Smart EV charging – what is it and how it works?

Smart EV charging and Smart EV Chargers are two terms that constantly pop up if you search for anything related to electric vehicles.
But what does it mean, how does it work, and is there also “dumb” charging?
We at Tridens, a Smart EV charging solutions provider, believe that the term is often misused. Electric vehicle charging software solutions and car charging stations are sometimes labeled smart, even if they can only perform just one or two essential smart charging functions.

Read on and find out what Smart EV charging is, what EV charging software solutions make chargers “smart,” all about their functions, and why more and more governments are making Smart EV Chargers mandatory.

Smart vs. “dumb” electric vehicles charging

Yes, there are “dumb” charging stations, which is the majority of them right now. When charging at a regular charging station, the station will start to charge the car battery at the highest possible rate.
It will stop when the battery reaches the selected percentage or is fully charged. It’s like charging your phone, plugging it in, and disconnecting when it’s full.

What Is Smart EV Charging?

Smart EV charging describes the use of advanced technology to manage all aspects of electric vehicle (EVs) charging.

Smart charging of electric vehicles refers to a charging ecosystem where electric vehicles, charging stations, Electro mobility service providers, Charge Point Operators, and energy suppliers share data connections.
Connecting all these involved parties creates a flow of real-time data that can be used to optimize EV charging to the benefit of all.

At the heart of this ecosystem is the Smart EV charging software that processes this data and manages all aspects of charging.

By function, Smart Ev Charging can be divided into two major groups.
Optimized EV Charging helps EV drivers and Charging Service providers optimize charging in terms of costs and effectiveness. At the same time, Smart Energy Management manages the influence EV charging has on the power grid and electric supply.

The influence of Smart Charging on the power grid

To understand the importance of Smart EV charging for the power grid, we must understand the basic principles of electricity production, distribution over the grid, and consumption.

Electricity comes from different sources. Some, like nuclear, gas, or coal power plants, can be regulated. Others, especially renewable sources that depend on the weather, like water, solar, and wind, are much more volatile.

So the electricity supply is not constant, and neither is the demand. Industry and households consume more electricity during the day than overnight, creating a curve in demand.
The main challenge for the electric power industry is to match the supply and demand as closely as possible and flatten the demand curve.

That is why EV grid balancing is so important. Please read our blog on EV charging infrastructure challenges for more detailed information.

What does optimized EV charging mean?

Optimized EV charging combines a group of smart charging functions that manage the charging of electric cars in a way that maximizes the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the charging process.

In praxis, optimized charging mainly revolves around charging scheduling to take advantage of low energy demand periods when electricity prices are lower.

Optimized EV charging is closely connected to the EV billing function, a part of smart charging solutions responsible for charging and billing.
With new EV charging business models and changing legislation, the billing systems must stay up-to-date to support the transition.

This function will be vital in the future!
Now electricity prices most commonly include only two price tariffs with fixed timing (day/night). However, many energy suppliers will implement up to five or more tariffs this and the following year.
Soon we can expect real-time dynamic EV pricing, although no one likes to talk about it now, probably because of its complexity.

In addition, optimized EV Charging can also involve using renewable energy sources (when available), such as solar or wind power.

Last but not least, optimized EV charging also allows the owner of the EV to monitor and control charging remotely using a smartphone app or web interface.
With access to all his charging and billing data, the user can also set up his charging profiles. By doing this, he can optimize charging and take advantage of special offers like vouchers or loyalty points.

With Optimized EV charging as a function of Smart charging, users of electric cars can help the power grid by charging at the times that are best for energy production and offer the best prices for the users.

What is Smart Energy Management in Smart Charging?

Smart Energy Management is a broad concept primarily associated with home and building energy management systems. Smart EV Charging is part of that system because electric vehicle charging can largely influence the energy consumption of homes, buildings, or public areas.

