Background

The rise of EVs is putting a strain on the grid. As more and more people switch to EVs, the need for smart charging solutions that can help manage demand is becoming increasingly urgent. As a smart charging service provider, we use both connectivities: from the chargers (EVSE) and from the vehicles (via the OEM backend) to enable smart charging. Because of that, we often receive inquiries about which route is best and the specific pros and cons of each solution.  

In this blog, we will discuss the characteristics of these technologies to enable smart charging.

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Smart Charging through EVSE  

In the residential domain, there are two main options for connecting EVSEs: either directly by the EVSE manufacturer or through a separate CPMS/CPO backend that is connected to the EVSE using the OCPP protocol. It is not uncommon to have local load balancing activated for charging stations, and the backend of the EVSE easily incorporates these settings.  

Based on our experience, using EVSE connectivity not only provides fast responses to control commands but also offers more flexibility and accuracy for measuring and logging charging sessions. These capabilities are especially useful for advanced balancing services that demand quick response times and frequent, detailed readings.

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Smart Charging through OEM backend

By using the OEM backend, we can adopt a more car-centric approach and integrate a broader range of car data. For instance, we can access information such as the state of charge (SoC) of the battery and the maximum target SoC, which is currently unknown by the EVSE controller during regular AC (residential) charging. This integration allows us to better optimize and schedule the charging plan for the EV driver.  

While car telematics and controls provide powerful tools for many parties, they require careful handling to avoid potential issues such as idle consumption or concerns related to vehicle data usage. Therefore, collaborating with an experienced partner like Jedlix ensures the correct and smooth operation of these systems.

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What is best for your project?  

The above-mentioned debate is very interesting, and we believe that in certain cases, the power is in the combination of both solutions. The effectiveness of enabling smart charging for EV drivers depends greatly on the party involved and how they can cost-effectively implement charging controls. By merging the strengths of EVSE and OEM telematics, we can develop more efficient and customer-oriented smart charging solutions.    

Furthermore, this combined approach can be particularly useful for certain parties, such as large utility groups with energy retail portfolios that also operate in the e-mobility sector. By supporting smart charging via both EVSE and OEM telematics control, they can ensure that all their clients can make the most of the advantages of smart charging.

Our mission is to enable smart charging on a large scale for millions of EV drivers, and we believe that no method can be overlooked in achieving this goal. According to studies developed by industry experts such as the SmartEn, EVs provide the largest potential for energy flexibility in 2030. However, this potential can only be unlocked effectively by harnessing all available technologies.  

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If you're interested in learning more about this, we invite you to schedule a demo with our commercial team at sales@jedlix.com  

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