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EV Charger Antennas
Connectivity for EV charge points: routers, antennas, and SIM cards
EV charge points depend on a continuous, reliable data connection. Every session authorisation, OCPP heartbeat, payment transaction, and remote fault report travels over that link. Where a fixed broadband connection is not available or practical, a 4G or 5G cellular router with the right antenna is the standard solution for CPOs, installers, and OEMs deploying public, workplace, and destination charging infrastructure across the UK.
This page covers the main antenna types used in EV charger deployments, explains how 4G and 5G routers provide secure access to charge point management systems (CPMS), and links to the relevant products and services available from routerstore.com.
Why EV charge points need a reliable cellular connection
Most public and commercial EV charge points communicate with a cloud-based CPMS using the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). That communication covers session start and stop, user authentication, energy metering, payment processing, availability status, and firmware updates. A dropped or intermittent connection does not just inconvenience drivers; it can cause chargers to go offline, prevent billing, and generate fault alerts that require a site visit to resolve.
Many charge point locations have no practical access to fixed broadband. Car parks, motorway service areas, retail forecourts, and kerbside locations all present cabling challenges. Cellular backhaul via a 4G or 5G industrial router eliminates the need for ducting and allows a charge point to be connected in hours rather than weeks.
The antenna fitted to the router, or embedded in the charger itself, determines the quality of the cellular signal at the installation point. Choosing the wrong type for the location, or fitting a low-quality antenna, directly affects uptime.
SiSo cellular antennas for EV chargers
SiSo stands for Single-In, Single-Out. A SiSo antenna has a single radiating element and connects to one antenna port on the cellular modem. It is the simplest and lowest-cost antenna configuration.
When SiSo is appropriate
SiSo antennas suit deployments where the cellular signal at the installation point is strong, the data throughput requirement is modest, and space or cost is a constraint. A charger in a location with clear line of sight to a mast, sending only OCPP heartbeats and session data, does not need anything more complex. Typical SiSo form factors for EV charger applications include adhesive-mount antennas for internal mounting on non-metallic panels, and bracket or mast-mount omni-directional antennas for external installation.
SiSo limitations
A SiSo configuration cannot take advantage of the MIMO capabilities built into 4G LTE and 5G modems. In locations with high multipath interference, such as multi-storey car parks or underground facilities, a SiSo antenna may deliver inconsistent performance. In those environments, a MIMO antenna is a better choice.
MiMo antennas for EV chargers
MIMO stands for Multiple-In, Multiple-Out. A MIMO antenna uses two or more separate antenna elements to transmit and receive on independent signal paths simultaneously. The modem combines these paths to improve throughput and connection reliability.
2×2 MIMO
A 2×2 MIMO antenna provides two antenna elements and connects to two antenna ports on the modem. This is the most common configuration for EV charger deployments using 4G LTE. In a good signal environment, 2×2 MIMO roughly doubles the available throughput compared with SiSo. In difficult RF environments, the spatial diversity between the two elements improves signal stability even where raw throughput is not the primary concern.
4×4 MIMO
A 4×4 MIMO antenna provides four elements and is used with modems that support four receive paths. 4×4 MIMO is particularly relevant for 5G deployments and for high-utilisation charge point hubs where multiple sessions run simultaneously and throughput demands are higher. Panel-mount 4×4 MIMO antennas are available with IP69K ingress protection and IK10 vandal resistance ratings, making them suitable for public-facing installations.
IP protection and vandal resistance
Externally mounted antennas on public charge points require a high level of environmental protection. IP69K indicates resistance to high-pressure water jets, which covers pressure washing of forecourt equipment. IK10 is the highest rating for mechanical impact protection and is the appropriate standard for kerbside and public car park installations where accidental or deliberate impact is a realistic risk. Antennas with flame-retardant cabling are also available for installations subject to specific fire safety requirements.
WiFi antennas for EV chargers
WiFi connectivity in an EV charger serves a different function from the cellular backhaul. Where cellular handles the OCPP link to the CPMS, WiFi typically handles driver-facing functions: local app authentication, display of session data on a connected device, or integration with in-building WiFi networks at destination charging sites such as hotels, offices, and retail parks.
