EV CHARGING SIM CARDS & ROUTERS: EV CHARGERS & INFRASTRUCTURE

CONNECTIVITY FOR EV-INFRASTRUCTURE

Always Stay Connected, On-Line & Safety Compliant

Essential EV Charge Point Connectivity

For the future of personal and public travel,, electric vehicles (EVs) and their chargers are leading the way and changing the way we get around cities and towns. As EVs become more common, the importance of fast and effective charging solutions is clear. This is where connectivity for charge points and sim cards for EV chargers come in, making charging easier and transforming how EV owners handle their charging requirements.

With advanced connectivity features, EV charge points allow for real-time monitoring, accessibility, remote management, and payment options, streamlining the charging process for users. Through EV charge point connectivity technology, EV owners can easily locate available charge points, monitor their charging sessions, and manage and pay for the electricity used using their smartphone. The convenience and accessibility provided by EV charge point connectivity is revolutionising electric vehicle charging.

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Cost Effective SIM solutions for EV Charge Point Manufacturers

At Caburn Telecom, we understand the unique needs of EV charge point manufacturers, which is why we offer tailored 3 and 5-year SIM deals designed to provide reliable connectivity for your supplied and pre-configured charging point devices. Our long-term plans ensure uninterrupted service, allowing you to focus on delivering efficient charging solutions to your customers. With highly competitive pricing and the flexibility to scale as your business grows, our SIM deals come equipped with robust data allowances, ensuring seamless communication between your charge points and management systems. Partner with Caburn Telecom to enhance your EV charging networks with dependable connectivity that drives your business forward.

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Public & Private Electric Vehicle Charge-Points

Caburn Telecom provide the all important critical communications element of EV Charging Systems.  Connectivity for EV Charge Points a legal requirement in some countries. [i.e. the UK – see Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)]. Everything about the charge point business is reliant on real-time communications; from maintenance status, operational monitoring, and usage-metering, to user ID and payment processing. 

In many locations, fixed-line is unfeasible or uneconomic, so 4G and 5G, GSM (mobile or cellular IoT) can be used instead. This means inserting, or pre-fitting at manufacture multi-network IoT SIM cards into the EV charging device. It can also mean installing a mobile IoT router to manage communications. Even where fixed line is installed, GSM back-up should be designed into the system as an emergency standby in case of any service interruptions or connectivity issues. 

We not only provide IoT SIM cards for EV Charge Points, but also fully managed IoT router solutions. 

We supply secure and resilient wireless communications for all forms of EV Charge-Points for:

  • Service, Operational and Maintenance Monitoring
  • ANPR and CCTV Systems
  • Parking Sensors
  • Vehicle/User ID & Payment Processing
  • Connectivity with End-User Applications
  • Essential Back-Up to Primary Fixed-Line Communications
  • A Replacement for Unreliable Home-Wi-Fi

Public EV Charge Point Infrastructure Project(s)

Public (and most corporate) charge-points need to be metered so that the users can be identified and billed and monitored. This is so that the operator can see (and report to users’ apps) the site’s status in real-time. If any single aspect of this ensemble fails, then the charge point will not be operational. Creating a lost revenue opportunity, frustration to users and the potential for damage to the brand’s reputation. 

For most installation that seek to project EV chargers into new domains and site types, a critical communications element of EV Charging Systems means providing an appropriate resilient and managed EV Charger SIM card pack in the chosen format as either a primary and/or backup communications mechanism. Preferably, with non-steered access to multiple networks in each of the countries that the units are to be deployed in. This is so that this safety critical device can always be safely managed remotely. Ensuring that not only that is is findable and usable, but important metrics and software updates can be deployed. 

A critical part of EV chargers is also their compliance checking. Part of the regulations is ensuring that the device is within its safe operational parameters and can communicate effectively for the obvious safety reasons. EV chargers must also communicate with the vehicle to ensure the right current profile is applied. Again, these are important configurations, and they and their protocols are subject to change as vehicles evolve.

Further Reading:

What are the Main Types of Connectivity Used in EV Charge Point Projects?