The electric power grid capabilities are limited in how much electricity they can handle at a certain point.
Did you ever blow a fuse at home because you overloaded it?
Well, this is something we don’t want to happen with the power grid when you connect and charge your electric car.

Smart energy management and EV charging in praxis

In praxis, smart energy management functions inside Smart Charging always monitor the state of the grid and consumption and can limit EV charging if needed.
Let’s look at some real-life scenarios:

• A house owner connected his car to the Smart Charger to charge overnight. At a certain point, other home appliances like dishwashers or water heaters start to work. The energy demand rises to the point that it could overload the main fuse. The Smar Charger will limit the charging power or temporarily stop charging to ensure this doesn’t happen. When the demand drops, it will continue to charge the car.
• A company uses Smart EV chargers to charge the company’s EV fleet and employees’ cars. At a certain point, the demand from other consumers, like production machines, is too big for the grid capacity.
  The Smart Charging solution limits charging and only allows charging to assigned priority chargers. For example, it will first charge the most important vehicles in its EV fleet.
• A shopping mall has ten public chargers. The total electricity demand rises to a point where all chargers can’t charge at full power. The Smart EV charging solution will limit the charging. It can limit all ten equally. It can assign charging only to the first connected vehicles or, for instance, to users with VIP charging subscriptions.

How does Smart energy management in EV charging works?

Smart energy management uses technology or even artificial intelligence to optimize the use and distribution of energy within a home, business, or even city.

It includes sensors and advanced analytics to monitor, control, and predict energy use.
Therefore, Smart energy management systems must also include EV charging as one component of a larger energy management strategy.

Smart energy management and Smart EV Charging share functions but are both broader terms.
At least in our opinion, an EV charging station management system or a charger with only smart energy management functions shouldn’t be labeled “Smart charging.” Instead, it should clearly state that it has energy management.

As said before, Smart energy management is a crucial part of Smart EV charging but by far not the only one.

Who is involved in Smart EV charging?

Several stakeholders are involved in developing and deploying smart EV charging ecosystems. These stakeholders include:

• Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers
  EV manufacturers are responsible for producing EVs compliant with smart charging solutions. They must ensure the vehicles can communicate with charging stations. They do this with ISO 15118 internet protocol. They also shouldn’t restrict or limit compatibility with all smart charging solutions or stations.
• Smart Charging station manufacturers
  Charging station manufacturers produce the hardware used to charge EVs. The key to a successful Smart charger implementation is using industry standards like Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) and ensuring they are always up-to-date with industry developments.
  They may also provide support and maintenance services for their charging systems.
• EV software companies
  Companies that develop smart charging solutions are responsible for developing the “brain” that connects all other stakeholders.
  As with every relatively new product, many are on the market, all with different backgrounds and capabilities. Most Smart charging solutions are offered as “white label.” Anyone running an EV charging business can freely select software and brand it according to his wishes.
  The CPOs or any other organization searching for smart charging solutions must select the right provider. Firstly they should look for partners with proven track records. Secondly, they must select a scalable solution ready for all the challenges the future of EV charging will bring.
• Charge point operators
  Charge point operators (CPOs) are responsible for installing, operating, and maintaining charging stations. They often also select the provider of smart charging solutions, so they carry the most burden in successfully deploying Smart EV Charging.
• Electro mobility service providers
  EMSPs are responsible for the financial success of charging. Therefore, they can profit most from the advanced monetization functions that some smart charging solutions offer. After all, they are the ones that sell EV charging to end users and provide billing and customer support services for charging services.
• Utilities and energy service providers
  Utilities and energy service providers may be involved in the deployment of charging infrastructure. They can also decide to become a CPO or even EMSP and directly offer charging services to EV users.
• Government agencies
  Government agencies are involved in developing and deploying charging infrastructure directly or through partnerships with private sector companies. They also regulate the EV charging industry and set standards for charging systems. Government agencies are increasingly pushing for Smart EV charging to become mandatory.
• EV drivers
  Drivers of electric cars are the end users of smart charging. Their behavior, needs, and preferences greatly influence the future development of Smart charging.

How does Smart EV Charging work?

The answer to what makes charging stations smart is simple! It is cloud-based EV charging software that manages and communicates with all parties.
The communication is based on industry-standard ISO 15118 internet protocol and Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP).

The heart of this smart charging solution is a control panel connecting all EV infrastructures to one central hub.
This centralized platform is used to manage and monitor the operation of the charging stations.
The owner of the charging stations, a charging network operator, or a third party may operate it. The back-office system tracks the usage of the charging stations, generates reports, and manages billing and payment for charging services.
Because it’s cloud-based, Charge Point Operators or Electro Mobility Service Providers use a Web portal to access it.

This software is often referred to as Charge Point Management System (CPMS), but the term is not entirely correct.

A modern cloud-based smart EV charging software is much more than CPMS. It’s a combination of charge point management software (CPMS), a customer management system, and intelligent billing software.

The Charge Point Management System (CPMS) controls and maintains smart chargers. However, the customer management system and the EV billing part enable the monetization of EV charging, aka “make money.”

This part is vital for Electric Mobility Service Providers (EMSP) because it’s a part of their interaction with the customers and a tool for customer acquisition and customer retention.

Depending on their EV Charging business model, they can set up different prices, bonuses and loyalty programs, subscriptions, etc. In the central panel, they can manage customers, and revenue, see the analytics and reports, and much more, all in real-time.

To summarise, Smart EV Charging is done with Smart Charging solutions in connection with Smart chargers. What functions are supported and how well they work depends on the selected software and hardware.

What is a Smart EV charger?

As we said, most EV chargers in use are “dumb.” Or at least not according to what we consider should be the standard for labeling them as Smart.

The only true difference between a “dumb” and a Smart EV Charger it’s its ability to connect to the car and cloud-based charging solution – the heart of Smart Charging.

To do that, it must at least support ISO 15118 internet protocol and be OCPP compliant. Preferably it should support OCPP version 2.0 or higher.

How Do Smart Chargers connect to back-office?

Smart EV chargers, also known as smart charging stations, connect to a back-office system using a communication network such as the internet.
This allows the charger to transmit data to the back-office system, a smart charging solution. It transmits various information, such as charging sessions, energy consumption, or the state of the charger.

Some smart EV chargers use wireless communication technology, such as cellular or WiFi, to connect to the back-office system. Others may use a wired connection, such as an Ethernet cable.
The specific connectivity method will depend on the charging station’s design and the back-office system’s requirements.

With 5G technology rapidly deploying, it is safe to assume that soon 5G will be the primary connectivity method.

OCPP protocol in smart charging

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is a communications protocol that enables interoperability between the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and the central Smart EV Charging management system – the back-office.

Smart EV charging systems use OCPP to communicate with smart charging stations and enable features such as remote start/stop of charging, real-time monitoring of charging status, and billing for the energy consumed.

In smart charging, OCPP is used to optimize EV charging based on factors such as grid demand and the availability of renewable energy sources.

ISO15118 and smart charging

ISO 15118 is an international standard that defines the communication between electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations.

It is used in smart charging to standardize communication between EVs and chargers.
It defines communication protocols, interfaces, and payment methods for a seamless and interoperable charging experience for EVs at any compliant charging station.

This standard enables smart charging systems to remotely monitor and control the charging process. It also defines the physical and logical interfaces between EVs and charging stations, including standardized connectors and communication protocols.

ISO 15118 is also a key element in the “Plug and Charge” function for identification, authentication, and payment.

Types of Smart EV chargers

In general, smart EV chargers fall into three categories:

• Smart EV chargers for personal use or use in multi-tenant buildings.
• Smart workplace EV charging stations used by companies for employees and companies’ fleets
• Smart public EV charging stations

They all operate on the same principle but with some important differences.

