivers, fleet vehicles can’t simply “go to the next station.” Depot chargers must be ready on demand, often supporting hundreds of daily charging sessions across multiple vehicle types.
That’s why downtime is so disruptive. A 2025 survey of 500 North American respondents conducted by VISASQ/Coleman found that only 30% of fleet operators recover from a charger failure in under four hours. Nearly half face outages lasting 4 to 24 hours, while about 4% encounter interruptions stretching beyond 48 hours. Although EV fleets generally recover faster than infrastructure deployed in workplaces or multifamily properties, even a short outage can ripple across operations forcing missed routes, overtime labor, or underutilized assets.
This is where Pearce can give EV fleet an operational edge. With nationwide coverage and service-level agreements (SLAs) as fast as three hours, Pearce ensures EV fleet charging infrastructure doesn’t just recover quickly, fleets can maintain operational continuity on and on-going basis.
Common Questions About EV Fleet Reliability and Charging Infrastructure
Which OEM is the most reliable?
Brands like Tesla and ChargePoint are often cited, but the best EV charging equipment depends on each specific use case, regional service coverage, and long-term support. Fleets should evaluate not only hardware performance but also diagnostics, parts availability, and responsiveness to service calls.
Who should handle commissioning: the OEM, EPC, or a Service Provider?
- OEMs bring deep technical knowledge of their own equipment.
- EPCs provide project integration expertise.
- Service Providers often offer the fastest responsiveness and ongoing asset management.
For EV fleets, commissioning must also account for diverse vehicle types, simultaneous sessions, and load management requirements, factors that can make third-party Service Providers an attractive option.
Should chargers be maintained past warranty?
Absolutely. Preventive maintenance reduces failure risk, extends equipment life, and improves uptime. For fleets, it directly prevents stranded vehicles and lost productivity. Whether purchasing a long-term warranty from the OEM or partnering with a third-party Service Provider, having an expert on-call to perform preventative and emergency maintenance is a must for charging infrastructure to maintain EV fleet reliability.
When should I install DCFC vs. Level 2 chargers?
- DCFCs are critical for quick turnaround during peak operations.
- Level 2 chargers provide cost-effective overnight or off-shift charging.
Most fleet depots require a mix, with charger power tailored to duty cycles and grid constraints.
Top Causes of Charger Failures
Studies of millions of charging sessions show that failures often stem from:
- ~47%: Connectivity issues between the vehicle and the charger
- ~44%: Locking and connector malfunctions
- ~5%: Hardware/firmware issues
For fleets, the first two categories are particularly disruptive, as they can strand vehicles even when chargers appear “available.” Effective training, diagnostics, and spare-part strategies are crucial. Third-party service providers typically maintain warehouses of ready-to-deploy parts and teams capable of rapid replacement.
Best Practices for Fleet Reliability
- Design commissioning protocols for mixed-vehicle environments – Ensure chargers are tested against every vehicle type in your fleet.
- Implement predictive maintenance – Use data analytics and remote monitoring to spot problems before they cause outages.
- Establish spare parts inventory – High-use depots should keep standard components on hand to reduce repair delays.
- Demand strong SLAs – Service contracts should include clear uptime guarantees and rapid response times.
- Balance L2 and DCFC deployment – Align charging strategies to fleet duty cycles and grid realities.
Looking Ahead
Fleet EV charging reliability and overall EV charging infrastructure is improving. Some networks claim 98–99% uptime thanks to predictive maintenance and better monitoring, however the challenges remain significant. For fleets, the cost of a single down charger is simply too high. With survey data showing that nearly half of fleets face outages lasting up to a full day, investment in reliability is no longer optional.
This is where Pearce makes the difference. By combining deep, nationwide field coverage with SlAs as fast as three hours, Pearce ensures fleets can meet their uptime targets, protect operations, and avoid the costly ripple effects of downtime. Paired with proactive preventative maintenance and advanced diagnostics, Pearce helps fleet operators not only recover quickly from issues but also prevent them before they occur.
The future of clean transportation depends not just on the number of chargers deployed, but on whether they work when and where they’re needed. With Pearce’s support, fleet managers can be confident their infrastructure will keep pace with operational demands—and keep vehicles on the road.