According to the International Energy Agency, the number of global public charging points will exceed 15 million by 2030 – a four-fold increase compared to the 4 million that were in operation in 2023. However, to develop an infrastructure capable of handling electric vehicles (EVs) en masse, an ‘‘intelligent’’ approach is required.
Smart charging solutions will inevitably play a vital role in developing a robust, sustainable charging infrastructure. A technology-driven approach to EV charging not only addresses the immediate logistical challenges of powering EV fleets, but also aligns with broader sustainability goals.
In leveraging advanced data analytics, real-time communication, and intelligent energy distribution, smart charging solutions for hybrid and electric vehicles reduce peak demand pressures on the grid, and ensure a fast, seamless charging experience for drivers.
As a leading provider of green energy solutions, Equans offers comprehensive electric vehicle charging solutions and energy grid expertise to support the large-scale deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure. With over a century of experience in electrical engineering, Equans is ideally positioned to meet the demands of the transition to electric mobility.
As such, we want to shed light on the crucial role smart charging solutions are playing in facilitating the transition to a cleaner, greener future.
What is smart charging?
Smart charging is the process of recharging electric vehicles based on insights from real-time data and communications between vehicles, charging stations, and the electrical grid.
Unlike conventional charging methods, which typically deliver a constant rate of power, smart charging uses algorithms and data analytics to align the charge with grid capacity, electricity prices, and renewable energy availability.
Not only does smart charging improve energy efficiency and grid stability, it provides fleet owners with cost savings and flexibility.
How smart charging solutions support grid stability
There are many use case for smart EV solutions. For example, residential charging allows EV owners to charge their vehicles from home, taking advantage of lower nighttime electricity rates and monitoring their energy usage.
Whereas commercial and fleet charging allows businesses and fleet operators to manage multiple vehicles, optimising charging schedules to minimise costs and downtime.
However, perhaps the most promising use case for smart charging solutions, is public charging. A smart public charging infrastructure is critical to ensuring the widespread adoption of EVs. Having fast, connected, and reliable charging points in rural and urban areas incentivises the greater population to embrace electric vehicle ownership, thus reducing global carbon emissions.
Dynamic load management and optimised charging
Dynamic load management (DLM) refers to the real-time adjustment of electrical load distribution to optimise the use of available power.
“ DLM optimises the impact of electric vehicle charging on the grid to avoid congestion and ensure stability. There are two figures to measure this impact. The first being that there were one million electric vehicles in 2023, and the second, that there will be 35 million by 2050. When used in combination with dynamic smart charging, DLM optimises charging during periods when electricity is most available, and when the price per kilowatt-hour is most favourable.’ ”
DLM works by continuously monitoring real-time data on energy consumption and grid status. It then applies load balancing algorithms, and allocates power to various charging stations. Through sophisticated demand forecasting and priority assignment, DLM adjusts charging rates or schedules based on grid conditions and business needs - effectively preventing grid overload.
In turn, this improves grid stability by reducing peak demand, which can lead to substantial cost savings, as it allows for off-peak charging at lower electricity rates. It also promotes environmental sustainability by aligning charging times with periods of high renewable energy availability, consequently lowering carbon emissions.
The features of smart charging stations
Smart charging stations are equipped with technology that enables EVs to be charged, ready for use. Compared to conventional EV charging stations, they typically offer a range of features that improve energy efficiency, grid stability, and convenience.
Through mobile apps or web interfaces, fleet owners can remotely monitor and control their charging sessions. Smart chargers can also take advantage of time of use (TOU) tariffs by scheduling charging sessions during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. They provide two-way energy flow, so fleet owners can discharge unused electricity back to the grid, providing additional revenue opportunities.
Because smart charging stations collect and analyse data on charging patterns, energy consumption, and grid impact, they can provide fleet operators with valuable insights that can shape energy management strategies and improve the efficiency of charging infrastructures. They also provide predictive maintenance, anticipating potential vehicle issues before they occur, and scheduling time for servicing.
