This article is your ultimate guide to smart car charging. Specifically, we will discuss how smart car charging relates to smart energy management in this electric vehicle revolution era.
The key component to keep a battery electric vehicle alive is the charging system. In our modern society, it acts as a link between the grid and the vehicle to stabilize the power grid. Soon we will have a bidirectional energy transfer.
To enable this and even more features like authentication for plug and charge, scheduling the charging process, adjusting charging parameters to the desired value of the battery, and several safety aspects in addition to the energy flow, a communication channel is needed.
Let’s take a look at the basics.
Basics of Smart Charging
For AC charging, we have type one and type two plugs. These already contain low-level communication based on the adjustment of the voltages and the Pulse Width Modulation (PMW) signal with different duty cycles. For the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) two pins for the DC line were added.
On top of the already existing PWM signal, a powerline communication is modulated. For high-powered charging of commercial vehicles, a standard providing up to three megawatts is currently under development.
Smart Charging Standards
Smart charging standards in the UK are designed to ensure that electric vehicles are charged in a safe, secure and efficient way. These standards are designed to protect the grid, reduce energy costs, and provide a better experience for consumers.
The UK government has developed several standards to ensure that electric vehicles are charged safely and securely. These include:
- The Smart Charging Standard (SCS), sets out the minimum requirements for smart charging equipment, including safety and security features.
- The Smart Charging Protocol (SCP), guides how to securely connect and control electric vehicle charging points.
- The Smart Grid Protocol (SGP), sets out how to optimise the use of the grid and reduce energy costs.
- The Smart Grid Standard (SGS), sets out how to ensure that the grid is resilient and can cope with the increased demand for electric vehicles.
The UK government is also working on several other initiatives to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and smart charging. These include the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), which provides grants for the installation of electric vehicle charging points in homes, and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant (EVIG), which provides funding for the installation of public charging points.
The UK government is also working with industry partners to develop standards for smart charging in the workplace. This includes the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which provides grants for the installation of electric vehicle charging points in workplaces.
The UK government is committed to promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and smart charging. As part of this commitment, it is developing several initiatives and standards to ensure that electric vehicles are charged in a safe, secure and efficient way.
Tethered chargers
A tethered electric vehicle charger is an electric vehicle charging station that requires a physical connection between the charger and the vehicle being charged. Tethered chargers are usually installed at home or in commercial settings, and they offer a more secure and reliable charging option than non-tethered chargers.
Tethered chargers typically use a Type 1 or Type 2 connector to connect to the vehicle. The charging station will then provide the required power to charge the vehicle’s battery. This type of charger is usually more expensive than non-tethered chargers, but it offers a more reliable and secure connection to the vehicle.
Tethered chargers are also often faster than non-tethered chargers, as they can provide higher levels of power. This means that the vehicle can charge more quickly and be ready for use sooner.
Tethered chargers are also more secure than non-tethered chargers, as the physical connection between the charger and the vehicle makes it more difficult for someone to tamper with the connection. This makes them an ideal choice for public charging stations, as it reduces the risk of theft or vandalism.
Overall, tethered electric vehicle chargers are a more reliable and secure option than non-tethered chargers. They are more expensive, but they offer faster charging times and a more secure connection.
Untethered EV Chargers
Untethered EV chargers are a type of electric vehicle (EV) charger that does not require a physical connection to the charging station. Instead, the charging station communicates wirelessly with the vehicle’s battery, allowing the vehicle to charge without a physical connection.
This type of charger is becoming increasingly popular as it eliminates the need for drivers to physically connect their vehicles to the charging station, making it easier and more convenient to charge their vehicles.
Untethered EV chargers are typically faster than their tethered counterparts. This is because the lack of a physical connection allows for a higher flow of electricity to be delivered to the vehicle. This results in faster charging times, which is especially beneficial for drivers who need to charge their vehicles quickly.
Untethered EV chargers are also more secure than tethered chargers, as they require authentication from the vehicle before the charging process can begin. This prevents unauthorized access to the charger or tampering with the charging process.
In addition, untethered EV chargers are often more cost-effective than tethered chargers. This is because they do not require the installation of additional cables and wiring, which can be expensive.
Overall, untethered EV chargers offer some advantages over their tethered counterparts, including faster charging times, increased security, and cost savings. As the technology continues to improve, more and more drivers are likely to switch to untethered EV chargers in the future.
Benefits of Smart Charging
Electric vehicle (EV) technology has been increasing in popularity with its use gaining momentum across the world. Smart EV charging is an integral part of the EV revolution and has numerous benefits.