Smart home chargers

Charging at home is the predominant solution for charging electric vehicles. In fact, many studies have shown that EV drivers who are also homeowners do about 80% of their charging at home.

According to Juniper Research, by 2026, around 35 million home chargers will be installed globally.
A forecast by Ernst & Young shows that Europe alone will have 56 million home EV chargers by 2035.

A smart home EV charging station uses dynamic load balancing that balances the energy usage of the electric vehicle and other appliances in the home grid. It also enables remote monitoring and scheduling, while more advanced functions are usually left out.

When an EV is connected, the software will distribute the power to the devices that currently need it most. Doing so will prevent overloads and only charge the vehicle when it’s most energy and cost-efficient.
Smart EV home chargers can also optimize charging from the grid in combination with solar panels.
These kinds of Smart chargers are often used also for smaller multiapartment buildings or parking garages.

Smart workplace chargers

Many companies started installing charging stations or using EV Charging as a Service (EV CaaS) to allow their employees to charge electric cars while at work.
However, the real need for smart chargers and smart charging solutions lies in the electrification of companies’ fleets.
This fleet of electric vehicles must charge at the right time, for the right price, and in the correct order.

It’s also vital that companies select smart chargers and charging management solutions that support bidirectional charging (V2G), a particularly interesting future concept for fleet charging.
Read more about this emerging complex challenge in our blog on EV fleet management.

Smart public chargers

Public EV charging stations are the ones that will decide the future of the e-mobility revolution.

Against popular belief, they are for more than just charging when traveling longer distances.
Many EV drivers are not homeowners, so they can’t charge their EVs at home.
Public EV charging stations are the only way for them to charge their vehicle.

If we look at recent Electric car sales statistics, public charging stations will be in high demand if we want to switch to electric vehicles successfully.
It’s safe to assume that with this amount of charging happening at public charging stations, they will need to be smart, not just fast.

Smart Charging vs. Fast Charging

Smart charging refers to the use of intelligent technology to manage the charging of EVs.
Fast charging, on the other hand, refers to the ability of a charging station to charge an EV at a high rate. Fast chargers use a high-voltage direct current (DC) to charge the battery of an EV very quickly. These chargers are typically classified as Level 3 chargers.

Fast charging is not a part of smart charging. Although smart charging systems can be used with fast chargers, they can also be used with slower chargers, like Level 1 or Level 2 chargers.
The main difference between the two is the focus on intelligent management of the charging process rather than simply the charging speed.

Smart EV Charging Features

Smart EV charging features are intelligent functions built or, better said, programmed into smart charging solutions.
They enhance the charging experience and improve the efficiency of the charging process. The following are some basic functions every Smart EV system and charger should have.

Optimized Smart Charging scheduling

Optimized Smart Charging scheduling is the ability to schedule or automate the timing of EV Charging freely. The users can schedule the charging only at low-cost hours or leave it to the smart charging system to decide when it is best to charge.

Depending on the software and the charging station, this optimization can be preset to fixed times or be smart and respond to real-time data.
As mentioned above, Optimized EV charging is an essential Smart charging function.

Smart Energy management

The most common “smart” function in charging is smart energy management, or the ability to optimize the charging process to minimize the impact on the electrical grid.
It is essential to battle the spreading fear of what will happen to power grids when electric vehicles become widespread.
Like optimized scheduling, it can be static or dynamic based on real-time data from the power grid.

Load balancing and dynamic load management

EV charging load balancing and dynamic EV Charging load management are the “advanced” functions where smart scheduling and energy management come together.
Both features together ensure that the charging power and timing adapt according to the real-time data on the amount of available energy in the grid and its price.

Often you will hear the terms peak shaving and dynamic power sharing.
Peak shaving describes the ability of a Smart EV charging solution to reduce the peak demand for electricity by shifting the charging of electric cars to off-peak periods.
Dynamic power sharing is the ability to adjust the power output of a charging station in real time based on the availability of electricity and the demand for charging.