In EV charge point projects, there are a few main types of connectivity that are commonly used to ensure that electric vehicles can be charged efficiently and effectively. One key type of connectivity is Wi-Fi, which allows for wireless communication between the charging point and the user’s smartphone or other device. This enables users to monitor their charging session, receive notifications, and even pay for their charging session remotely. Another important type of connectivity is 4G or 5G mobile network connections, which ensure that charging points can be remotely monitored and managed in real-time. Finally, Ethernet connectivity is also commonly used in EV charge point projects, providing a reliable and secure wired connection for data transmission. By utilising these various types of connectivity, EV charge point projects can provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for electric vehicle owners.

On-Street Residential Parking ChargePoints

The UK government has implemented regulations and initiatives to increase the number of EV charging points. The Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 is a key document that provides the legal framework for EV charging. It mandates that all EV chargers in public areas, including car parks, must provide smart charging capabilities. This means they must be able to react to grid demand, reducing charging during peak electricity demand and increasing it during off-peak hours. 

The government has also launched the On-street Residential ChargePoint Scheme (ORCS), providing funding for businesses and local authorities to install EV chargers. It is a UK government initiative that provides funding to local authorities for the installation of on-street EV charging infrastructure in residential areas. The aim of the scheme is to increase the availability and accessibility of EV charging points for residents who do not have access to off-street parking.

Under the ORCS, local authorities can apply for grants to cover up to 75% of the capital costs of procuring and installing on-street residential ChargePoint’s. The scheme supports the installation of both traditional charging infrastructure and innovative solutions, such as smart charging and charging hubs. By implementing the ORCS, the UK government aims to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles among residents who rely on on-street parking. It enables individuals without private driveways or garages to conveniently charge their EVs near their homes, thus reducing the barriers to EV ownership and promoting sustainable transportation options. The ORCS is part of the UK government’s broader efforts to expand the charging infrastructure network and accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, contributing to the country’s carbon reduction goals

IoT Technology Articles

How IoT Can Help Speed Up & Empower EV Charge Point Installation

Setting up an EV charge point infrastructure is a complex and costly operation. One of the most important aspects is getting power to the site. This can be costly in terms of the cabling required and the lead times that power companies need to plan and provision the works.

Increasingly, solar panels and other forms of localised renewable energy or means of energy storage are being considered as a way of overcoming these challenges. Please therefore read our article which discusses how IoT Is Transforming Solar Power. Charge stations are also complex pieces of equipment that require significant planning and ground works. There is still a lot of misunderstanding for how they work and the crucial role of connectivity. Please therefore read our article: Electric Car Charging Stations. As the drive for more environmentally friendly forms of personal and fleet transport increases, so is the desire to interweave them with shared forms of micro-mobility. Please therefore also read our discussion article: What is Micro-mobility & What Role Does IoT Play? for more information. 

For more information on the Critical Role of OCPP & Connectivity in EV Charging, please read here.

What are the UK Regulations on EV Charge Point Connectivity & 99% Uptime Reliability?

In the UK, regulations on EV charge point connectivity and uptime reliability are crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient charging experience for electric vehicle owners. The government has set standards for charge point connectivity to ensure that they are easily accessible and can communicate with vehicles to facilitate charging. Additionally, uptime reliability regulations require charge point operators to regularly maintain and monitor their networks to minimize downtime and ensure that EV drivers can rely on accessible and functioning charge points. These regulations are essential in supporting the growth of the electric vehicle market and encouraging more people to make the switch to sustainable transportation options.

The UK Government has therefore set out guidance, rules and requirements for electric vehicle charging in public spaces which means connectivity is not only mandatory but essential for their functionality. For example:

Fast charging points need to be highly dependable, with a reliability rate of 99% calculated as an average for each network of charging points operated by a company. Details on reliability adherence should be made available on the operator’s website: Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). New public charging points with a capacity of 8kW or more and existing points with a capacity of 50kW or more must provide contactless payment options to users. Charging networks that allow public use must add contactless payment within one year of making the point available to the public. It is also essential for charge point operators to ensure the accuracy of all data and utilise the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) for data management. Reference and availability information should be accessible to the public in a format that can be easily read by machines. Government entities, Distribution Network Operators, Transmission Owners and Electricity System Operators should all have access to the data.

  • Minimum Technical Specifications for Commercial Charge Points: Commercial Charge Points: Minimum Technical Specification – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  • Workplace Charging Scheme: Guidance for Installers – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The IET’s guidelines on Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation also offer safety advice for installing and using EV chargers.