Smart EV charging is designed to take into account the energy needs of an EV, considering factors such as battery size, the grid load and other environmental factors before charging the car. This helps to ensure that the full charge of the battery is being used efficiently, without overcharging or overworking it.
This not only extends the life of the battery but also helps to reduce wear and tear on the EV’s electrical system. Using smart EV technologies can also help to reduce the cost of EV ownership.
Smart EV charging technology can maximize the amount of electricity stored in the EV battery, allowing drivers to go further on a single full charge. This reduces the need to charge frequently, saving the driver money in the long run.
Another benefit of smart EV charging is that it allows for better control of electricity usage. The technology is designed to monitor, record and analyze charging data, allowing for better control over how, when and how much electricity is used. This helps to lower running costs as well as reduce any potential strain on the electric grid.
Finally, smart EV charging technology is also a great way to ensure the safety of EV users. The technology is designed to automatically shut off in the event of any anomalies or risks, preventing any harm to the EV or the user.
In summary, smart EV charging has a range of benefits that can help to reduce EV costs, maximize battery life, manage electricity usage, and ensure user safety.
Smart Charger Installation
Installing a smart EV charger is beneficial for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the key points to consider when installing a smart EV charger:
- Safety: Follow all safety regulations and procedures when installing your smart EV charger. This includes reading the manufacturer’s manual and using the right wiring. Make sure you keep a minimum distance of at least 15 cm away from any combustibles.
- Location: Considering the location of your charger is important. It should be placed in an accessible and visible spot. You will also need to factor in the proximity to your Electric Vehicle (EV) as this will affect the length of the cable you need and the amount of power you’ll require for the charger.
- Power Supply: It’s important to check with your utility provider about the power supply needed for the EV charger. Your EV charger may require a more powerful supply than is typically available from your home’s service panel, depending on your EV model.
- Permits: Check with your local government to find out if you require any permits or licenses for your EV charger installation. Some states and regions have special regulations for EV chargers.
- Maintenance: Smart EV chargers require routine maintenance to ensure they are working correctly. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning, troubleshooting, and inspection.
By considering these points, you can help ensure your smart EV charger is installed safely and correctly.
What You Need For Smart Charger Installation
- A Smart Charger: The most important material you need to install a smart charger is the charger itself. There are a variety of different types of smart chargers on the market, so it’s important to find one that best fits your charging needs.
- Installation cables: Depending on the type of smart charger you choose, you may need to install it with installation cables. Installation cables may be needed for connecting the smart charger to a vehicle, wall outlet, or another power source.
- Wiring harness: When installing a smart charger, you may need a wiring harness. This device distributes current from the smart charger to whatever device it is being connected to, ensuring a safe connection and less risk of a fire or electrical issue.
- Protective covers: To guard your smart charger and the power source connected to it, you may want to install protective covers over the smart charger and wiring. This will provide shielding and protect against accidental damage, weather damage, and more.
- Instruction manual: Lastly, an instruction manual is a must-have when installing a smart charger. The manual should provide detailed instructions on how to properly and safely install the charger.
Explore additional resources and expand your knowledge. Click here to learn more: EV Charger Installation Tips
Electric Car Charger Installation Cost
The cost of installing a smart EV charger in the UK can vary greatly depending on factors such as the type of charger, the type of installation, and the installation company chosen. Generally, a basic home wall-mounted unit would cost between £500 and £900, whilst a commercial type would come in between £800 and £1500.
Hardwired installation costs can range from around £1000 to £3000 depending on the complexity of the installation, and whether a minor electrical upgrade is required. The cost of installing a “smart” EV charger can vary even more due to the various technologies employed.
Intelligent charging networks can cost anywhere from £2000 to £7000 depending on the difficulty of installation and the type of system required. In addition to these costs, there may be additional fees from the chosen installer depending on the complexity of the work involved.
Other factors such as the availability of off-street parking, the quality of the existing electrical infrastructure, and the need for generators or permits impact the installation cost. When planning your EV charger installation, it is important to shop around and research all of the available options in order to get the most cost-effective solution.
The UK has trusted third-party installer networks that provide transparent breakdowns of their services and will ultimately provide the best value for your money.
Government Grants For EV Charging Points
The UK government is increasingly looking at ways to reduce carbon emissions and incentivise the uptake of electric vehicles. The government announced funding for various charging infrastructure projects to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points in the UK.
