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EV Charging

Reliable connectivity for every charging location.

Manage connectivity across EV chargers, payment terminals, and energy management systems from one platform built for modern charging networks.

Electric car connected to an EV charger
  • One SIM icon

    One SIM

    180+ countries · multi-network fallback

  • Form factor icon

    Any form factor

    2FF, 3FF, 4FF, MFF2, eSIM (eUICC)

  • Protocol icon

    Any protocol

    OCPP 1.6 · OCPP 2.0.1 · MQTT · TLS

  • Scale icon

    Any scale

    No per-SIM monthly minimums

The data reality

How much data does an EV charger actually use?

Every charger is different. Data usage depends on charger type, payment terminals, firmware updates, OCPP communications, remote diagnostics, and how often the charger reports back to the management platform. The examples below provide a general starting point for planning EV charging deployments.

Charger class
Typical monthly data
What drives the usage
AC Level 2 — home / destination (3.7–22 kW)
20-80 MB
500 MB cap exhausted in <1 month at any polling interval
AC public / workplace with touchscreen
60-150 MB
Touchscreen media refresh alone exceeds monthly cap
DC fast charger (50 kW)
200-500 MB
A single busy day of sessions can exceed the entire 10-year allowance in months
DC fast charger with screen + payments (150 kW)
500 MB–2 GB
Payment + media traffic makes cap unworkable; no overage option
HPC with video surveillance / advertising (350 kW+)
1–5 GB
Video upload would consume full 10-year cap in hours
+ OTA firmware updates (all classes)
50–500 MB per event 2–4× / year
One firmware push (50–500 MB) can burn 1–10 years of data in a single event
Charger class
Typical monthly data
AC Level 2 — home / destination (3.7–22 kW)
20-80 MB
AC public / workplace with touchscreen
60-150 MB
DC fast charger (50 kW)
200-500 MB
DC fast charger with screen + payments (150 kW)
500 MB–2 GB
HPC with video surveillance / advertising (350 kW+)
1–5 GB
+ OTA firmware updates (all classes)
50–500 MB per event 2–4× / year
AC Level 2 — home / destination (3.7–22 kW)
AC public / workplace with touchscreen
DC fast charger (50 kW)
DC fast charger with screen + payments (150 kW)
HPC with video surveillance / advertising (350 kW+)
+ OTA firmware updates (all classes)

Ranges are typical for European and North American deployments Simbase observes in production. Actual usage depends on OCPP implementation, telemetry cadence, and what's bundled with the charger (screen, camera, payment, DCS). Numbers should be validated against your own telemetry before committing to a plan.

Where EV charging connectivity falls short

Three connectivity challenges that impact charger uptime

Firmware updates consume more data than expected

EV chargers regularly download firmware, security patches, and software updates that can quickly exceed plans designed for low-bandwidth IoT devices. Connectivity should support the full operational lifecycle of the charger, not just routine telemetry.

Single-network coverage creates unnecessary risk

Charging locations depend on reliable connectivity for OCPP communications, payment processing, and remote management. Multi-network connectivity helps maintain service when coverage varies between carriers or network conditions change.

Limited visibility slows troubleshooting

When a charger goes offline, operators need to quickly determine whether the issue is the network, SIM, charger, or application. Centralized diagnostics and API access help reduce downtime by providing real-time visibility across the entire charging network.

What Simbase gives you

Everything your charging network needs to stay connected.

  • Multi-IMSI · eSIM

    Keep every charger connected.

    Deploy chargers across regions with one SIM strategy. Multi-network connectivity helps maintain reliable connections for charging sessions, remote management, and payment processing as your network grows.

  • Dashboard

    See the health of your charging network.

    Monitor connectivity across every charging location, track data usage, and quickly identify whether an issue is related to the network, SIM, or charger before dispatching a technician.

  • API · Webhooks

    Integrate with your charging platform.

    Integrate Simbase with your CPMS and operational systems using APIs and webhooks to automate provisioning, monitor charger connectivity, and streamline network management.

  • Pricing

    Connectivity that grows with your network.

    Whether you're deploying ten chargers or ten thousand, transparent pricing and flexible plans make it easy to scale without long-term contracts or unnecessary complexity.

Technical specifications

Designed into the charger BOM, not bolted on.

Form factors
Available as plastic SIM (2FF, 3FF, 4FF), industrial MFF2, and eSIM (eUICC) to support a wide range of charger designs and deployment models.
Global connectivity
Multi-IMSI connectivity across partner mobile networks in 180+ countries with automatic network selection where supported.
Network support
Supports 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT, Cat-1, Cat-4, and 5G NSA for compatibility with modern charging hardware.
APIs & integrations
REST APIs, webhooks, and dashboard tools make it easy to integrate connectivity management with your CPMS and operational systems.
Network options
Dynamic IPv4 by default, with Static IP, IPv6, Private APN, and VPN options available for deployments requiring additional security or network control.
Security & compliance
Secure platform with role-based access controls, audit logs, and GDPR-compliant data processing. Additional deployment options are available for enterprise requirements.
Deployment
Ship SIMs pre-activated or activate at commissioning via API. Bulk SIM delivery, kitted to your commissioning workflow.
Compare approaches

How the options compare for EV charging deployments.

