Decoding eMobility News #16

Welcome to our monthly newsletter, where we look at the latest stories in the world of EV charging and our CEO, Dr. Stefan Furlan gives us his take on the news.

Universal charging protocol comes to the U.S.

A universal "Plug and Charge" protocol for electric vehicles is set to launch in the U.S. in 2025, promising a seamless and hassle-free charging experience. Developed by SAE Industries Technology Consortia (SAE ITC) with automakers and charging operators, the system simplifies EV charging by enabling secure, automated authentication and payment. Drivers can simply plug in and charge without needing apps or additional setup.

The protocol builds on the ISO 15118 standard, enhancing it with a Certified Trust List for interoperability and security. Supported by major players like Tesla, Ford, and Electrify America, the initiative also enables vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication for grid resilience. Funded by participating companies, this industry-led effort aims to address one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption and is expected to drive widespread compatibility and ease of use in public charging networks.

Stefan: Standardization is a positive step forward. While automakers appear to be on board, integrating this protocol into existing charging networks may pose challenges, requiring significant effort and collaboration. Nonetheless, this initiative could be a game changer for simplifying EV charging and driving broader adoption.

Read more:

E.ON survey highlights key barriers and motivations for switching to EVs for UK drivers

A new survey by E.ON has identified key motivators and barriers for UK drivers considering the switch to electric vehicles (EVs). Sustainability is the top reason for the shift, with 74% of respondents citing environmental benefits. Lower running costs and improved vehicle performance also drive interest, with 58% and 18% of respondents, respectively, highlighting these factors.

However, concerns about charging infrastructure and high upfront costs remain significant obstacles. Over 60% of drivers are concerned about the lack of public chargepoints, and 75% are deterred by the higher initial purchase price. Rural drivers are particularly concerned about vehicle range. E.ON has responded by developing new charging hubs, such as one in Wales, to address infrastructure gaps.

Stefan: This survey underscores the critical need for growing and strategically building ubiquitous charging networks to encourage EV adoption. As the early majority leans more toward affordability compared to the affluent early enthusiasts, lower-priced EV models and profitable, well-utilized charging stations offering competitive pricing will play a key role in driving the transition.

Read more on Current-news.co.uk

Amazon hits one billion electric deliveries in the U.S.

Setting the standard for other fleets, Amazon has reached a groundbreaking milestone: delivering one billion packages in the U.S. using electric vehicles. They were able to do so with over 20,000 Rivian vans now operating in thousands of cities. The company’s journey toward a greener logistics network began years ago with phased EV rollouts, including a 2020 order of 1,800 electric Mercedes-Benz vans for Europe and the 2022 deployment of custom Rivian vehicles. By 2023, 10,000 Rivian vans were actively delivering. Beyond environmental benefits like reduced greenhouse gas emissions, EVs offer cost savings and efficiency in urban deliveries, aligning with stricter regulations and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly options. Amazon plans to have at least 100,000 electric vans in operation by 2030.

Stefan: Congratulations to Amazon on reaching this impressive milestone. This achievement highlights how large corporations can play a pivotal role in driving sustainability through bold commitments and action, setting a powerful example for others to follow.

Read more on EV Magazine

GM Energy and ChargePoint to deploy hundreds of Ultra-Fast EV chargers

ChargePoint and General Motors (GM) have partnered to install hundreds of ultra-fast EV charging stations across the United States under the GM Energy brand. The new stations will feature ChargePoint's latest technologies, including the Omni Port system, which ensures compatibility with both CCS and NACS charging ports without requiring adapters, and the Express Plus platform, supporting charging speeds up to 500 kW. T

he companies also plan to launch an incentive program for third-party charge point operators to encourage ownership and operation of EV infrastructure. The initiative aims to provide more reliable, accessible, and convenient charging options to remove barriers to EV adoption, with the new stations expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

Stefan: Great initiative by GM Energy and ChargePoint. Ensuring these ultra-fast chargers are strategically placed will be crucial to maximizing their impact and driving EV adoption effectively. Proper location planning will make all the difference.

Read more on CHARGED Electric Vehicles Magazine

The growing role of EV chargers in real estate

Knight Frank’s report, EVs: The Everywhere Vehicle?, uncovers the exciting revenue potential for real estate owners in the UK as EV adoption accelerates. With the growing demand for EV charging stations, property owners can enhance the value of their assets and attract premium tenants by integrating charging infrastructure. The report reveals that charging bays can generate up to ￡6,000 annually, particularly in high-traffic locations such as motorways. By strategically positioning their properties to meet future EV charging needs, owners can benefit from a sustainable and profitable revenue stream. Knight Frank emphasizes that investing in EV charging infrastructure is not just an environmental necessity but a transformative opportunity for property owners to stay ahead of evolving mobility trends.

Stefan: We see more real estate owners seizing this opportunity, but success depends on understanding the right type of charger to deploy, where to place it, and when to roll it out across their portfolios. With significant investments involved, strategic planning is essential to maximize returns and meet growing demand, rather than ending up with a lot of stranded assets.

Read more on EV Magazine

Free eBook: Charging Forward: Success in the EV Charging Market with Smart Data

Discover our latest addition to the eBook resources at Dodona Analytics, "Charging Forward: Success in the EV Charging Market with Smart Data."

Whether you're scaling your EV charging network or just getting started, this guide offers valuable, data-driven insights to help you make smart investment decisions. Visit our resources page to get your copy - no email or registration required.

Stefan: This is obviously a must-read ??

About Stefan

Dr. Stefan Furlan is the founder and CEO of Donoda Analytics and following his PhD in Intelligent Systems, has been a serial data technology entrepreneur. Follow and connect with Stefan here on LinkedIn.

About Dodona

Dodona Analytics is a leading EV Charging Optimization platform. We work with some of the most ambitious and successful Charge Point Operators across Europe and the US to help deploy tens of thousands of chargers every year. As Data Scientists and experts in Future Mobility, we are changing the way we move people, goods, and services, and we are passionate about building a better future.