The initiative is part of a wider strategy to create a clean economy, referred to as the Road to Zero. This includes offering up to £500,000 in grants for local authorities and other organisations to build on-street and workplace charging points in England.
The government also expanded its workplace charging scheme, which provides businesses, charities, and public sector organisations with a grant of up to £500 per socket and per extension cord, up to a maximum of £20,000 to install charge points at their workplace.
This scheme has contributed to a dramatic increase in the number of workplace charging points, particularly in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and London. To make electric car ownership more attractive, the government also introduced an Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) in 2014.
This offers a grant of up to £500 towards the cost of installing an electric vehicle charger at your home. This scheme is still running, but the grant can no longer cover the whole cost – you’ll need to cover the remainder yourself.
In addition to the above, there are several other smaller grants and initiatives available from the government or local authorities to encourage people to switch to electric vehicles. For example, money is made available for local authorities to help households in areas with poor access to charging infrastructure.
The government’s commitment to reducing emissions and promoting the use of electric vehicles has seen more charging points installed across the UK. These measures have helped to make electric vehicles more accessible and attractive to consumers and businesses; however, there is still a long way to go in terms of building out the infrastructure and fostering an electric vehicle revolution.
Who Will Install the Electric Car Chargepoint?
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) is a scheme funded by the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and administered by energy suppliers in the UK. It provides grants for the installation of electric car chargepoints within the domestic premises of homeowners and tenants with electric vehicles registered on or after 1 October 2016.
Chargepoint installation services must be completed, in most cases, by a qualified electrician approved by the OLEV. All engineers must hold the relevant qualifications and be registered with one of the following Competent Person Schemes: the Napit Electrical Competent Persons Scheme, the NICEIC Domestic Installer Scheme or the ECA-Approved Contractors’ Scheme.
Before installation can start, homeowners must hold a valid Homecharge Scheme certificate, have a suitable dedicated electric circuit installed and have selected a recognised chargepoint installer.
Customers will also be asked to provide the details of the approved electrician they have chosen, including their NICEIC, NAPIT or ECA registration numbers. Evans Electrical, an electrician based in London, are registered to have the relevant qualifications to install chargepoints.
They have engineers located across the UK, working with homeowners and tenants to connect their homes to the grid. As well as offering an installation service, they also provide the necessary certificates and warranties to ensure a safe, compliant and hassle-free installation. Cox Electrical, based in Manchester, is another approved chargepoint installer.
They offer a full range of services from site surveys to installation. They have a team of fully qualified NICEIC and ECA-approved electricians on-hand for professional installations and also provides assistance with the paperwork and applications to get funding for the chargepoint.
For customers based in Scotland, the OLEV-approved chargepoint installer is EnerTwist. They specialised in providing fully qualified engineers for the installation of chargepoints, and hold all the necessary qualifications to ensure that your chargepoint is future-proofed and compliant with the latest regulations.
If you’re looking to have a chargepoint installed in the UK, it’s important to make sure you check whether the electrician you have chosen is approved by the OLEV. All registered installers should be able to provide the appropriate documentation and certificates to ensure a safe and compliant installation.
How Long Will It Take to Install The Charger?
The amount of time it takes to install a charger in the UK will depend on the type of charger and the location. For example, a wall-mounted home charger could take anywhere from four to eight hours in total to complete, whereas the installation of a commercial charging station could take two days or more.
Any work carried out by an approved contractor should be compliant with current building regulations, and this could add extra days to the installation process depending on the complexity of the job.
Other considerations include access to the property and the type of cabling used. A qualified electrician should be able to provide an accurate estimate of the time required for any given installation.
Installing An EV Charger In Your Garage
Installing an EV charger in your garage typically takes anywhere from 4 to 8 hours depending upon the complexity of the project. The amount of time it takes to install an EV charger will also depend upon the availability of the electrician, the type of EV charger selected, and the state of your existing electrical infrastructure.
The first step to installing an EV charger is to have an electrician assess your garage’s existing electrical infrastructure to determine if the installation process can be completed.
This typically involves them running a few tests and checking that there is a dedicated circuit, wiring, and panel that is compatible with the particular EV charger model you have selected. Depending on the type of electrician and the complexity of your panel and wiring, this assessment step can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours.
The next step is the actual installation. This typically involves running the electrician wiring the EV charger, connecting it to the power source, and installing a separate circuit for the EV charger. This step can also involve upgrading the existing panel if necessary. This part of the process can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the existing setup.
Finally, the electrician will do a few tests to make sure the EV charger is functioning properly and that it is compatible with your vehicle. This typically only takes a few minutes, but it is important to make sure all the components are functioning correctly.
