If electric vehicles (EVs) are going to significantly reduce the number of gasoline-powered cars on American roads, both the charging infrastructure and the software at these stations will need substantial upgrades.
“Software plays a crucial role in enhancing the ownership and charging experience for EVs,” said Edward Sanchez, a senior analyst at TechInsights, a global technology intelligence firm.
Sanchez noted that inconsistent and unreliable public EV charging has been a major barrier to wider adoption. This issue has led many non-Tesla EV owners to consider switching back to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
He added, “The proportion of Tesla owners contemplating a return to ICE vehicles is much lower, largely because of the superior experience provided by Tesla’s DC fast charging network, the Supercharger network.”
Follow Tesla’s Lead
Advanced charger software is expected to address a significant issue for current EV owners, according to Emma Orr, bid director at Winning Business, a consultancy based in the U.K.
“One of the major problems today is that not all charging stations offer contactless payment,” she told TechNewsWorld. “Without this feature, users often need to download various apps, and in areas with poor wireless connectivity, accessing these apps can be challenging.”
Orr also anticipated an increase in subscription models and pay-per-use options for charging services.
Edward Sanchez noted that payment and charging initiation are among the top complaints about current charging stations. He predicted a wider adoption of the ISO 15118 “plug and charge” standard, which allows for more seamless transactions. “Tesla was an early adopter of its own version of plug and charge,” Sanchez pointed out.
Rob Enderle, president and principal analyst at the Enderle Group, suggested that charger software developers should look to Tesla as a model for improving the charging experience.
Tesla’s charging stations offer a smoother experience by communicating directly with the car and handling transactions more efficiently than many other systems, according to industry experts. “Tesla’s system allows for a more seamless interaction where users simply plug in and monitor the charging progress through the car’s internal display, without needing separate transactional software,” he told TechNewsWorld.
Crucial Role in Infrastructure
As the EV charging infrastructure expands, advanced software at charging stations will become increasingly vital. “Sophisticated software is essential for managing scalability issues as the EV charging network grows,” said Lew Cox, senior director of business development at XCharge North America, a provider of EV charging solutions.
Cox highlighted several ways that advanced software can help address scalability challenges:
- Better Demand Management: Advanced software can monitor and control energy demand across multiple charging stations, intelligently distributing power to prevent grid overload and ensure efficient energy use during peak times.
- Better Load Balancing: Software can balance the load between various chargers, optimizing the charging process and reducing the strain on individual units. This helps maintain consistent performance as the number of EVs increases.
- Better Predictive Maintenance: By analyzing data, advanced software can foresee potential maintenance issues before they become critical, reducing downtime and keeping the infrastructure reliable.
- Better Real-Time Monitoring and Control: Real-time insights into station performance and usage allow operators to make informed decisions quickly, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the expanding EV charging network.
Battery-Integrated Technology
Lew Cox suggested that advanced charger software could help integrate renewable energy sources into the EV charging infrastructure.
However, Edward Sanchez pointed out that managing renewable energy distribution within charging networks will mainly occur at the cloud level. “There are many variables involved, such as the availability of renewable energy in different regions and the trading of renewable energy credits,” he explained.
Sanchez noted that while a “green” charging option might become available at stations in the future, it is not currently a priority. “Improving the reliability and uptime of charging stations is a more urgent concern at this time.”
Another energy source that could be integrated at the charger level is battery storage.
“Battery-integrated technology, managed by advanced software, can store excess energy during periods of low demand and release it during peak times,” Cox said. “This approach helps stabilize the grid and ensures a steady power supply for charging, which is crucial for scaling the EV charging system.”
Load Management
“As the number of EVs increases, managing load across chargers will become increasingly important,” said Sam Abuelsamid, principal analyst for e-mobility at Guidehouse Insights. “We need to ensure that our energy draw from the grid is sustainable.”
There are concerns that the growing number of electric vehicles could strain the grid. Rue Phillips, CEO of SkillFusion, argued that AI and analytics will help manage power demand. “AI can predict when and where power will be needed, which helps prevent overloading the grid,” he said.
Phillips also mentioned the potential for “peak shaving” using batteries. “Batteries, which can be charged during off-peak hours, can be used to reduce the immediate demand on the grid, thus managing the power load more efficiently.”
Waning EV Demand
The impact of EVs on the electrical grid remains uncertain, and recent reports suggest a slowdown in interest in electric vehicles.
Mark N. Vena, president and principal analyst at SmartTech Research, attributed this decline to factors such as high initial costs, which limit accessibility. “Limited charging infrastructure contributes to range anxiety and inconvenience for potential buyers,” he said.
He also noted concerns about battery lifespan, recycling, and the environmental impact of battery production, as well as competition from more fuel-efficient gasoline vehicles and hybrids.
Seth Goldstein, an analyst at Morningstar Research Services, anticipates fluctuating growth for EVs. “We’ll see variability in growth rates from year to year, but overall, the market will continue to grow,” he said. “Consumer interest remains strong, and as more affordable EV options become available and fast chargers are more widely deployed, we can expect solid adoption, with or without subsidies.”