EO Charging has filed a new technology patent that it says is set to transform smart charging on EV fleets.
The fleet charging specialist said its new technology enables smart AC charging on legacy fleet vehicles that are not compliant with the ISO 15118 standard.
This in turns means that operators can use smart grid communication to avoid peak grid consumption hours, shifting charging to when electricity is at its cheapest and thereby cutting costs.
The new technology works by permitting a two-way exchange of information between EV and AC charging unit, removing the need for third-party telematics providers and reducing the hassle of large-scale fleet electrification. The EV charger automatically authenticates a vehicle’s ID, allowing the built-in software to assess state of charge and regulate the charge session based on the vehicle’s operational requirements and the depot’s real-time energy profile.
Drawing on learnings from operators already using Plug&Charge capable DC chargers across Europe, EO has harnessed the same communication technology but applied it in a fleet scenario where AC chargers are more widely utilised.
Because communications are two-way, the technology is also set to unlock the future integration of commercial EVs into the smart grid – the so-called vehicle-to-grid or V2G – and will leverage AI-based learning to help optimise large-scale fleets.
Charlie Jardine, CEO and founder of EO Charging, explained: “Plug&Charge has had a hugely positive impact in the public charging space, creating a seamless and efficient charging experience for drivers. However, it was exclusive to DC charging stations and therefore financially prohibitive for many users. EO can now bring this technology to fleet operators, harnessing its benefits for our customers around the world and across multiple charging systems. We’re the first to introduce an integrated AC Plug&Charge charging solution for fleets, another step in our journey to becoming the global leader in powering electric car, van, truck and bus fleets.”
EO – which already works with major fleets such as Amazon, DHL, Uber and Tesco – has already scheduled a trial of the ISO 15118-compliant AC chargers by its largest fleet customer in early 2022.
The technology will then become more widely available for all electric fleets globally.
Richard Earl, R&D director at EO Charging, continued: “Our patented technology not only brings significant benefits to fleet operators today, but also lays the groundwork for true V2G charging for the future across both AC and DC solutions. As we continue to expand into new markets like the US, and North America overall, our R&D team will continue to be heavily focused on V2G charging, as well as AI and ML-based software technologies. We recognise these as a vital pillars of successful global fleet electrification.”
