SPECIALIST INSIGHT
What are the primary challenges that have historically made installing EV charging infrastructure in flats and multi-storey housing difficult , and how is ChargePoint addressing these obstacles ?
Installing charging infrastructure in communal parking spaces can be difficult , given that landlords must plan ahead , provide upfront investments and determine how many chargers can be installed without overloading the local electricity grid . For older buildings , legacy electrical components add another layer of complexity .
ChargePoint is addressing these challenges by offering affordable , efficient charging solutions designed to meet the needs of landlords and property managers . By offering Level 2 AC chargers , ChargePoint is helping reduce the cost of initial installations , improving EV charging accessibility . Additionally , ChargePoint ’ s robust software simplifies administration and enhances the user experience for both landlords and drivers . This software collects and distributes direct driver payments , making financial transactions easier .
Our software also allows for smart power sharing , which enables multiple EVs to charge at one or more stations , safely and in line with the local electricity provider . Each user pays for their own energy usage , which benefits drivers and property managers by removing administrative burdens .
How does the lack of off-road parking for 44 % of UK homes impact EV adoption , and what strategies can property developers and owners employ to mitigate this issue ?
Particularly for EV drivers without driveways , the lack of offroad residential parking underscores the need for more charging infrastructure in public places like roadsides , or in semi-public places like residential buildings , to ensure all EV drivers can charge when and where they need to .
Drivers want to charge in locations that are convenient for them , like their homes or workplaces . In these settings , vehicles are often
Electric vehicles are transforming transportation , but their growth hinges on accessible charging infrastructure . Rick Wilmer , CEO of ChargePoint , discusses the hurdles of installing chargers in flats and multi-storey housing , the impact of limited off-road parking on adoption and how ChargePoint ’ s innovations , such as smart power sharing and scalable AC chargers , are driving affordable , sustainable solutions for urban and residential settings . parked for extended periods , and it therefore makes good business sense to install charging solutions where drivers are stationary for long durations . Level 2 chargers are the most cost-effective to install , and can make this a viable investment .
Moreover , installing chargers in the workplace can help meet the growing demand for ‘ green perks ’, also known as sustainable employee benefits . As highlighted in the recent Autumn Budget , the UK government will continue to maintain lower tax rates on EVs , meaning that more businesses may consider providing EVs as company cars . Workplace charging will become an attractive amenity that supports sustainable employee benefits such as electric company cars . By seizing these opportunities , property owners can contribute significantly to the broader adoption of EVs .
ChargePoint ’ s software is built with power sharing capabilities , which means landlords can add incremental stations without overloading the location ’ s electrical service .
Can you elaborate on how ChargePoint ’ s smart management software optimises power sharing and prevents overloading electrical services in multi-tenant housing ?
ChargePoint ’ s software is built with power sharing capabilities , which means landlords can add incremental stations without overloading the location ’ s electrical service . Our software uses algorithms to share power among charging stations depending on the level of charge on each vehicle , ensuring that each charges as quickly as possible .
To illustrate , if three charging stations share a single 80-amp ( A ) circuit , the first vehicle to connect draws the full available power . As more vehicles connect , each continues to draw full power until the configured power limit is reached . Once this limit is hit , the Power Management algorithm evenly distributes the remaining power among all connected vehicles . If a vehicle disconnects or completes charging , the power it was using is reallocated equally among the remaining connected vehicles . This means that multiple tenants can benefit from fewer chargers without upgrading the building ’ s existing electrical service .
What specific technologies or innovations make AC chargers an affordable and scalable solution for flats , and how does this compare to other charging solutions ?
AC chargers are smaller and less expensive to use than DC chargers . They are the most appropriate and cost-effective option for long stay
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