The Quantifiable Impact of Data Accuracy
The expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is driving a shift in the strategic focus of Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Earlier, establishing networks was important. Now, the focus is increasingly on operational viability. This becomes even more pertinent as networks continue to scale. For instance, DC charging location installations reached 18,000 in the United States and 60,000 across Europe in 2025.
At the core of operational viability is the necessity to maximise utilisation – that is – how much a charging location is used during the course of a day. In most geographies, a utilisation rate of around 30%, for direct charging, is considered ideal.
The Core Challenge: The Utilisation Threshold
According to research by Kearney, a public EV charging location typically requires a utilisation rate of approximately 30% to maintain long-term financial viability and attract sustainable investment. Currently, the industry average hovers at just 15%. This significant discrepancy leaves CPOs with a critical operational gap that directly impacts their return on investment (ROI).
To bridge this 15% gap, operators must align their infrastructure with consumer behaviour. It is not enough to build the infrastructure. Making it discoverable across a plethora of platforms and in-vehicle navigation systems is key. In addition, understanding consumer behaviour (can I buy a coffee while waiting) helps.
Consumers are prioritising a few factors in choosing charging stations to recharge their EVs. Data indicates that EV drivers prioritise the following primary factors when selecting a charging location:
– minimising waiting times,
– maximising charging speeds, and
– locating the nearest functional point.
In short, optimising for visibility on consumer maps and in-car navigation platforms is an essential operational lever. In the next section, we explore just how important high quality data can be from the perspective of utilisation.
Quantifying the Value of Premium POI Data
To evaluate the direct correlation between point-of-interest (POI) data accuracy and station utilisation, Eco-Movement conducted an analysis of 20 distinct DC charging locations. To eliminate external variables, strict selection criteria were applied:
- Each location required a minimum of 50 charging sessions both before and after data error resolution support provided by Eco-Movement.
- A baseline of at least 90 days of continuous historical data was mandatory.
- To isolate the effects of data corrections, locations were restricted to a maximum addition of 1 charging spot during the evaluation period.
The empirical findings demonstrate that resolving data discrepancies delivers an immediate, measurable increase in asset utilisation. Correcting errors resulted in a steady upward shift in daily charging sessions across the monitored locations.
Measured Operational Increase per charging spot (EVSE):
- +0.44 sessions per day
- +13.2 sessions per month
- +158 sessions per year
The addition of 158 sessions (on average) per year directly helps CPOs to increase their utilisation.
Common Data Errors Suppressing Station Performance
Our analysis identified several recurrent data quality errors that systematically prevent drivers from locating or successfully utilising charging stations:
- Incorrect connector specifications: Misrepresenting plug types or power levels, causing drivers to bypass functional sites.
- Flawed location merging: Redundant or overlapping map entries affect station discovery and degrade user trust.
- Absence of real-time availability (live status): Drivers routinely avoid stations that fail to broadcast live occupancy, fearing long wait times.
- Unlisted locations & wrong naming: Complete omission or inaccurate labelling on major maps effectively means that the hardware a CPO invested in is not visible, digitally.
A Strategic Partner in the EV Transition
While optimising location data accuracy alone will not completely resolve the 15% utilisation deficit, the data proves it serves as a powerful catalyst.
Eco-Movement supports the global e-mobility ecosystem by delivering complete, accurate, and enriched data across more than 80 countries. By maintaining direct connections with over 3,000 CPOs and 50 Charge Point Management Systems (CPMS), Eco-Movement ensures that precise location, tariff, and status information is seamlessly integrated into the world’s leading navigation applications, automotive OEMs, and fleet management platforms.