What Is Smart EV Charging and How Does It Work?

To understand the benefits offered by smart electric vehicle (EV) charging, it helps to understand the typical experience offered by a “dumb” charger. When an EV is plugged to a dumb charger, the EV’s battery is simply topped up according to the capacity of the charging system. As such, no remote networking or controls are present.

The lack of networking on dumb chargers means the EV’s charge state has to be monitored on the charger or the vehicle itself, if these functions are available on either. Additionally, all functions related to the EV’s charging will have to be performed manually or directly on the EV or charger.

A smart EV charger solves these issues through the use of advanced technology. Unlike dumb chargers, a smart EV incorporates intelligent controls and networking into the charging process, providing EV owners with high levels of convenience, regardless of whether they’re at home or not.

Smart EV chargers allow drivers to remotely monitor charge states, schedule start and stop times based on the cost of electricity, and perform a plethora of other functions through a secure data connection between the charger and a dedicated mobile app or online platform. For instance, after an EV charging point installation is done with a smart charger, drivers can use an app to schedule charging times for periods when electricity costs at their lowest or at any other time that fits their lifestyle.

How Does Smart EV Charging Work?

When an EV is plugged into a properly set-up smart charger, a network link will be created between the car, charger, and a remote smart EV charging platform. Sometimes, a link may also be established with the electricity provider and other critical parties. The specifics may differ depending on the system but, generally, once a network connection is established, the EV owner can begin monitoring and controlling various charging functions.

A variety of automations can also be set to further improve the overall EV charging experience. Aside from scheduling start and stop times, drivers can also set up energy tariff-based electric vehicle charging for more cost-effective charging.

How Do Smart EV Chargers Manage Energy Usage?

A typical smart EV charger’s advanced energy management functions are primarily handled by cloud-based platforms, with only rudimentary functions available on the device itself. These cloud platforms typically use algorithms and track the charging states of plugged-in vehicles to determine ideal load balancing, which is particularly important when charging a fleet of EVs.

When offline, most smart EV chargers can still facilitate a few basic functions with their onboard capabilities, such as initiating a charging session or providing essential charging information. However, the full extent of their advanced features may be limited or unavailable without an active connection to the cloud platform. For that reason, Wi-Fi access is an important aspect of determining the ideal spot to install a smart EV charging point.

Who Are Smart EV Chargers For?

Smart chargers can be highly beneficial in a variety of settings, but they’re particularly useful for commercial fleet operators and households with multiple EVs. While dumb chargers can suffice for households with one EV, charging multiple EVs requires a more sophisticated and coordinated approach to properly balance the load and extend the service life of the EVs’ batteries.

In many instances, EV charging point incentive programmes require the installation of smart chargers. For instance, in the UK, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) requires the installation of pre-approved smart charger models to qualify for its incentive schemes, such as the EV Chargepoint Grant. If you’re looking to save on your EV charger installation costs, an approved smart charger may be a more practical choice, given all the benefits they offer over a typical dumb charger.

Should I Install a Smart EV Charger in My Home?

When used as part of a home charging point, smart systems can significantly improve the everyday experience of EV ownership. Drivers can use mobile apps to ensure that their vehicle is ready to drive, whenever they need it, maximizing the overall utility of the EV. The ability to monitor and control charging states from outside of one’s garage or carport is particularly welcome, as it saves drivers the hassle of having to go to the garage to check on their vehicle at inopportune times.

Smart EV chargers also offer significant cost benefits to drivers. While they may cost slightly more upfront than dumb chargers, the ability to schedule charge times to whenever electricity rates are low can provide compelling financial benefits for EV owners. Additionally, installing a smart EV charging point in a home can significantly boost its property value, usually by well over the cost of installation.

Smart EV Chargers: Enhancing Convenience and Sustainability in Electric Vehicle Charging

Whether you want a new EV charging point for your home or business, smart EV chargers have much to offer. While they may not be as affordable as dumb chargers, they offer a wide array of convenience and efficiency benefits that make them a truly smart choice. More importantly, they also help deepen the basic environmental benefits of EV ownership by supporting broader initiatives for a greener and more sustainable energy ecosystem.