In short, installing an EV charger in your garage should take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours depending upon the complexity of the project and the type of EV charger you have selected.
Installing An EV Charger Outside The Garage
Installing an EV charger outside your garage can be a great investment for any electric vehicle owner. It will provide you with convenience and safety, as charging your EV requires far less time than it does to charge at a public charging station.
Choosing the right EV charger for your needs is the first step. Consider the type of charger, the amperage and the wattage, and most of all, the quality. Look for UL-certified chargers with multiple plugs to ensure the safest and most reliable charge.
Once you have the EV charger, installation is the next step. If your garage is outside, ensure the charger is in an area without tree branches or other obstructions, and properly water-resistant. The EV charger should also be away from windows and doors so you don’t have to worry about it interfering with your home’s energy efficiency.
The next thing to consider is the electrical source. You’ll want to use a dedicated circuit, meaning the station should be on its own circuit to avoid overloading existing circuits and potentially tripping the breaker.
Your state or municipality may also require a permit for installation, so check with your local regulations. Your installation partner should be able to assist you with this, so reach out to them for guidance.
Finally, you’ll want to schedule an inspection with your local electrical inspector. Once the inspector gives the okay, installation can begin. Depending on the complexity of the installation, this may require a professional and may involve cutting concrete and/or asphalt.
Make sure all local codes are followed, and all guidelines are adhered to as this is an important and potentially costly step. Installing an EV charger outside your garage may require some effort, but it can be worth the effort in the long run. It will provide a safe and reliable charging station, potentially saving you money and ensuring you have a convenient way to charge your EV.
Installing An EV Charger On The Driveway
There are a variety of reasons to consider installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger in your driveway. With the advancement in technology, an increasing number of automakers offering electric vehicles, government incentives, and a growing number of public charging stations, it is becoming easier to charge your EV from the convenience of your own driveway.
Here are some of the key steps to consider when installing an EV charging station in your driveway.
1. Research the different types of EV chargers available: There are two main types of EV chargers: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 chargers require an outlet, typically a 120-volt outlet, and use the vehicle’s onboard charger to convert the power to the higher voltage needed by the battery. Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet and can charge an EV much faster than a Level 1 charger. Depending on the age and make of your electric vehicle, you may need to further research which type of charger to install.
2. Consider the charging power and limits: Level 2 chargers come in different power levels ranging from 3.3-25 kW, with 6.6 kW being the most common for residential applications. Generally, the higher the power, the faster it will charge the vehicle. Speak with your electrician to determine the power capacity of the electrical circuit in your home, as some older homes may not have the capacity to support a Level 2 charger.
3. Choose the right location: When choosing the location of your charger, ensure it is in an area that is easily accessible to the vehicle and not in a place that could be prone to water seepage or other damage as a result of weather or other factors. It is also important to consider anyone who will be using the charger so that they can have easy access to it.
4. Choose a charging cable: There are several different types of charging cables available, so it is important to select the one that is compatible with your vehicle.
5. Plan and budget: After researching the types of chargers and choosing the right location, you’ll want to plan and budget for the installation of your charger. Installing a charger in a home requires the use of a licensed electrician who can provide permits and other requirements for your installation.
6. Install the charger: After choosing the charger and getting the necessary safety requirements and permits in place, you can go ahead and install the charger. If you purchased the charger from a retailer, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
Installing an EV charger can be a great way to save both time and money when charging your electric vehicle. With the right research, planning, and installation processes in place, you can ensure a successful installation.
Summary
Smart EV charging is becoming increasingly important for electric vehicle owners. Smart charging offers flexibility and convenience to electric vehicle owners and allows them to better manage their charging in order to maximize their efficiency and reduce overall running costs.
Smart charging allows users to choose when and how they want to charge their vehicle, as well as helps ensure that they don’t overload their home energy circuit. This allows them to plan and manage their charging in order to reduce peak electricity demand and avoid overloads of their home energy system.
Smart charging technology also allows electric vehicle owners to set charging tariffs and programs, allowing them to save money by charging at the most cost-effective times, as well as reducing their overall energy costs.
In addition to its financial benefits, smart charging technology is also beneficial for the environment. Smart charging helps reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, as it reduces the need for running the vehicle at peak electricity demand times.
Overall, smart EV charging is beneficial for both electric vehicle owners and the environment, allowing for more efficient charging and reduced costs, as well as reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Looking for more in-depth information? Click here to learn more and satisfy your curiosity: Benefits of Electric Cars