Features
Features
Simbase
Local MNO contract
Built for EV charging deployments
Designed for charging infrastructure, payment terminals, and remote management
General-purpose cellular plans that vary by deployment
Multi-network connectivity
Multi-IMSI connectivity across partner networks
Typically limited to a single carrier
Global deployments
One SIM strategy across multiple countries
Separate carrier agreements and SIMs may be required
Visibility & management
Self-service dashboard, diagnostics, APIs, and webhooks
Carrier portal with varying management capabilities
Flexible pricing
Transparent, usage-based plans with no long-term contracts
Pricing, minimum commitments, and contract terms vary by carrier
Contract flexibility
Month-to-month options available
Longer-term agreements are common
Troubleshooting & diagnostics
Real-time connectivity insights and centralized visibility
Visibility and support vary by carrier

Assessments as of 2026, based on publicly advertised plans and feedback from shared prospects. Published for transparency, not to disparage.

For whom

Wherever you sit in the charging stack.

  • EVSE / charger OEM

    One SKU, every market.

    Integrate a Simbase SIM or eSIM into your charger design and simplify global deployments with one connectivity strategy.

  • Charge point operator

    Uptime you can count on.

    Monitor every charger's connectivity in real time and quickly identify network issues before they impact drivers. Multi-network connectivity helps keep charging stations online.

  • CPMS / eMobility platform

    Bundle connectivity.

    Offer managed connectivity through a single API integration and simplify SIM management across every deployment.

  • Fleet / depot charging

    Depot-grade connectivity.

    Connect chargers across depots, warehouses, and fleet yards with resilient cellular connectivity. Reduce reliance on local networks and simplify deployments across every site.

Glossary

Plain-language terms.

AC Level 2
An AC charging standard that typically delivers 3.7–22 kW, commonly used for residential, workplace, and destination charging.
APN
Access Point Name. The gateway between a cellular network and the internet. Private APNs provide an additional layer of network isolation for connected devices.
CPO
Charge Point Operator. The organization that owns, operates, and maintains a network of EV charging stations.
CPMS
Charge Point Management System. The software platform used to monitor chargers, manage charging sessions, process payments, and oversee network operations.
eSIM / eUICC
A programmable SIM that can securely download and switch between carrier profiles over the air without replacing the physical SIM.
EVSE
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. The technical term for the equipment that delivers power to an electric vehicle, including the charging unit and associated hardware.
HPC
High-Power Charger. An EV charger that typically delivers 150 kW or more, enabling significantly faster charging for compatible vehicles.
MFF2
A solderable industrial SIM form factor designed for embedded IoT devices, providing improved durability for long-term deployments.
Multi-IMSI
A SIM that stores multiple mobile network identities, allowing it to connect to different carrier networks where supported.
OCPP
Open Charge Point Protocol. The industry-standard protocol that enables communication between EV chargers and a Charge Point Management System (CPMS). OCPP 1.6 and OCPP 2.0.1 are the most widely adopted versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

If any of your questions remain unanswered, reach out to our team to answer them for you.

What SIM form factor should I use for an outdoor EV charger?

The right SIM depends on your hardware design and deployment requirements. Plastic SIMs (2FF, 3FF, or 4FF) are commonly used for serviceable installations, while MFF2 and eSIM solutions are designed for embedded applications that require greater durability in demanding outdoor environments. Simbase supports all major SIM form factors to fit your deployment.

Do I need a private APN for my charging network?

Not always. Many EV charging deployments operate successfully using standard cellular connectivity. However, organizations with enhanced security, network segmentation, or compliance requirements may benefit from a Private APN. Simbase offers Private APN options for deployments that require additional control over network traffic.

What is permanent roaming and does it affect EV charger SIMs?

Permanent roaming is when a SIM registered in one country stays connected to a foreign network indefinitely. Some EU regulators and MNOs restrict this — a SIM provisioned in, say, the Netherlands could be disconnected after 90 days on a German network. Multi-IMSI SIMs avoid this entirely: they carry a local profile for each deployment country, so the charger registers as a domestic device, not a roamer. Simbase SIMs use local IMSI profiles in key markets to eliminate permanent roaming risk.

Can Simbase work with any EV charger?

Simbase supports a wide range of EV chargers that use cellular connectivity, including models with physical SIMs and eSIM technology. Whether you're deploying AC chargers, DC fast chargers, or high-power charging infrastructure, Simbase provides flexible connectivity that integrates with your existing hardware and charging platform.

How much data does an EV charger typically use?

Data usage varies depending on charger type, OCPP communications, payment processing, remote diagnostics, and firmware updates. Basic AC chargers often use relatively little data, while DC fast chargers and high-power chargers may require significantly more. Simbase helps you choose connectivity plans that match the real-world demands of your deployment.

Can I deploy the same SIM across multiple countries?

Yes. Simbase supports global deployments with Multi-IMSI SIMs and eSIM technology, allowing you to simplify international rollouts with a single connectivity strategy. Instead of sourcing different SIMs and carrier agreements for each country, you can deploy the same solution across multiple regions while managing connectivity from one centralized platform.

How do OTA firmware updates affect my EV charger's data plan?

A single OTA update can be 50–500 MB depending on whether it's a delta patch or a full-image push. Most chargers receive 2–4 updates per year from some combination of OEM firmware, CPMS agent, payment terminal software, and modem firmware. On a capped plan like 1NCE (500 MB / 10 years), one firmware event can consume years of data allowance. Simbase pools data across your fleet, so OTA spikes are absorbed by headroom elsewhere — no overage surprises.

get started image

Keep your charging network connected.

Tell us about your charger deployment, target markets, and charging platform. We'll recommend the right SIM strategy, coverage options, and connectivity plan for your network.

    EV Charging IoT SIM Cards | Simbase Connectivity