In relation to the amount of time a service is available, the UK EVSE Association offers guidelines, while exact uptime promises are usually specified in service agreements. Specific service uptime commitments are often detailed in individual service contracts.

You can also read our article: Understanding Communications Between EV Chargers & Users for more information.

Which Aspects Need Regular Compliance Checking on an EV Charge Point?

It is essential to regularly maintain and inspect EV chargers regularly to ensure they work safely and effectively. Consulting a qualified electrician or technician for thorough inspections and maintenance is recommended. For information, some important areas are highlighted below:

  • Physical Inspection: Inspect the charging station for any visible signs of harm, like cracks, dents or exposed wiring. Make sure the charging cable is not worn or harmed.
  • Connections: Verify that the charging cable is firmly attached to both the electric vehicle and the charging station. Confirm that the charging station is firmly connected to a power supply.
  • Power Supply: Check for power supply at the charging point by looking at any indicators or lights on the station. If there is a display screen, make sure it is working and showing the necessary information.
  • Safety Features: Confirm the operational status of safety features on the charging point, including GFCIs and overcurrent protection. Additionally, verify the functionality of emergency stop buttons, if available.
  • Compatibility: Make sure the charging station matches the EV's plug type and power needs.
  • Software and Communication: Verify the presence of any software upgrades for the charging station. Assess the functionality of communication capabilities, such as mobile applications or RFID card scanners.
  • Network Connectivity: As the charging point must be part of a network, make sure it is linked and can communicate with the network for billing, monitoring and firmware updates.
  • Environmental Conditions: Take into account the weather, temperature, and exposure to elements when choosing a charging point to ensure it can function correctly in those conditions.
  • User Interface: Test the charging point's interface to confirm it is user-friendly and operational.
  • Documentation: Check the user manual for the charging station for any maintenance or inspection guidelines advised by the manufacturer.

Domestic EV Charge-Point Solutions

In Smart City projects, the domestic EV market is an important segment. While the need for sophisticated connectivity solutions is immediately apparent in public use settings, perhaps the domestic market, although larger by volume, is less considered. In public settings, EV chargers need to be maintained to a high service level and provide secure authentication and payment. Users need to trust that their everyday and impromptu journeys and deviations to charge points are consistent, and supportable by the infrastructure. 

In domestic applications, many feel that connecting to the home Wi-Fi will be sufficient, however, a password change or change of router renders the device uncontactable and uncontrollable. We might ask why is this important? Put simply, EV charge points are not only safety critical devices, but also high users of energy. They need to be connected and controlled so that energy companies can manage supply and demand and users can optimise their charging usage and costs. Independent connectivity also means that firmware updates can be applied to protect domestic users and comply with the regulatory safety standards. 

Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme:

Integrated Transport Systems & Micro Mobility

One of the key operational and technical issues that MaaS providers need to overcome is the tracking, locating and status-monitoring of the bike and scooter ‘mobile assets’. In particular, dockless scooter and bike schemes are prone to assets disappearing for a variety of reasons, such as theft, vandalism, neglect and loss leading to an average asset lifespan measured in months rather than years which is often unsustainable and is certainly wasteful. 

Beyond intentional abuse and loss, bikes and scooters are particularly subject to the changing whims of user behaviour. Once loose in the wild, bikes and scooters will tend to accumulate around transit terminals and popular city attractions as users finish with them, making them scarce in outlying parts of the city. This creates a constant requirement for human intervention and technology to find and relocate them and to anticipate demand.

IoT-Connectivity-Enabling-Low-Carbon-Travel.pdf

Why Use Caburn Telecom For Your EV Charge Point Connectivity Services?

At Caburn Telecom, we pride ourselves on being a leading provider of EV charge point connectivity services. With the rise in popularity of electric vehicles, it is crucial to have a reliable and efficient connection for your charging needs. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering top-quality connectivity solutions that guarantee seamless communication between your EV charge points, cloud services and the grid.

By choosing Caburn Telecom, you can ensure that your EV charging infrastructure operates smoothly. Reducing downtime and improving customer satisfaction. Our extensive experience in the field allows us to provide tailored solutions that meet your specific requirements. This is whether you are a commercial property owner, a public charging network operator, or a fleet manager. Trust Caburn Telecom for all your EV charge point connectivity needs, and let us help you power the future of sustainable transportation in the UK.

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