These are just other names for what these two functions do: prevent home, local, or overall grid overloads while trying to ensure EV Charging happens at the best times according to electricity supply.

For more information about these vital Smart EV Charging features, please read our in-depth explanations of EV charging load balancing and dynamic EV Charging load management.

Remote monitoring and control

It goes without saying that the users and CPOs need the ability to monitor the charging process and control the charger remotely via a smartphone app or web interface.
A cloud-based architecture enables an EV CPO and EMSP to access the control panel and sees all the vital data on the charging network, selected charging stations, or customers in real-time.
He can remotely monitor, manage or troubleshoot the stations.
Please read our EV charging station management system blog for a more detailed explanation.

Software is always programmable, so there is no limit to what functions you can include. For sure, in the future smart charging will get additional functions.
Here are some currently the most important functions of smart charging stations. Check our blog on EV charging trends for a more detailed review of what the future will bring.

Data analytics and forecasting

An important part of Smart EV Charging is the ability to collect and analyze data about charging activity.
With advanced algorithms, the smart charging system can predict when and how much a car will charge, as well as optimize the use of charging infrastructure. This improves the efficiency of the charging process and the overall energy system.

Several key factors influence this feature, like the availability of data, the accuracy of forecasting algorithms, and the flexibility of the charging infrastructure.
Data analytics and forecasting techniques enable a more efficient and effective charging system for EVs.

The Smart Charging app and EV Roaming

A part of EV drivers’ user experience is the mobile app. With Smart charging, the EV charging app is more important than ever.

In addition to all the usual features, like selecting payment methods or searching for free chargers, the users can set all the parameters of smart charging. For instance, they can set up that they only want to charge on electricity from renewable sources.
With all current and previous charging data in one place, they can control and analyze their consumption and costs in detail.

In connection with the smart charging app, we must mention another pain point of owning an electric car.
Every time users connect their EVs to a different charging network, they need to download a different EMSPs app or use some other source of identification.
This problem solves EV charging Roaming. It enables charging in any network with just one EV charging app.

Other Features connected to Smart Charging

Many EV charging features and technologies are not per se a part of Smart charging but go hand in hand with what a modern charging system should offer.
They further enhance the charging experience and improve the efficiency of the charging process. These features are:

• Advanced pricing, charging, and billing
• Plug and Charge
• Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration
• Advanced functions of charging stations

Smart Charging & EV Billing

Smart EV charging solutions also manage the billing process for charging services. These billing systems include features such as payment systems, user accounts, and data analytics. All are used to track charging activity and generate invoices.

Smart charging systems use various payment methods, such as credit cards, mobile payments, or a charging network subscription.

Smart charging solutions must also provide users with data about their charging activity, such as the duration of charging sessions, the amount of energy consumed, and the cost of the charging services.
On top of that, smart charging systems can also be integrated with other billing systems, such as utilities or energy service providers, to facilitate the billing process.
This helps streamline the process of billing for charging services and ensures that users are accurately billed for the energy they consume.

Smart charging and pricing

As mentioned, the timing and charging power can vary in Smart charging. The possibility of selecting the time and power output enables the EMSP to be flexible in pricing.
This means they can introduce various pricing models like Time-of-use (TOU) pricing.
TOU pricing is the ability to vary the price of charging based on the time of day or the availability of renewable energy.

In addition to different tariffs for charging in off-peak and peak hours, the in-build billing software also enables the creation of subscriptions, bonus points, and loyalty programs.

Depending on the EMSP’s business models, they can also offer VIP membership and similar upgrades. Imagine a scenario where ten public charging stations can’t charge at full power because of a low energy supply.
Let’s assume that the EMSP offers a VIP membership plan. A VIP user can charge at full power while the rest of the stations will charge on limited power.

