Why cellular IoT is the future of EV charging

The need for robust and intelligent electric vehicle (EV) charging networks has never been greater.

Take up of electric vehicles is growing exponentially and further expansion is inevitable with the sale of new petrol or diesels vehicles due to be banned from 2035 in EU and UK.

To meet this demand, according to Berg Insight the number of EV charging points in Europe is forecast to increase from the current 7.8 million to 26.3 million by 2028.

Furthermore, because most chargers are in private homes and offices, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) says the European Commission also wants to see 3.5 million public charge points by 2030 to counter ‘range anxiety’ and meet the needs of those without access to private charging.

However, handling the extra demand on Europe’s electricity grids and ensuring that charging points are sufficiently efficient, accessible, secure and reliable are major challenges.

This is why the integration of cellular-connected Internet of Things (IoT) technology into EV charging points – to enable them to be Smart Chargers – has become vital.

Efficient

By communicating with each other and the grid, smart charging stations can optimize charging and energy use in real-time. This ensures efficient grid management and that EVs charge when energy demand is low and at a lower cost.

Accessibility

Using SIM-based cellular connectivity enables the chargers to be installed where they are most useful to the driver and not just where fixed-line connectivity is available. It also allows drivers to locate available charging points in real-time using mobile applications.

Secure

Encrypted cellular communication provides a secure and interoperable solution, which is particularly important when it comes to payments.

Reliability

The technology also facilitates remote monitoring and maintenance of charging stations reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

How Vodafone Business IoT can help businesses

As the largest global provider of IoT and with over 30 years’ experience in industrial IoT, Vodafone IoT Business can help you decide the best solution for your business.

We offer the widest cellular coverage in Europe, a full range of IoT SIM technology and our Managed IoT Connectivity Platform gives businesses complete visibility and control over all their charging points, as well as data insights that will help businesses run more efficiently.