Two Firms Fix EV Chargers That Work Without Internet

Electric vehicle drivers know the sinking feeling: you pull up to a charger, plug in, and nothing happens because it's stuck offline.

Emobi and HeyCharge just announced a partnership that fixes this exact problem. The two companies are retrofitting existing EV chargers so they work reliably even in underground garages and dense urban buildings where internet signals barely reach.

The solution is surprisingly practical. Instead of ripping out old chargers and installing expensive new ones, operators can upgrade what's already there. HeyCharge provides hardware that enables smart charging without needing the internet, while Emobi connects those chargers to its roaming network of over 140,000 charging stations across the US and Canada.

This matters because spotty connectivity causes most charging failures. When a charger can't connect to the network, drivers can't start their session. Operators lose money on failed charges and maintenance calls. Everyone gets frustrated.

HeyCharge's system uses local communication instead of relying on cellular networks. This cuts installation time and avoids costly network upgrades. Once retrofitted, the chargers support app-free charging, meaning drivers don't need cards or special hardware to start charging.

The upgraded chargers also gain features that offline models typically lack. Operators get session tracking, energy-based billing, and real-time availability updates. Drivers can find these chargers through their car's built-in system or regular charging apps.

The Ripple Effect

This fix could transform charging access in exactly the places where EVs make the most sense: apartment buildings, office garages, and dense neighborhoods. These locations often have the worst connectivity but the highest potential for EV adoption.

Property owners and fleet operators get simpler installations and lower costs. Drivers get fewer failed charging attempts in the places where they park most often. As more people switch to electric vehicles, reliable charging in everyday locations becomes critical infrastructure.

"Charging needs to be secured and work everywhere, not only where the internet is strong," said HeyCharge CEO Chris Carde. By combining offline technology with a broad roaming network, the partnership gives operators a more reliable product and drivers a more consistent experience.

The best part? This solution doesn't require rebuilding everything from scratch. Sometimes progress means fixing what's already there.