EV Charging Stations Keep Rolling Out, With or Without NEVI Funding, Prioritizing Uptime and Reliable Connectivity

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating, and so is the demand for robust charging infrastructure. With the recent announcement of a pause in the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grant program, many are questioning how this will impact the rollout of EV charging stations. However, the latest data shows that the build out of EV charging infrastructure continues to grow at scale—NEVI or not.

Even amid funding pauses, innovation and private investment are paving the way for a stronger EV ecosystem. Reliable and consistent connectivity has never been more essential for these charging stations, ensuring they remain functional and accessible to support the growing EV user base.

EV Charging Infrastructure Is Growing Independently of NEVI

To understand the context behind this growth, it’s worth reviewing recent data on EV charging station deployments. According to *Ohm Analytics, despite only 176 EV fast charging (DCFC) ports being activated through NEVI in 2024, a total of 13,000 DCFC ports were launched independently that same year. Even looking at the entire NEVI program’s awarded scope—around 1,000 projects contributing an estimated 4,000–5,000 ports—the contributions from non-NEVI initiatives vastly outweigh those funded under the program.

Public DCFC infrastructure is being built regardless of NEVI’s current status. Other areas of EV charging infrastructure have also seen impressive growth:

• Charging stations in multi-family residential properties increased by 79% year-over-year in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023.
• Fleet charging ports saw a 48% year-over-year growth in the same timeframe.
• Since 2021, almost as many multi-family charging ports (136,000) have been installed as public Level 2 and Level 3 ports combined (157,000).

These figures show that private investment, innovation, and industry collaboration are driving significant growth. NEVI funding, while helpful, is not the sole determinant of progress in developing EV infrastructure.

Reliable Connectivity Is the Backbone of EV Charging Success

While the rollout of new EV chargers is crucial, reliability remains a significant hurdle. Studies indicate that nearly 25% of existing EV charging stations frequently malfunction, causing frustration for drivers and deterring further EV adoption. Among the most common issues? Connectivity failures.

Fifty-five percent of charging station failures are caused by inadequate cellular network connectivity. Without a reliable connection, stations can’t authenticate payments, send operational data, or notify operators of outages. This is where reliable connectivity solutions, like eSIM technology from TEAL, have become indispensable.

Why Connectivity Is Essential for EV Adoption

Reliable charging infrastructure plays a significant role in overcoming “range anxiety,” the fear of running out of power without access to a charger. Poorly functioning charging stations only exacerbate this issue. Addressing connectivity challenges could help boost EV adoption by ensuring stations are consistently operational and accessible.

The importance of reliable connectivity extends beyond user convenience. Seamless, reliable connectivity is no longer optional; it’s a necessity driving the future of sustainable transportation.

How eSIM Technology Solves Connectivity Challenges

True eSIM technology from TEAL has emerging as a game-changer for EV charging infrastructure. It provides charging stations with always-on connectivity, ensuring they stay functional, even in remote or challenging environments. Here’s why eSIM is critical to the EV industry’s success:

• Seamless Connectivity Across Networks

eSIM technology enables EV chargers to connect to multiple cellular networks over-the-air (OTA), ensuring reliable connectivity in the event of network failures. This flexibility significantly reduces downtime caused by connectivity issues.

• Enhanced Reliability and Redundancy

With the ability to switch between networks dynamically, eSIM creates a reliable backup option in the event of primary network downtime—a game-changer for EV operators.

• Simplified Deployment and Operations

eSIM accelerates setup times by enabling chargers to connect to the best networks OTA without needing manual intervention. It eliminates the need for managing multiple SIM cards and contracts with different providers, simplifying operations for EV charging companies.

• Improved Customer Experience

For EV drivers, uninterrupted connectivity means no more frustrations with non-functional chargers. Reliable stations not only ease range anxiety but also enhance trust in the overall EV ecosystem, fostering adoption.

eSIM in Action with TEAL

TEAL’s advanced eSIM solutions offer unmatched reliability and scalability for EV charging operations. With TEAL, charging station operators can access any global cellular network on demand, streamlining their logistics and operations. TEAL’s solution is helping leading EV charging networks drastically improve uptime, setting the industry gold standard.

Whether it’s processing payments, sending operational data, or enabling drivers to locate functioning chargers, TEAL’s eSIM technology ensures charging stations stay connected to the strongest networks no matter where they are located.

Operational Benefits of TEAL’s eSIM:

• Always-On Connectivity: Continuous mission critical connectivity with multi-carrier networks worldwide.
• Simplified Management: One eSIM for global connectivity eliminates the hassle of juggling multiple providers. Easily switch between networks in 196 countries via a simple platform that you control.
• Fast Deployment: Chargers can be activated over-the-air, anywhere, without complex installation steps.
• Better EV Driver Experiences: Reliable connectivity reduces downtime, reducing range anxiety and accelerating EV adoption.

The Future of EV Charging Is Here

While federal funding programs like NEVI can play an important role in boosting infrastructure, data shows that the EV industry is advancing regardless of funding changes. As more charging stations roll out, the focus must shift toward uptime, reliability and driver satisfaction. Connectivity is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a “must-have” for scaling EV usage and fostering trust in sustainable transportation.

Looking to keep your EV charging stations connected at all times, no matter where they’re located?

Contact our team of experts today to learn how TEAL can help you deploy reliable, future-ready EV charging infrastructure that powers the road to electrification.

Schedule a Free Consultation

*Data provided by Ohm Analytics, an analytics firm founded in 2018 to provide transparency and insights into the energy transition. They provide data and research that helps EV charging companies better inform their strategy and go to market. Ohm takes a sharp focus to categories like fleets, multi family, and workplace charging that aren’t covered by traditional research firms in the space.

Special thanks to Chris Kaiser for sharing this data. Be sure to check out his newsletter Amped About EV Charging.