Do EV chargers need 4G?

Smart Charging Regulations state that all UK commercial, workplace and home EV chargers legally must have smart functionality, meaning drivers can charge up during periods of lower demand, or when there’s more clean energy available, to reduce strain on the grid.

For this, EV chargers need to connect with both your EV and the electricity grid, using either a WiFi or mobile connection to do so. EV chargers can come with either WiFi or mobile 4G connectivity, or sometimes both, and which you choose depends on your circumstances, and personal preferences. 

Do I need a 4G EV charger? 

There are a few reasons why you might consider choosing an EV charger with mobile connection. This includes… 

Signal reliability 

We’ve all experienced patchy WiFi when using our mobile phones, leading us to rely on 4G to get things done. If your home WiFi is temperamental at the best of times, 4G connectivity provides peace of mind that your EV is charging as planned, and connection hasn’t dropped out. 

EV charger location 

It’s also worth considering the location of your EV charger. If your charger is installed too far from your WiFi router, the signal may not stretch enough to provide sufficient connection for its smart functionality to work. Mobile connectivity can avoid this issue, and means you’re not limited when choosing where to install your charger.