For charge point operators (CPOs), reliable internet connectivity isn’t just a convenience; it’s essential to managing charging infrastructure effectively.
Whether it’s processing payments, collecting usage data or performing updates, a stable connection forms the backbone of a CPO’s operations.
When internet connections are unstable, the impact can be significant, disrupting operations and causing a loss of control over charging infrastructure, along with valuable data and insights on charging and billing.
The importance of connectivity begins right from installation, as a connection to the back office is essential in executing the process properly. Poor connections during installation can lead to complications further down the line in terms of charger performance, which can cause maintenance headaches.
This can lead to problems for users but also operational downtime for CPOs who rely on uninterrupted performance and access to real-time data.
Connectivity is crucial for seamless EV payments
Payment issues at a public charging station can be frustrating for the user and cause serious challenges for charging providers. For publicly available chargers, there are a few ways to perform payments, including:
- Charging passes
- Credit and debit cards
- In some cases, QR code scanning
However, Koen points out that this variety of payment methods can pose issues for user experience.
To improve this, he advocates for greater standardisation: "Being able to use your own credit or debit cards anywhere will definitely be a solution for this, which is also a push from the European government."
This would increase user confidence in public charging facilities and also help CPOs manage payments more effectively. Platforms like Road are great tools for streamlining billing while giving users valuable insights into charging patterns and pricing strategies.
Is internet connectivity needed for home charging?
For private home charging, a reliable connection isn’t as important. Koen explains, "When charging at home with your privately owned car, you want to have insights into your EV charger usage but don’t necessarily need an internet connection for that. You can connect the charger to your local router rather than the open internet and still have insights into your charger.”
For most home charging scenarios, connection to a local router gives more than enough power to provide performance insights without needing to connect to the internet.
End users may want to view real-time insights on energy monitoring systems such as HomeWizard to view energy consumption or even to configure load balancing and check the progress of solar charging.
Choosing the right connection for an EV charger
Before installing EV charging infrastructure, businesses must carefully consider what the charging infrastructure looks like to ensure they make the right choice. Variables like the anticipated user base, installation environment and nature of charging activity are all important at the consideration stage. Working with the installer, they can determine the right connection for their needs.
Ethernet connections
Hardwired Ethernet connections provide stable internet access and are recommended in locations where the charging infrastructure needs to be strong and reliable, such as in commercial buildings.
If your EV chargers are located in a rural area, such as an underground parking lot, we advise using a hardwired Ethernet connection or WLAN, which are more stable and less prone to interference than wireless mobile 4G/2G networks.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
WLAN connections are ideal for environments where mobility is required but a level of reliability is also needed. This can be a sound option in locations where the installation of cables may be challenging.
Mobile networks (4G/2G)
Most CPOs prefer using mobile networks with SIM cards to gain full control over connectivity and for installation ease. 4G/2G networks are well suited to urban areas where reliable connections can be readily established but they may not be ideal for rural areas.
These mobile networks are less reliable than hardwired connections and can also experience interference.
Strong connections, scalable charging
New legislation, such as the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD III), requires commercial buildings to install a minimum number of EV charging points based on parking spaces in a unit. This means businesses must choose reliable internet connections capable of supporting an increased number of chargers on one network.
Considering how EV chargers will be used, what insights are needed and whether the connection is strong enough to support scalability can help guide the decision-making process for selecting the right connection.
As we move forward in a world increasingly reliant on electric vehicles, robust connectivity is essential for seamless integration with energy management and billing systems, strengthening the EV landscape.
Take a look as Koen explores more on charger connectivity in our Fueling the Future episode:
