Most people think that electric vehicle chargers are simple devices that plug into an outlet, but that’s not the whole story. Nowadays, most chargers, particularly newer models, are connected to the mains, which offers a host of benefits for the user in terms of controlling the charging process. Let’s look at the Benefits of Connected Home EV Chargers.
With the rapid growth in the number of connected charging stations for electric vehicles, it’s essential to understand what a connected charging station is and how it can benefit you as a guide.
A connected charging station is a charger that can communicate with other devices and systems, such as the Internet or a mobile app. This connectivity enables the user to monitor and control the charging process remotely, providing greater flexibility and convenience.
Connected electric vehicle charging stations are aptly named because they create a wireless connection – typically via Bluetooth or the internet – that links the charging station, the EV driver, the service provider, and the maintenance provider.
This connection gives the EV driver more power and control, providing access to critical information about the charging process and user behavior. This connection is usually facilitated through a charging app that allows users to view and monitor charging sessions and settings from their mobile phone. However, the connection also works in the background, optimizing station performance, updating software, and even resolving issues.
For example, a connected charging station can detect when an EV is fully charged and stop charging to prevent overcharging. Additionally, it can optimize charging times to reduce energy consumption and costs. The charging app can also provide information on the nearest available charging station and even allow the user to reserve a spot.
On the other hand, unconnected chargers lack these communication capabilities and are typically limited to charging electric vehicles when plugged into an outlet. This means that the user has little visibility into the charging process or the station’s performance. As a guide, it’s essential to choose connected charging stations to provide your clients with the best charging experience and ensure that their electric vehicles are always charged and ready for the next adventure.
While the terms “connected EV chargers” and “smart EV chargers” may sound interchangeable, there are significant differences between the two.
Smart charging is a general term that refers to a range of intelligent features that can significantly enhance the charging experience for electric vehicles. These features include dynamic load sharing, vehicle-to-home (V2H) connectivity, and renewable energy integration.
Dynamic load sharing allows electric vehicles to share energy with each other, making the most efficient use of available power.
Vehicle-to-home (V2H) connectivity enables electric vehicles to act as a mobile power source for homes, buildings, and the grid. This feature can be particularly useful during power outages or in areas with limited grid capacity.
Renewable energy integration allows electric vehicle charging stations to tap into renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Connected charging stations offer a range of benefits for both electric vehicle (EV) drivers and maintenance/service providers. From the driver’s perspective, connectivity provides clearer information and better control over the charging process, while maintenance/service providers can optimize performance and, in some cases, even provide remote software updates and troubleshooting.
One key benefit of connected charging stations is the ability to connect to a charging app on a smartphone or tablet, allowing users to manage and control the station more easily. These apps typically enable users to monitor station operation, adjust settings, and control each charging session from start to finish, all from their smartphone.
In addition to these features, many charging apps offer various charging management tools to help users collect data and information, manage energy consumption and costs, and utilize smart charging features.
Furthermore, charging apps often request permission to automatically share diagnostic information, which can help to improve station software over time. While data sharing happens mostly in the background, most apps use notifications to inform users of individual charging sessions or any issues that arise, allowing them to contact support or a service center if necessary.
Another advantage of connected charging stations is the ability to download software updates, which are essential for optimal performance and data privacy. Like most technology devices, charging stations require regular software updates to improve usability, protect privacy, and provide access to new features.
Remote diagnostics and maintenance are also much easier with connected chargers, providing real-time information about the status of the charger and allowing repair technicians to gather information about the problem before scheduling an appointment. This results in faster support and more accurate information for the owner of the charging station, avoiding unnecessary visits and downtime.
As more people discover the convenience of EVs and home charging, connected charging stations are becoming an increasingly cost-effective way to manage the charging process and maintain informed chargers. As a guide, it’s important to understand the benefits of connected charging stations and to choose charging stations that offer these capabilities to ensure that your clients have the best possible charging experience.
Charging an electric vehicle (EV) is one of the major concerns for EV drivers, but technology advancements have made it more convenient than ever to charge your EV at home using a connected home EV charging station. Not only is it practical and convenient, it also has numerous environmental and energy benefits that make it an excellent choice for EV owners.
One of the primary reasons people choose to invest in an EV is to reduce their carbon footprint. By using a connected home charging station, EV drivers can significantly reduce their vehicle’s emissions, as charging at home typically uses electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. This greatly reduces the amount of carbon emissions produced during the charging process.
Connected home EV charging stations are also highly energy-efficient. Additionally, many charging stations have smart features that allow users to schedule charging times during off-peak hours when energy consumption is lower. This helps reduce energy consumption and costs while minimizing the strain on the grid during peak hours.
Using a connected home EV charging station can also be a cost-effective solution for EV owners. By avoiding the costly fees associated with public charging stations and utilizing energy usage monitoring features, users can make informed decisions about when and how to charge their vehicles to maximize cost savings.
Another significant advantage of using a connected home EV charging station is reducing dependence on fossil fuels. By charging the vehicle at home using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, it helps reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources such as oil and gas. This is both environmentally beneficial and supports a more sustainable future.
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, it is important to have a seamless experience with EV ownership to ensure that they become a practical choice for everyone. Here are a few reasons why a connected home EV charger is essential for seamless EV ownership:
Seamless Charging Experience: A connected home EV charger offers a seamless experience with EV ownership by providing remote access to everything that a charging station offers. EV owners can manage charging schedules, schedule start/stop times, adjust cost settings, and receive notifications about problematic issues with charging.
Efficient Energy Management: A connected home EV charger allows EV owners to monitor their energy consumption patterns through their phones or home automation systems. It allows them to schedule charges during off-peak hours when electricity costs are lower, reducing overall energy costs and saving money.
Futuristic Technology: The technology used in a connected home EV charger is state-of-the-art, giving EV owners confidence in their investment. It means that they are investing in a system that will continue to update and improve in the future.
Cost Savings: Owning a connected home EV charger can save money on electricity costs. EV owners can schedule their charging when it is the cheapest, saving money on their electricity bills. Additionally, some electricity providers offer reduced or variable pricing during off-peak hours, further reducing charging costs.
Positive Impact on the Environment: Owning an EV is great for the environment since there are no emissions while driving. With a connected home EV charger, EV owners can opt for clean, renewable energy sources like solar power, reducing the carbon footprint even further.
[INSERT_ELEMENTOR id=”4162″]
© 2023 EVGAS, All Rights reserved