Integrating smart charging with renewable energy
A critical element of smart charging solutions is that they can integrate with renewable energy, creating a powerful opportunity to develop a sustainable EV infrastructure.
According to a recent report published by an international group of researchers, allocating EV charging stations with renewable energy resources can reduce charging costs by up to 70%.
Because solar-powered EV chargers can operate independently from the grid, they reduce the reliance on grid-supplied electricity during daylight hours. This decentralisation enhances energy resilience, particularly in remote areas, or during periods of grid disruption.
Likewise, advances in energy storage technologies, such as battery storage systems, provide greater flexibility in managing solar energy use for EV charging. These systems ensure a consistent and reliable power supply by storing excess solar energy generated during peak hours. This allows for continuous EV charging even when solar generation is low, or during nighttime hours.
By storing excess solar energy, smart charging systems reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. They align with corporate and community sustainability strategies and contribute to lower carbon emissions overall.
The role of Charging Point Operators and Mobility Service Providers within charging networks
A Charging Point Operator (CPO) is responsible for owning, operating, and managing EV charging stations within a network. The role of a CPO involves ensuring that infrastructures are efficient, reliable, and accessible.
A CPO also owns the physical charging stations and manages their installation, maintenance, and operation. It manages billing and payment systems, implements pricing structures, and often engages in partnerships with, businesses and energy providers. As well as coordinating the locations of charging points, a CPO also ensures stations comply with industry standards and safety regulations.
A Mobility Service Provider (MSP) on the other hand, offers a range of mobility-related services. They typically provide access to various modes of transport like electric vehicles, public transit, bike-sharing, and other forms of e-mobility.
In the context of EV charging networks, an MSP optimises the operation of charging networks, focusing on improving user experience and network efficiency. This could involve implementing smart scheduling, providing predictive analytics to forecast demand, and offering dynamic pricing models that incentivise off-peak charging.
Supporting the transition to a fleet of 300 electric vehicles
At Equans, we provide a one-stop shop for all your fleet management needs. We provide best-in-class hardware and use trusted technologies from leading brands. Every smart charging solution we provide is future-proofed and fully scalable, so you can be sure your fleet is supported today, and tomorrow.
EV charging car park installations in the UK
For example, we recently delivered one of the largest EV charging car park installations in the UK at a NatWest office in Edinburgh. As part of a five-year partnership, we installed 264 EV sockets for NatWest staff and visitors. The 7.4kW Alfen dual socket chargers are powered by Equans’ GeniePoint platform.
“Working in partnership with Equans and our property services team, we developed and delivered the installation, which has created one of the largest electric vehicle charging car park in the UK. We now have 264 charging points available for colleagues, customers, and visitors to use, charged at set prices to allow for easy budgeting.’’
Judith Cruickshank, Scotland Chair at the Royal Bank of Scotland
To date, a total of 325 sockets have been installed by Equans for NatWest. Locations have been strategically selected where demand is high, and power is readily available. The partnership not only enables NatWest to support their colleagues to make the switch to EV, but also supports their transition to a fleet of 300 electric vehicles.
The future of smart charging solutions
As smart EV solutions for hybrid and electric vehicles continue to advance, several key technologies are shaping the future of EV infrastructure.
For example, we predict that wireless inductive charging will play an important role in eliminating the need for physical charging cables. By parking over a specially designed charging pad embedded in the ground, EVs will be able to charge more conveniently.
Likewise, static wireless charging has the potential to revolutionise urban fleet charging. By installing charging pads in roadways, or in designated parking spots, drivers can charge their vehicles while stationary and when in motion.
Similarly, EVs equipped with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities can discharge electricity stored in their batteries back to the grid when demand is high. As well as helping stabilise the grid, these systems can provide revenue opportunities for fleet owners, incentivising the use of EVs, and encouraging the development of EV infrastructure.
The growth of AI will also have a significant impact on smart charging solutions, particularly in the development of predictive analytics. AI-driven systems that can anticipate the needs of drivers and their vehicles can help reduce charging wait times, and improve the efficiency of EV infrastructures overall.