CLOCKING OUT
EV charging requires a tailored a nd intelligent approach
There is no ‘ one-size-fits-all ’ approach to EV charging implementation . Different charging speeds are better suited to certain locations i . e . overnight charging in residential buildings and hotels , and rapid or ultra-rapid charging at supermarkets , service stations and shopping centres .
However , in a race to increase the number of EV chargers and monopolise the market , we ’ re seeing certain EV charge point operators ( CPOs ) prioritise quantity over quality . Too often the wrong speed charging points are being installed in the wrong location without proper consultation . Drivers have been left either unable to use them or waiting significant periods of time to access a station .
To ensure all EV chargers meet the three Rs going forward , organisations planning on deploying public charge points must work with a partner that has a profound understanding of the marketplace
It is only by working together that we can remedy the current issues with EV infrastructure .
and the energy industry . Without intelligent collaborations , haphazard EV infrastructure is set to continue , and we could end up with significant issues beyond the wrong chargers being installed in the wrong locations . It could also result in overbuilds , poor maintenance , and further discourage consumers from switching to EVs .
Open access is the way forward
To date , the majority of the UK ’ s public EV infrastructure has been developed by private or closed network operators . This fractured approach has resulted in a market that requires EV drivers to have a variety of memberships , accounts and RFID cards to access all publicly available chargers , resulting in below-par customer experience .
There is a better way though . The Open Charge Point Protocol ( OCPP ) is an open-source communication standard for EV charging hardware and charge point software companies . Any EV charge point that is OCPP-compliant can be configured to run any other OCPPcompliant software .
By choosing OCPP from the outset , EV charge points will not be constricted by fixed capabilities for the duration of their lifespan ( which is often the case with hardware installed on closed charging networks ). Instead , they will have the ability to be customised and improved with the latest software upgrades .
Moving forward , as an industry , we collectively need to ensure we are doing all that we can to roll out EV infrastructure as quickly as possible , with a guarantee it ’ s fully fit for purpose . This means future-proofing charge points by taking the OCPP approach , so EV infrastructure is open to all and chargers stand the test of time . It ’ s also crucial businesses partner with CPOs that are highly reputable and experienced in the energy market to make certain they ’ re installing the optimum chargers in the right places . It is only by working together that we can remedy the current issues with EV infrastructure and make sure it hits its all-important 2030 targets . �
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