Dual-band WiFi
Most modern EV charger WiFi implementations use dual-band operation across 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band offers greater range and better penetration through building materials. The 5.0 GHz band provides higher throughput at shorter range. A dual-band antenna covering both frequencies supports both driver devices and local network integration without requiring separate antennas for each band.
Embedded versus external WiFi antennas
Adhesive-mount antennas are a compact option for EV charger OEMs integrating WiFi at the manufacturing stage. They mount to the inner surface of a non-metallic charger housing and require no external aperture. For retrofit installations or chargers with a metallic enclosure, an external panel-mount or bracket-mount WiFi antenna provides a cleaner installation and better RF performance through the enclosure wall.
4G and 5G routers for EV charge point management
An external industrial router, rather than an embedded cellular module within the charger itself, offers several advantages for charge point operators and installers. The router handles the cellular connection independently of the charger’s own hardware. It can be replaced or upgraded without touching the charger, supports dual SIM failover for resilience, and runs a full VPN and firewall stack that a simple embedded modem cannot provide.
Secure access to charge point management systems
A charge point management system (CPMS) such as AMPECO, Monta, Electra, or a proprietary platform needs a reliable, low-latency connection from each charge point. That connection must also be secure. A fixed IP SIM card installed in the router gives the charger a permanent, known IP address. Combined with a VPN tunnel back to the CPMS or network operations centre, the router creates an encrypted, authenticated link that prevents unauthorised access to the charge point.
This approach is directly equivalent to the remote access model used in other industrial IoT sectors, including substation monitoring, SCADA telemetry, and ATM networks. The router establishes the secure tunnel; the CPMS communicates through it as if the charge point were on the same local network.
For more on how fixed IP SIMs enable remote access, see our guide to fixed IP SIM cards. For a detailed explanation of VPN configuration on cellular routers, see VPN on cellular routers.
Remote diagnostics and firmware management
A 4G or 5G router with remote management capability allows an operator or installer to diagnose connectivity issues, check signal strength, and reboot the router without a site visit. Teltonika routers running RutOS support Teltonika RMS, a cloud-based remote management platform that provides a dashboard view across an entire fleet of deployed routers. For a CPO managing dozens or hundreds of charge points, this reduces reactive maintenance costs significantly.
Firmware updates to the charge point itself can also be delivered over the same cellular connection, provided the router’s firewall policy permits the traffic from the CPMS. Scheduling updates during off-peak hours and monitoring completion via the CPMS or RMS is standard practice for larger deployments.
Dual SIM failover for critical uptime
A charge point that goes offline costs revenue and damages customer confidence. Industrial routers from the Teltonika RUT and RUTX series support dual SIM operation with automatic failover between two SIM cards on different networks. If the primary network experiences an outage at the installation location, the router switches to the secondary SIM within seconds. For public charge points where uptime directly affects revenue and operator reputation, dual SIM failover is a straightforward and cost-effective resilience measure.
Browse Teltonika 4G routers and Teltonika 5G routers suitable for EV charging deployments.
Antenna selection for the router
An external router mounted in or adjacent to a charge point enclosure requires its own antenna, separate from any antenna embedded in the charger hardware. The antenna must be positioned to receive a clear cellular signal, which may mean routing a coaxial cable from the router to an externally mounted antenna. For routers installed inside metal enclosures, an external antenna is essential. Browse 4G antennas and 5G antennas stocked in the UK.
Antenna type comparison: EV charger applications
| Antenna type | Configuration | Best suited to | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| SiSo cellular | 1 element, 1 port | Good signal locations, low data volume, cost-sensitive deployments | Appropriate band coverage, IP rating if externally mounted |
| 2×2 MiMo cellular | 2 elements, 2 ports | Standard public and workplace chargers, car parks, moderate throughput | IP69K / IK10 for external or public-facing installations |
| 4×4 MiMo cellular | 4 elements, 4 ports | High-utilisation hubs, 5G deployments, challenging RF environments | Modem with 4-port support, IP69K / IK10, flame-retardant cabling where required |
| Dual-band WiFi | 2.4 / 5.0 GHz | Driver-facing authentication, in-building integration, destination charging | Adhesive or panel mount depending on enclosure material |
| Combination MiMo + WiFi | Cellular + WiFi in one unit | OEM integration, space-constrained enclosures, single aperture requirement | Confirm port count matches modem and WiFi radio hardware |
Frequently asked questions
What protocol do EV chargers use to communicate with the network?
