TimesEV
TimesEV
TimesEV
TimesEV
TimesEV
TimesEV
More
    HomeTechnologyCharging TechnologiesLanding on the Smart Charging for EVs

    Landing on the Smart Charging for EVs

    Sustainability helps drive the electric vehicle (EV) market forward; however, there are aspects of EV transportation that still have room to grow more sustainable. In comes smart charging: Through open network communication between vehicles, charging stations and energy suppliers, the EV industry can continue to reduce its impact on energy resources. Read on to learn more about smart charging and its benefits to both drivers and station owners.

    What Is Smart EV Charging?

    The term smart charging for EVs is multifaceted, but all aspects of the definition boil down to energy consumption. The ultimate goal of smart charging is to optimize energy usage while charging electric vehicles. To achieve this goal, smart charging relies on digital communication with the EV itself, the charging station and the energy supplier; the exchange of data is what earns this type of charging its “smart” title.

    Why Go Smart?

    To fully acknowledge the importance of smart charging for EVs, it helps to compare it to “dumb charging.” Consider plugging in your cell phone: While it can communicate to you its charge level, the phone is not communicating with the power grid and the charging implement to adapt its power usage. It draws the same amount of power (whatever the charger is capable of) until the phone is charged.

    Now consider EVs: While they are a more sustainable mode of transportation while operating on the road, the industry goal is to maximize EV sustainability. EVs contain large batteries that require frequent charging for frequent use. If station owners and EV drivers relied exclusively on “dumb charging,” there would be a significant toll on the power grid at peak times, as well as a decrease in cost effectiveness. Smart charging optimizes energy consumption to help solve the problems brought on by power grid congestion and power usage peaks. This benefits everyone from EV drivers to station owners by giving agency over how and when electricity is used.

    Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)

    Smart charging can only exist in its current form thanks to a crucial agreement: Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). Though OCPP is the industry standard for charging stations, not all charging networks are created equal. Because vehicles, charging stations and energy suppliers need to exchange information in order to intelligently charge, they must have the ability to communicate with each other. OCPP not only allows drivers the freedom of interoperability, but these open networks empower and expedite smart charging solutions.

    Smart Charging for EV Drivers

    EV drivers often seek smart charging due to the control it offers. It removes the burden of choosing when to physically plug in the vehicle (as in “dumb charging”) and allows the user to define the time and amount of charge they want via their network. Labeled User Managed Charging (UMC), this type of smart charging only requires information to flow one direction: from the user to the charging station to the energy supplier.

    Benefits for Drivers

    One of the main benefits of smart charging is that it is simply more economical. The ability to control the charge time and amount leads to control over the total cost of operating an EV. Additionally, smart charging simplifies the charging experience for EV drivers, allowing drivers to set it and forget it. Finally, drivers can feel secure in their decision to drive a sustainable vehicle due to smart charging’s adaptive power consumption.

    Smart Charging for EV Charging Station Owners

    While EV drivers undoubtedly benefit from smart charging, charging station owners can use it to maximize the potential of their networks. The brilliance in smart charging for station owners is that, due to OCPP, it is always adaptable and updatable. This type of smart charging is called Supplier Managed Charging (SMC), which means that the exchange of information must flow in both directions (between the vehicle, the station and the energy supplier). Basically, if the grid is facing increased burden, or there is a surplus of drivers seeking a charge, the supplier needs to be able to adapt on the fly.

    Benefits for Charging Station Owners

    Again, many of the benefits of smart charging for station owners boils down to cost. However, due to the two-way nature of SMC, station owners can both increase revenue and decrease upkeep cost. Because EV Connect charging stations easily integrate with hardware manufacturers, charging station owners can scale as needed with the option to change hardware in the future. Owners can also quickly and easily distribute power to different areas, smooth energy peaks and keep up with charge demand. Not only that — the networks can be programmed to do the legwork for owners. The term “smart charging” barely scratches the surface of how complex and beneficial this open network communication is.

    Related Post

    Most Popular

    Best Picks

    WISE Testing Solutions: Comprehensive Products and Services for Vehicle Development and EV Battery Testing

    WISE Testing Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a privately held company registered as a limited company, aims to provide a comprehensive range of products and services...

    Anton Paar: Revolutionizing EV Battery Testing with Standardization Initiatives

    Anton Paar, a distinguished company specializing in the development, production, and distribution of precision laboratory instruments and process measuring systems, alongside delivering customized automation...

    Exploring the Challenges and Testing Methods for Electric Vehicle...

    Aimil Ltd. is an esteemed organization celebrated for its exceptional expertise spanning multiple domains such as electric vehicle battery testing (both electrical and mechanical),...

    “The core idea behind u-blox has always been to...

    u-blox develops some of the world’s leading IoT communication and GNSS modules, chips and services supporting the industrial, automotive and consumer markets. Recently Andreas...

    PRAGYATMIKA: Empowering EV, Automotive, and E-Mobility with Cutting-Edge Technology...

    PRAGYATMIKA stands out as a leading provider of effective technology solutions for the EV, automotive, and e-mobility sectors. Their comprehensive services go beyond technological...

    Jean-Louis CHAMPSEIX, VP, Head of Corporate Sustainability, emphasizes :...

    ST addresses twofold imperatives - i.e. making technology itself more sustainable, and using technology to become more sustainable. ST is one of the largest...

    Exploring the Impact of Aarjay International’s Testing & Automation...

    Aarjay International is widely recognized for its outstanding expertise in delivering comprehensive test and automation solutions. Their wide range of services encompasses electronics and...

    Future of High Voltage EV: Wide Band Gap Semiconductors

    Article Courtesy: Sterling Gtake E Mobility Limited INTRODUCTION: Wide band gap semiconductors (SiC & GaN) are regarded as the next-generation power semiconductor for automotive applications...

    Motor Control and Human Interface Technologies from Virtual Forest...

    Forests are a vital part of human existence thus it relies upon them how to conserve the forests and maintain the ecological balance. Over...

    Must Read