Electric Vehicles Are the Future - How Intelligent Charging of Electric Vehicles Can Help

Electric Vehicles are the Future (Ev) are becoming more popular as more affordable and high-performance models are entering the market. Major Automakers Invest Billions in New EV Models

Such an increase in electric vehicles poses potential challenges. Without proper management, the large number of electric vehicles being charged can put a strain on the power grid. Smart charging is the use of technology and incentives to optimize the charging of electric vehicles and smooth the load on the grid.

What is Smart Charging ?

Intelligent charging uses communication technology to adjust the charging of electric vehicles with network conditions, and can exchange data to modulate charging levels or respond to external signals. This allows integration with utilities to avoid periods of high power demand.

There are 2 types of smart charging:

Unidirectional or driver-controlled intelligent charging - The driver schedules the charging time or level through an app that communicates with the charger, which allows you to charge when the electricity rate is low.

Bi-directional or smart charging controlled by the energy supplier - The energy supplier can modulate the charging speed and time of the entire charger to mitigate peak demand. Thanks to V2G (vehicle-to-Grid) technology, chargers can even deliver power to the grid at peak times.

In both cases, smart chargers must connect to the network and use protocols such as OpenADR that standardize communication between utilities, service providers, and chargers. This makes it possible to monitor power supply and prices in real time.

Smart charging has several advantages:

Savings

By charging during off-peak hours, drivers can benefit from cheaper electricity rates. Energy suppliers can also offer discounts or lower charging rates for electric vehicles to encourage off-peak use.

Improved grid stability

With intelligent charging, the grid can use electric vehicles as mobile storage and generators, making the grid more resilient in case of power outages or power shortages.

Growth of renewable energy

Smart charging can provide an incentive to charge electric vehicles when renewable energy sources such as solar and wind generate large amounts of electricity. This contributes to the fact that the grid integrates more renewable energy.

Reduce anxiety in the range.

A key factor limiting the introduction of electric vehicles for many drivers is fear of range or lack of charging at inappropriate moments. According to research, potential buyers of electric vehicles are concerned that the range is not enough for travel and does not have access to charging facilities.

Smart charging can help address these concerns. By having the ability to monitor the state of charge of the battery and remotely control the charging process, the driver can be confident that the charging process will take place when necessary in a sufficient range, thus reducing the fear of range.