Most networked EV charge points use the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), an open industry standard developed by the Open Charge Alliance. OCPP runs over a WebSocket connection between the charge point and the CPMS. The charge point sends status updates, session data, and metering information; the CPMS sends commands including remote start and stop, configuration changes, and firmware update triggers. OCPP 1.6 is the most widely deployed version in the UK. OCPP 2.0.1 adds enhanced security features and is increasingly required by enterprise and public sector operators.
Do I need a fixed IP SIM card for an EV charge point router?
For most CPO and fleet deployments, yes. A fixed IP SIM card gives the router a permanent, routable IP address. This allows the CPMS to initiate connections to the charge point (rather than relying solely on outbound connections from the charger), enables VPN tunnels to a fixed endpoint, and simplifies firewall rules at both ends. Dynamic IP SIM cards are less suitable for managed deployments because the IP address changes between sessions, complicating remote access. See our fixed IP SIM cards page for UK options.
What is MIMO and why does it matter for EV charger antennas?
MIMO (Multiple-In, Multiple-Out) uses multiple antenna elements to send and receive data on independent signal paths simultaneously. In a multipath-heavy environment such as an underground car park, signal reflections from concrete and steel can cause destructive interference on a single antenna. A MIMO antenna exploits the same reflections as separate signal paths, improving both throughput and connection stability. For a charger in a well-sited outdoor location with strong signal, the gain from MIMO is less significant. For chargers in basements, covered structures, or urban canyons, 2×2 MIMO is worth the modest additional cost.
Can one router serve multiple EV charge points on the same site?
Yes. A single industrial router with a cellular WAN connection can provide network access to multiple charge points via its LAN ports or local WiFi. This is common on sites with two to four chargers where running a dedicated cellular connection per unit would be unnecessary. The router should support sufficient Ethernet ports for the number of connected chargers plus any other site equipment. For larger installations, a site-wide LAN with a single cellular uplink is the standard architecture. Routers such as the Teltonika RUTX11 provide four LAN ports alongside the cellular WAN, making them practical for small multi-charger sites.
What is the difference between an embedded antenna and an external antenna for a charge point?
An embedded antenna is integrated into the charger enclosure at the point of manufacture, typically as an adhesive-mount unit bonded to the inner surface of a non-metallic panel. External antennas are mounted on the outside of the enclosure or on an adjacent pole or wall, and connect via a short coaxial cable run through the enclosure. Embedded antennas are appropriate for OEM designs with a non-metallic outer housing. External antennas are necessary when the charger has a metallic enclosure (which attenuates internal antenna performance significantly), when the charger is installed in a location with marginal signal, or when the antenna is serving a separately installed router rather than the charger’s own modem.
Which Teltonika routers are suitable for EV charge point backhaul?
The most commonly specified Teltonika routers for EV charging applications are the RUTX11 (dual SIM, 4G Cat 6, Wi-Fi 5, four LAN ports), the RUT951 (dual SIM, 4G Cat 4, compact and cost-effective for single-charger sites), and the RUTX50 (5G, dual SIM, Wi-Fi 6, for high-throughput or future-proofed installations). All run RutOS with OpenVPN and WireGuard support, dual SIM failover, and Teltonika RMS compatibility. Contact our team on 0300 124 6181 for help specifying the right model for your site.
Related products and further reading
Browse Teltonika 4G routers and Teltonika 5G routers for EV charge point backhaul. For antenna solutions, see the 4G antennas and 5G antennas categories. For SIM connectivity, including fixed IP SIMs for CPMS access and dual SIM resilience, visit our SIM connectivity page. For an explanation of how VPN tunnels work on cellular routers, see VPN on cellular routers.