Dynamic & Real-time pricing in EV charging

Pricing models like Time-of-use pricing fall into the category of Dynamic pricing for electricity and EV Charging. A step up from dynamic pricing is Real-time pricing.

In the context of smart electric vehicle charging, real-time pricing means adjusting the price based on real-time data and the current price of electricity on the market.

By adjusting prices based on different factors, service providers can better align the cost of charging with the price and increase their revenues.
The most common factors influencing the price in real-time EV charging pricing are the availability of electricity or renewable energy or the demand for charging.

Real-time pricing uses smart EV charging solutions that adjust the charging price based on real-time changing market conditions.
For that, the systems must get data from the electrical grid, utility companies, or renewable energy sources and determine the appropriate price for charging services.

When can we expect real-time pricing in EV Charging?
The adoption of real-time pricing for electricity is expected to increase with the increased use of renewable energy sources in the coming years. Renewable energy sources are more variable in their output, and real-time pricing will help to encourage consumers to use electricity from these sources when available.

It is difficult to predict precisely when real-time electricity pricing will become more widespread, as it depends on various factors. However, we will likely see increasing use of real-time pricing in the coming years as these trends continue to develop.

However, to support all kinds of pricing models, subscriptions, and EV Roaming, Smart Charging Solutions must incorporate advanced EV Billing software. For a more detailed look into this important aspect of Smart EV charging, read our blog on EV Billing.

Plug and Charge with Smart Charging

All surveys show that electric car users want a better user experience with charging, and the Plug and Charge function is at the top of their list.

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) and ISO 15118 standard are critical elements in the “Plug and Charge” function.
They are used for communication between electric vehicles, charging stations, and the central management system.

They enable automated charging with identification, authentication, and payment, all without separate payment systems or apps.
Using OCPP and ISO 15118 in “Plug and Charge” improves the user experience, making smart EV charging easier and more convenient.
However, ISO 15118 and the OCPP 2.0 standard must become more widely adopted in the industry to implement “Plug and Charge” fully.

Vehicle-to-grid technology (V2G)

There is much talk about V2G (Vehicle to Grid) technology, and we will hear much more about it in the future.
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, also called two-way or Bidirectional Charging, is a type of smart EV charging that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to be used as energy storage.
V2G systems allow EVs to charge and discharge electricity back into the grid as needed, effectively turning the EV into a mobile battery that can store and distribute electricity.

V2G technology can improve the electrical grid’s efficiency and reliability. It allows excess energy to be stored in EV batteries when it is not needed and then returning it to the grid when demand is high.
However, V2G systems require specialized hardware installed in both the EV and the charging station. Needless to say, V2G also requires a smart charging solution that manages this flow of electricity between the charging station and the car.

For now, the smart charging systems must be ready to support V2G technology and V2G-compliant chargers if a customer requests it.

Monitoring and reporting occupancy of stations

What EV drivers fear most is coming to a charging station to find out that it’s occupied or not working. A smart charging station reports its status in real time, so users can always see which charging points are available in the app.

However, there is one common problem. The charging stations are often blocked by parked cars.

The really smart charging stations of the future will have in-built sensors that will monitor the station’s surroundings for potential obstacles that could prevent charging.

Benefits of Smart Charging for users

Users can benefit greatly from using Smart EV charging:

• Convenience
  Smart charging is more convenient for EV users because they allow them to schedule charging for a specific time or remotely control the car charging process using a smartphone app or web interface.
• Flexibility
  Smart charging is more flexible because it allows users to schedule charging when electricity prices are low or when renewable energy sources are available.
• Cost-effectiveness
  Smart charging systems are more cost-effective because they save money on charging and can take advantage of discounts or other promotions.
• Range assurance
  Smart charging provides EV drivers with information about the charging status of their EVs and the estimated range remaining. This helps reduce EV range anxiety and improves the overall driving experience.
• Sustainability
  Smart charging systems encourage using renewable energy sources and help reduce transportation’s carbon footprint.
• Improved grid stability
  Smart charging systems manage the electricity demand. Therefore they improve the stability of the electrical grid in their homes and overall.

