Connectivity and Network Types for EV Chargers
Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are hitting new records in 2023. These EV drivers require access to EV chargers in order to keep their vehicles running smoothly, whether at home, at work, or on the road.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $7.5 billion for EV charging across the US. The Biden administration is providing an additional $100 million to repair and replace existing EV chargers. There’s opportunity for forward-looking businesses to capitalize on the increasing emphasis on EV charging and qualify for these available funds.
But not all EV chargers are created equal. A major distinguishing factor is whether or not the EV charging equipment can connect to the internet and be “seen” by an EV charging network. In fact, internet connectivity is a requirement for a business to qualify for government funds.
As of late 2023, there are nearly 80,000 publicly accessible EV chargers in the US and Canada, with a push to reach 28 million charging ports by 2030. By definition, publicly accessible EV chargers must have internet connectivity. There are multiple levels of connectivity to consider, though, and Future Energy’s experts can help you choose what best fits your unique use case:
- Non-networked
- Network capable but not network integrated
- Network capable and network integrated
- Dedicated network
Disadvantages of Non-Networked EV Chargers
Non-networked chargers stand alone. The charging equipment lacks the capability to connect to the internet, resulting in many disadvantages. In fact, Future Energy advises strongly against the use of non-networked chargers.
Lack of Visibility
There are some use cases in which non-networked chargers could serve minimum requirements. For example, dealerships could install non-networked chargers to charge their inventory, as could businesses looking to charge their EV fleet vehicles. In short, non-networked chargers are only for internal charging.
However, even if you aren’t planning to collect a fee for EV charging, the lack of an internet connection also prevents you from collecting data from your charging systems. Data provides insights into your power use and facilitates control over electricity cost.
Complicated Maintenance
Generally, EV chargers that lack networking capability are less expensive. However, in the near term, you may end up spending more money on maintenance. Fixes will require in-person diagnosis and repair since there’s no option to gain operational insight over the network.
Other Hidden Costs
Down the road, non-networked chargers block you from adding functionality. You would have to replace your existing non-networked EV chargers entirely, so in essence your business would be paying twice.
Features of Network-Capable EV Chargers
Most EV chargers sold today are at least “network capable,” meaning they have the capability to become “smart” by connecting to the internet. Network-capable chargers include two categories:
- Non-integrated EV chargers
- Integrated EV chargers
Both of these types of chargers possess the internal wiring to be able to connect to the internet. In the case of non-integrated chargers, the business has chosen to use them as stand-alone. Future Energy’s experts can assist your business in connecting non-integrated chargers to the appropriate network so that you can make the most of their built-in capabilities.
Plus, Future Energy handles all of the complexities surrounding EV charging at scale. That means if you wish to install EV charging at multiple locations, Future Energy integrates all of your networked chargers into one cohesive ecosystem. What’s more, we install a dedicated network for all of your chargers, isolating them from their business networks so that they don’t interfere with your current systems.
Pricing Control
There is no way to monitor the use of chargers that stand alone. They require you to turn them off manually. Otherwise, your non-networked EV chargers are susceptible to “EV charger squatting,” in which unauthorized vehicles poach power.
By contrast, EV chargers that connect to the internet allow you to monitor their use and charge a fee if you wish to do so. Networked EV chargers can integrate with your point-of-sale system.You can collect, monitor, and analyze data from your EV chargers, gaining greater insight into power cost and total revenue from your EV charging systems.
Plus, Future Energy handles all of the complexities surrounding EV charging at scale. That means if you wish to install EV charging at multiple locations, Future Energy integrates all of your networked chargers into one cohesive ecosystem. What’s more, we install a dedicated network for all of your chargers, isolating them from their business networks so that they don’t interfere with your current systems.
Power Management
Future Energy offers a cloud-based data visualization and energy management software called Interface. Your customized Interface dashboard allows full integration, automation, and control of all of your smart systems from a single pane of glass.
Even if you don’t plan to offer public EV charging, it’s still critical for your business to collect and integrate data from your chargers for power management. The utility bases your electricity rate not only on actual electricity use but also on your maximum use at any moment, or peak demand. Exceeding peak demand can affect your electricity costs for the entire year.
Networked chargers help to mitigate peak demand. Using Interface, you can automate the distribution of power consumption to keep peak demand low, also known as load shedding. Networked chargers can automatically:
- Switch off or reduce power to EV chargers during utility peak hours
- Schedule EV charging proactively for off-peak hours
- Shift electrical load to EV chargers from other company electrical systems
However, not all manufacturers of network-integrated chargers allow power output to be controlled remotely. Future Energy experts help to ensure that the EV chargers you purchase contain the functionality that you are expecting.
Proactive Maintenance
Unlike non-networked EV chargers, network-integrated EV chargers can be diagnosed and repaired over the internet. Interface constantly monitors all EV chargers within your company’s network and provides proactive alerts when it detects a potential operational issue. In many cases, Future Energy experts can diagnose and repair problems with EV chargers before your business is even aware that there’s an issue.
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Benefits of Dedicated-Network EV Chargers
Dedicated-network EV chargers provide all of the benefits of network-integrated chargers but differ in a few key ways.
Plug-and-Play Network Installation
Dedicated-network chargers are “plug and play.” They come equipped with the capability to connect to the manufacturer’s network without needing a lot of labor to integrate into the system.
Higher-Quality Equipment
Dedicated-network EV chargers come equipped with internal cellular connectivity. This built-in networking capability connects your EV chargers to each other and to the larger EV charging network without interfering with your current local networks.
Future Energy provides options from respected, popular EV charger brands, such as:
- ChargePoint
- Blink
- eSolutions
Public-Facing Capabilities through Apps
Dedicated chargers are primarily geared for public charging and employee charging sessions. Once they connect to the larger network, your EV charging stations are automatically visible online to EV drivers. Drivers can navigate to your chargers through popular map applications, and you can actively promote EV charging and tie into loyalty and rewards programs.
Expert Advice on Connectivity and Networked EV Chargers
Future Energy recommends that your business install either network-integrated or dedicated-network EV chargers. The choice depends entirely on your business’s unique needs. Future Energy works with you to determine the connectivity and network types for EV chargers that fit your use case. We handle the installation, activation, and commissioning of all of your EV charging equipment. Contact Future Energy today for more information on our fully customizable EV charging network systems.
