Today’s urban centers are starting to look and feel different from the cities of the past. The “smart city” boom has transformed the way cities are structured and how people live in urban areas. As smart city urbanization continues to surge, the electric vehicle revolution is surging along with it. EV adoption has been a pivotal aspect in the ongoing transformation of cities, playing a critical role in sustainable mobility.
The cornerstone of EV charging infrastructure is the software that runs the stations and keeps charging accessible to EV drivers. In smart cities, the meld of EV charging software and other smart technologies, such as renewable energy sources, smart tech grids, and IoT devices, contribute to the building of a cohesive, responsive, and ultimately sustainable urban environment.
Game-changing user enhancements
As EV use has become more widespread, the software that powers the charging stations has become more intuitive. One of the most notable advancements in charging software has been the introduction of mobile applications that offer features such as real-time monitoring and remote control capabilities of charging stations. Through these apps, drivers can locate their nearest charging station, check availability and uptime, and start or stop charging with just a tap on their smartphone.
Dynamic pricing models are also heavily featured in the newest charging software programs. Dynamic pricing provides EV drivers with the flexibility to charge their vehicles at the most cost-effective times. The most innovative software programs integrate real-time data analysis and machine learning so that pricing can be adjusted based on demand, electric grid capacity, and fluctuating energy pricing.
Personalized charging plans and predictive maintenance programs are also changing the charging game. The most advanced software programs are able to analyze driving habits, battery health, and charging patterns to optimize personal charging schedules and extend the battery life of one’s EV.
Smart city integration
Today, charging infrastructure innovators are focused on smart city integration for their charging station software. The ongoing evolution of charging software is part of a new era of user convenience and accessibility. EV charging software can now integrate with home EV charging systems, public transportation networks, and renewable energy sources, creating an ecosystem where all parts of the smart city work together.
One example of home EV charging is the ability of EV drivers to program their vehicles to utilize solar energy generated from home solar panels or even coordinate their charging schedules to public transit use, maximizing efficiency. The goal is to simplify the user experience and to make smart cities appealing to everyone, from young professionals to retirees.
Keeping EV drivers on the road
EV charging software continues to be a large reason why drivers gravitate toward EVs. The more innovative the software, the more apt people are to consider an electric vehicle, with ease of use and accessibility being significant contributing factors to their decision.
The software running public EV charging systems needs to be easy to use and integrate into daily life. Currently, Tesla has the largest proprietary charging network and software system in the United States. However, with more companies releasing their own EVs, the competition for who can release the best, most intuitive software may be heating up.
As more smart cities are developed, more car companies will be stepping forward with their own charging station hardware and software, each with its own pros and cons. Even well-known energy companies like Shell are getting into the EV infrastructure game, releasing turnkey solutions for public EV charging.
Renewable energy integration
One of the largest considerations for EV charging software developers is the ability to integrate with renewable energy sources. The EV revolution has been built on the idea of ongoing sustainability, and renewable energy integration is a significant part of this goal. Renewable energy integration has now become an industry standard.
Many modern EV charging systems are tied directly to the electrical grid. When renewable energy sources such as solar and wind generate excess power, that power is fed directly into the existing grid, where it can be accessed and utilized by EV charging networks.
The algorithms utilized by many EV charging software programs consider charging schedules, optimizing use for when renewable resources are most available.
The software that will help build smart cities
The smart cities that are currently being developed and built will rely on robust and innovative EV charging software and its ability to optimize grid use, manage energy, and analyze important data. Data that is collected can even be shared between cities through open standards and application programming interfaces (APIs), allowing more smart cities to learn from pioneers in the space and increase energy efficiency city by city.
One of the most important considerations for those building smart cities is managing traffic, especially public transport, and reducing harmful emissions. With the country's overall sustainability goals in view, EV charging software will continue to play a pivotal role in creating cities of the future where convenience meets sustainability.
