EV software updates change the game

There is no doubt that the Electric Vehicle landscape moves at a lightning pace. This is especially true for those of us who work in this sector, but it also makes it an exciting sector to be in. While there will be many changes with the vehicles themselves, more significant changes in order to future-proof ourselves are likely to come in the form of the software improvements we know are already in progress.

1. DLB (Dynamic Load Balancing)

This is the intelligent distribution of electrical load among multiple chargers in order to optimise the use of available power in order to prevent overloading the grid/local power supply. There are many challenges with this essential technology:

• TECHNICAL - load balancing requires sophisticated algorithms, real-time data monitoring, as well as control systems to deploy
• INTEGRATION - there can be challenges integrating existing electrical infrastructure such as smart grids and renewable energy sources
• EXPENSE - costly to set up with installation, hardware and software to all be considered
• STANDARDISATION - there is a lack of compatibility across different chargers, brands and energy management systems
• CYBERSECURITY - real-time data and connectivity can be at risk from cyber attacks which compromises data integrity
• GRID CAPACITY - there will not always be sufficient capacity through the electrical grid to handle the dynamic demands of EV charging
• SPEED - one of the biggest issues is the dynamic allocation of power (some vehicles charging slower than others)
• DATA ERRORS - these systems rely upon accurate demand forecasting and real-time data which leads to errors and therefore inaccurate load distribution
• SYSTEM FAILURES - hardware/software failures within the DLB ecosystem can create huge disruptions to the charging process and reliability issues
• REGULATION - policy differs across various regions which can complicate the deployment of DLB systems due to a lack of incentives for smart charging infrastructure

All of the above are certainly challenges, but are all workable. Co-ordinated efforts from technology developers, regulators, utility companies and other stakeholders to create the solutions with DLB which are required.

2. Scheduled Charging

A greater implementation of scheduled charging, where using are able to set specific times for their vehicles to start and stop charging. There are many advantages to this, for the customer the greatest one is cost. There are already many operators offering reduced rates during off-peak hours. This creates opportunities elsewhere, especially within load management and the stability of the grid, aligned with renewable sources of energy, the convenience factor, as well as avoiding high-power charging sessions which all help to prolong the battery's lifespan.

3. Renewable Energy Integration

We are going to see a lot more of this, it is already common to see the combination of solar car ports coupled with EV charging. I have seen many other combinations which are all quite successful - the use of battery storage and charging, collection of rain water and also the use of wind power. This is what we really mean when we say 'sustainable energy'.

There are many benefits to be reaped from the cross-collaboration across these different disciplines - reduced emissions, sustainability, cost savings, local energy production, as well as the greater distribution of energy resources.

4. V2G/V2H (Vehicle To Grid/Home)

Both V2G (Vehicle To Grid) and V2H (Vehicle To Home) are two great examples of bi-directional charging which are predicted to play a significant role in the future of both transportation and energy systems. This is the idea that electric vehicles can not only draw power from the grid but also return it.

One of the greatest advantages of this technology includes the flexibility and stability which this would offer to the grid. 'Peak Shaving' - a term used to describe reducing peak demand by supplying stored energy back to the grid during those high-demand periods. This flattens the peak loads providing more balance to the supply and demand (frequency regulation) needs to the grid at large.

Renewable Energy integration especially with regards to energy storage has many benefits, one of the main being it can be released when needed. This helps to balance the variability of renewable energy so that a more stable and reliable power supply is delivered. The cost savings which are gained through such technology are huge, not only on the cost of energy but also the ability to sell back to the grid creates an additional future resource and back up power supply.

5. Enhanced User Interfaces

Currently user interfaces for EV charging are limited, about as limited as a fuel dispenser. The good news is there are many improvements which can and will be made in order to improve the user experience:

• USER FRIENDLY: clear graphics, easier navigation & improved design
• PERSONALISATION: using past data to inform user behaviour
• INTEGRATION: mobile apps to integrate with payment & reservations
• USAGE ANALYTICS: data relating to charging habits & energy use

6. Advanced Payment & Billing

One of the biggest issues currently is that not all charging stations are contactless. Where they are not people have to download different apps and if you are in a location with no signal/wifi you might not be able to connect. We can also expect to see more subscription models and pay per use options.?

7. Improved Security

Cyber Security measures are huge, especially where hacking is concerned. This is also a huge consideration for buyers of future business. This often plays a large role in bids and proposals in terms of how CPO's are reacting to this security measure. Increased user authentication is also thought to be a measure which will be enhance through two party security access. This affects customer data as much as the protection of the equipment.

8. Improvements to Remote Diagnostics

There will be a greater use of remote diagnostics and scheduled maintenance, which means more predictive maintenance through the use of data to address the most likely issues before they occur. Reduced downtime and maintenance costs only help to improve the profitability of the charging station.

9. Machine Learning Applications

We can expect to see the use of AI in the future, not currently sure what that will look like, but probably in regards to energy usage, predicting peak demand, better user experience with apps, personalised recommendations with the customer.

10. Data Analytics

Data is everything in this game. I would hope to be able to see huge improvements showing insights into charging, both charging patterns, user behaviour, type of vehicle, remainder of charge left as well as the station performance (which charger most in use for example). There might also be more insight into the usability of the Grid, so again further improvements could be made.?

Once the user experience is improved, it means consumers can plan their journeys better and have a more enjoyable experience, instead of the current experience - will the charger work, do I need to download an app, how long will it take??

What does the future look like?

With better analysis both of the charger and user experience, the ability to understand data is essential to be able to benefit the grid and all that it offers. Most of these enhancements would be essential to the model many of the smart cities are operating.

In terms of scalability, one of the biggest issues has always been to understand the utilisation of any given area, through the use of a greater dataset, more information would be available to understand the need for charging in any given area.?

I think the change of government in both the UK and USA has a huge impact on this industry. Those who have an EV, those building the Infrastructure (myself) and those thinking about it. Mixed messages from government really don't help. I think EV take up is slowly building, currently we're in a bit of a dip, but as we go into 2025 we will see that rise again. Changes will come when ICE vehicles are phased out and more infrastructure is available.

The role of software at EV stations will play a huge role as all of these sites in the future are utilised further. We are going to see huge changes in our landscape as fuel stations are phased out and charging stations increase in size and use. The better the software, the greater the experience whether it is speed, ease of use, comfort, it all matters. The car is no longer just a vehicle, but more an extension of ourself.