Benefits of Smart Charging for EV Fleets

The benefits for companies that use smart charging for their electric vehicle (EV) fleets and EV fleet management include the following:

• Cost savings
  Smart charging systems reduce the cost of operating an EV fleet. They do it by allowing fleet managers to schedule charging for times when electricity prices are lower.
• Improved efficiency
  Smart charging, combined with EV fleet management software, optimizes the charging schedule and ensures EVs are charged when they are most needed. This can reduce downtime and improve the overall utilization of the fleet.
• Enhanced fleet management
  Smart charging solutions provide fleet managers with data about the charging activity of the fleet. This data can help optimize the fleet’s operation and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Greater control
  Smart charging gives fleet managers greater control over the charging process. It allows them to monitor and control the charging of individual vehicles remotely.
• Enhanced sustainability
  With Smart charging, EV Fleet charging can use renewable energy sources and improve their overall sustainability.
• Improved grid stability
  Smart EV fleet charging solutions coordinate the charging of multiple EVs and manage the electricity demand. By doing so, they improve the stability of the electrical grid. This can be particularly important for large fleets that can significantly impact the grid.

Benefits of Smart Charging for CPOs and EMSPs

There are several benefits of using Smart EV charging for Charge point operators and Electro mobility service providers:

• Increased customer satisfaction
  Smart charging will improve customer satisfaction with convenient and reliable charging services.
• Cost savings and revenues
  Smart charging solutions can help CPOs and EMSPs reduce operating costs and increase revenues. They can achieve this by optimizing their pricing models and introducing new attractive EV charging business models. With comprehensive analysis, they can make informed business decisions based on accurate data.
• Greater control
  Smart charging systems give CPOs and EMSPs greater control. They also allow them to monitor, control, and troubleshoot the smart charging stations remotely.
• Improved charging infrastructure
  Smart charging solutions help optimize the deployment of charging infrastructure. They identify the locations where charging is needed most and ensure that the infrastructure is used efficiently.
• Improved grid stability
  Smart charging systems that coordinate the charging of multiple cars and manage the electricity demand can help improve the grid’s stability. This is particularly important for large CPOs that have a big number of smart EV chargers.

Benefits of Smart Charging for Utilities and energy providers

The benefits of Smart EV charging for utilities and energy service providers include:

• Improved grid stability
  Smart charging offers better management of electricity demand. This significantly improves the electrical grid’s stability. It’s particularly important for utilities and energy service providers, as EV adoption will increase significantly in the coming years and put additional strain on the grid.
• Enhanced data analytics
  Smart charging systems can generate data and reposts about charging activity. These reports help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the charging infrastructure and the overall energy system. This helps utilities and energy service providers better understand the demand for charging services and optimize their operations.
• Increased revenues
  Smart charging systems can enable utilities and energy service providers to offer various charging tariffs and pricing models. Time-of-use (TOU) pricing or dynamic pricing can generate additional revenues.

Smart charging & EV charging monetization

There is no doubt – CPOs and EMSPs are not humanitarian organizations and are in the business of EV charging to make a profit.

Smart charging solutions offer a good platform for the successful monetization of smart charging of electric vehicles with all their functions and possibilities to add new ones.
With support for any EV Charging business model, smart charging is the future.

Tridens EV Charge is a cloud-based smart charging solution that combines Charge Point Management System (CPMS) with intelligent EV billing software.
It is suitable for any Charge Point Operator (CPO) and Electro-mobility Service Provider (EMSP) and is available as a “white label.”

Smart charging is the future. Let’s make “dumb” charging history!

Want to get more information about the Tridens EV Charge solution? Leave a comment below or schedule a free demo!