Electric vehicles (EVs) are a guaranteed part of our future. With the UK planning for net zero by 2050 and the elimination of new gasoline vehicles by 2030, the importance of a reliable EV charge point infrastructure is greater than ever. Whether you are a charge point owner or an EV driver, monitoring the status and performance of charge points is crucial to ensure efficient and hassle-free charging experiences. In this article, we will explore how to monitor EV charge points.
Why Monitor EV Charge Points?
There are many reasons to monitor EV charge points which all circle back to their efficiency and user experience. One of the biggest pain points associated with EV charging raised by owners and users alike is broken or out-of-use charge points. A UK government study showed that 1 in 25 charge points were out of use. Monitoring EV charge points can help reduce charge point downtime and the time it takes to fix and maintain them. More reasons to monitor EV charge points include:
Improve EV Fleet Productivity
If a site uses its EV charge points for fleet or employee use, then remote monitoring of the charge points can contribute towards a more productive workforce, due to less downtime and more efficient use.
Loss of Revenue Through System Downtime
EV charge points provides opportunities for recurring revenue, as EV drivers pay to charge their vehicles. However, this means that any out-of-order charge point represents a loss in revenue, as well as customer dissatisfaction. Minimising downtime using charge point monitoring is therefore important, as it directly impacts revenue and profits.
Reduce Operation & Maintenance Costs
Running and operating EV charge point systems can be costly, especially when energy costs are sky-high. However, operational and maintenance costs are heavily made up of labour and transport fees, which can be reduced with the implementation of remote monitoring. Instead of a physical maintenance visit, any issues can be seen and the majority of the time dealt with remotely, saving on engineer labour and transport costs.
Improve Charge Point Availability
The fewer charge points that are out-of-order, the more charge points that are available to use. This, therefore, allows for greater workplace or fleet productivity or more revenue to be driven.
How to Monitor EV Charge Points?
The most effective way to monitor EV charge points is to implement remote monitoring. Remote monitoring is carried out by a third-party, professional monitoring company who have the capabilities to connect to a charge point system and continuously monitor it for various parameters or triggers. If a charge point were to go offline or not be working efficiently, the monitoring company would receive an instant notification and they can then carry out the relevant action, whether that be trying to fix the issue remotely, or contacting the relevant site key holder.
What Does EV Charge Point Monitoring Entail?
EV charge point monitoring involves connecting the remote monitoring company’s alarm receiving centre (ARC) to the site’s EV charge point system so that they can receive the data signals from the chargers. Once connected, EV charge point monitoring can aid both charge point users and owners.
Accessibility & Availability
EV charge point monitoring allows charge point owners to ensure their charging infrastructure is available and accessible to drivers. Real-time monitoring helps identify any issues or faults that may prevent EV drivers from using the charge points, allowing for timely maintenance and repairs.
Optimal Performance
Remote monitoring allows for performance tracking of each charger, by monitoring parameters such as charging speed, session duration and energy consumption. Owners can therefore identify and address any inefficiencies or malfunctions that may affect charging speed or reliability.
User Experience
EV charge point monitoring allows a better user experience for EV drivers as they are less likely to come across an out-of-order charge point.
Fault Detection & Maintenance
Real-time remote monitoring allows for the early detection of faults or malfunctions in EV charge points. It’s a proactive approach and enables charge point owners to address issues promptly, reducing downtime and maximising the availability of charging infrastructure.
What Charge Point Parameters are Monitored?
The charge point parameters that can be monitored by a remote monitoring company can vary based on the needs of the customer. However, the below are key parameters often monitored to ensure efficient, working charge points:
- Max Power Output
- Energy Consumption
- EVSE Connector Status
- Charging Sessions
- Charge Pont Connectivity
- Utilisation Rate
How Does EV Charge Point Monitoring Work?
Firstly, you’ll need to choose a reliable monitoring company that has the capability to monitor your EV charge points. The monitoring company will connect to your charge points in order to collect and transmit the necessary data. The required parameters will be set, monitoring software may be installed and the system connected to an internet connection for seamless remote monitoring.
If a certain parameter is triggered, a notification will be instantly sent to the monitoring operatives. They will then look into the issue and carry out the necessary action. This may be remotely fixing the issue, contacting the relevant keyholder or organising a maintenance visit.
EV Charge Point Monitoring with RMS
Monitoring EV charge points is essential for ensuring their availability, optimising charging experiences, detecting faults, and maintaining efficient and reliable charging infrastructure.
At RMS, we provide a robust EV charge point monitoring service that supports the health, safety and efficiency of your site’s EV charge points, plus provides a seamless and hassle-free charging experience for EV drivers.
We are proudly partnered with iEquos, an all-in-one charge point management platform that gives users full control of their charge point systems, including generating recurring revenue, optimising energy usage, setting up billing, managing tariffs, controlling usage and much more.
On top of this, all your charge points are expertly monitored by our experienced team of monitoring operatives 24/7, within our in-house category 2 ARC.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in EV charge point monitoring or are looking for a new monitoring contract, get in touch. The team will be happy to talk you through your options and discuss your site needs.
Call us on 0330 002 1149 or via our online form.
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