Connectivity

A consistently strong cellular signal is needed before installers can activate the vehicle charging station. Weak or sporadic signal can affect crucial aspects of the charging station, including:

  • Accuracy in reporting

  • Ability for drivers to use the mobile app

  • Ability for customer support to troubleshoot problems

  • Support for advanced features such as Power Management or Waitlist

A strong signal is also required for the ChargePoint Assure maintenance and management programs.

ChargePoint stations use cellular data connections to reach ChargePoint Cloud Services. This allows secure, PCI-compliant data connections without requiring any other form of internet connectivity at an install site or imposing additional network management responsibilities on a site host.

Each station has its own cellular connection.

Cellular connection is needed only if there is no Ethernet to USBClosed Universal Serial Bus network connection.

Signal Strength and Quality

You must use a cellular signal detection device (such as a Siretta Snyper LTEClosed Long Term Evolution or equivalent) to take signal strength readings at the exact proposed mounting location of the charging station. If the charging station does not have its own cellular connection, take the signal strength reading at the proposed mounting location of the gateway station.

In Europe, ChargePoint products all support LTEClosed Long Term Evolution bands 1, 3, 7, 8, and 20. 900 and 1800 MHz are also supported for 2G fallback. Partners vary by country.

You must test the LTEClosed Long Term Evolution signal strength at the proposed mounting location of every gateway station and ensure the location meets the minimum RSRQ at -12.5 dB or better, for RSRP measured at -90 dBm or better. Refer to the graph for acceptable combinations.

Cellular signal strength is measured in dBm, a logarithmic unit expressed as a negative number. Because dBm values are negative, a value closer to zero indicates a stronger signal. For example, -70 dBm represents a stronger signal than -85 dBm, while -90 dBm indicates a weaker signal than both.

Technical illustration depicts the procedural step.

If the signal strength is weaker than this, take cellular readings at the location where any cellular signal booster antennas will be installed. Ensure enough signal exists for that repeater model. Install repeaters to boost the strength of the cellular signals. Repeaters are often required when installing charging stations in an underground garage or enclosed parking structure.

Labeled diagram of product, tools or parts.

Labeled diagram of product, tools or parts.

For other regions, or if the site does not have strong signal on these bands, contact your ChargePoint representative for additional solutions.

ChargePoint strongly recommends a consultation with a cellular connectivity specialist before all installations. A consultation can verify:

  • Service with a supported carrier on a supported LTEClosed Long Term Evolution band

  • Available signal and local noise levels on applicable bands

  • Site changes to correctly meet your needs, both for station bandwidth and other phone coverage for customer or tenant satisfaction

Ethernet Requirements

  • For Ethernet communications to an external network connection:

    • Outdoor rated Cat 6 and above cables (Cat 6a, Cat 7, Cat 7a, Cat 8) must be used for runs less than 100m (300 feet). Use a shielded, outdoor-rated, 4-pair twisted-pair Ethernet cable supporting 1 Gbps up to 200m with  extended-reach Ethernet cable runs between 100m and 200m (300 and 600 feet). Ethernet runs longer than 200m (600 feet) are not permitted..

  • The cable shield must be grounded.

  • Site Qualification Form for Ethernet and Network Configuration for Ethernet and VPN Connectivity has been reviewed.