Why Software Matters More Than Hardware in EV Charging Stations
EVs are no longer the ugly step children. They’re sought after by consumers, and auto manufacturers are racing to produce the best models, compete with Tesla and meet consumer demand. With that uptick comes greater demand and need for EV charging stations as well. Many companies are jumping in to help build charging station infrastructure by installing stations in their parking lots that support the increasing number of EV vehicles on the road (and generate additional revenue).
But are they going about it the right way? While many property and business owners looking to install charging stations are curious about the hardware, it’s equally if not more important to consider the software that powers the charging stations they install.
EV Sales Still Looking Strong
Despite setbacks due to COVID-19, EV sales are expected to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels in relatively short order. From 2017 to 2018 global EV sales rose 65%, and a Bloomberg study predicts that EVs will account for 10% of all vehicle sales by 2025, 28% by 2030, and 50% by 2040. That exponential growth represents a huge opportunity for EV charging station manufacturers. Several are said to have bright futures based on how many stations they have, the maturity of the company and the optimism of Wall Street investors.
Don’t Focus Solely on Financials
Before deciding to work with an EV charging station manufacturer, you need to know more than just the business model or how large a physical footprint the company expects to have. As more consumers turn to EVs, it is increasingly important for station owners that the charging station software powering their hardware is on an open network. Many manufacturing companies prefer to bind customers to their own proprietary software. Ostensibly it’s a measure to benefit the manufacturer, but in the long term, closed network software hinders business and property owners by locking them into one type of hardware.
Advantages of an Open Charging Network
An open system will work with any hardware that meets the standards of the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). That flexibility brings advantages at every stage. While getting set up the first time, you’re allowed to pick from a wider range of hardware vendors and add new stations down the road, without disrupting your software performance and management. An open EV charging network benefits the entire EV charging industry as well, as broader access to a variety of charging station brands leads to quicker expansion of overall infrastructure and greater efficiency.
Open Systems Make for More Reliable Infrastructure
Despite extremely optimistic projections for the EV charging station market (especially given widespread reluctance for many to return to public transportation post-pandemic), there is still a major hang-up concerning the reliability of EVs and EV charging stations. Much has been said about range anxiety. This is yet another benefit to open network software solutions that allow for more flexibility in the exact hardware, giving business owners and property owners more leeway to expand their infrastructure and serve more drivers.
Start Your Software Journey with EV Connect
Yes, it is vital that the charging station itself be well built, but once it is in place the majority of your interactions will be with the program running it. EV Connect provides a network platform that is intuitive and suitable for any kind of EV business model, as well as around-the-clock customer support. Whether you are looking for a turnkey operation or a fully customized installation, EV Connect has the experience and resources to get you up and running. Contact us today to get started.