Helping an EV charging solution provider conquer the UK green energy market

The client had been operating in the EV charging solutions market for almost three years when they reached out to Yalantis. Throughout this time, they managed to establish themselves as a leading business in the EV charging niche due to their modern charging stations and competitive offerings.

While their strategy for attracting users worked well, they decided that it was the perfect time to move to the second phase of their business strategy: contributing to improved sustainability and overall environmental quality in the cities where they operated. The client saw their solution and the data they generated as an effective way to:

• start new environmental initiatives
• promote the adoption of safe transportation methods
• encourage end users to actively contribute to overall sustainability

The charging solution provider approached Yalantis because we had extensive experience working with a European EV charging network and could offer lots of ideas and solutions.

Bringing the client’s ambitious plan to life

The client understood that the most effective way to encourage people to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle was to analyze the data generated by their solution. After thoroughly analyzing their data together with Yalantis business analysts, they decided to do the following:

Optimize EV charging infrastructure with the help of Yalantis IoT Accelerator

Goal #1: Extend the client’s data analysis capabilities with Yalantis IoT Accelerator and optimize charging station infrastructure

• By integrating the client’s software with the Yalantis IoT Accelerator data management platform, our team enabled real-time data streams and established comprehensive monitoring and analysis of infrastructure operations.
• With this integration, the client gained invaluable insights into urban dynamics and EV usage patterns. This empowers decision-makers to identify the most strategic locations for installing charging stations within big cities, considering such factors as:
  – population density
  – traffic patterns
  – proximity to major routes or public amenities
• By strategically placing charging stations in high-traffic areas and key locations, the software ensures that EV owners have convenient access to charging facilities.
• By analyzing usage patterns and demand trends, the client’s team identified high-demand areas where additional charging capacity was needed. This understanding of user behavior allowed the network and our team to adjust their infrastructure, ensuring that resources were allocated efficiently.

Results: Integration of the Yalantis IoT data management module with the EV charging network infrastructure has several positive outcomes for environmental well-being and the UK population’s access to eco-friendly transportation:

• More people have access to convenient charging facilities – Accessibility encourages the adoption of electric vehicles, which produce fewer emissions compared to vehicles with traditional combustion engines. This shift towards sustainable transportation reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources and mitigates the impacts of climate change.
• Equal access to eco-friendly transportation options for diverse communities – By strategically locating charging stations based on population density, traffic patterns, and proximity to major routes and public amenities, the client bridges transportation gaps and provides underserved populations with convenient access to sustainable mobility solutions.

Implement demand response and load management programs

Goal #2: Optimizing energy use and reducing environmental impact

• Together with the client, the Yalantis team implemented demand response strategies to dynamically adjust charging rates and schedules based on grid conditions and electricity prices. This allows for a real-time response to fluctuations in energy demand and grid capacity, ensuring optimal resource use and minimal strain on the grid.
• During periods of high demand or limited grid capacity, the software can delay charging or reduce charging rates to minimize strain on the grid, preventing blackouts or grid instability.
• By offering discounted rates for off-peak charging, the solution encourages users to shift their charging behavior to times when the grid has excessive capacity. This helps to flatten demand curves, reduce peak load on the grid, and minimize the need for additional fossil fuel-based power generation.

Results: Through implementation of demand response and load management programs, our client achieved significant benefits in terms of energy optimization and environmental sustainability:

• Reduced environmental impact – By initiating off-peak charging and dynamically adjusting charging rates based on grid conditions, the client contributes to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, resulting in improved air quality and environmental health.
• Enhanced grid stability – A stable grid ensures uninterrupted access to electricity for both EV owners and the general population, enhancing overall grid reliability and resilience.

Design flexible off-peak hours charging plans

Goal #3: Encouraging the UK population to charge their electric vehicles during off-peak hours

• The Yalantis team integrated the client’s software with utility providers’ systems through APIs to get real-time data on electricity prices, demand levels, and peak hours.
• By offering discounted charging rates and rewards for off-peak charging sessions, the client encourages users to charge their vehicles when electricity demand is lower. This not only benefits EV owners by providing cost savings but also helps balance energy demand on the grid.
• Off-peak charging also allows for greater use of renewable energy sources, as EVs can be charged when solar or wind power generation is at its highest, further reducing transportation-related carbon emissions.

Results: Encouraging the population to charge their electric vehicles during off-peak hours has several positive outcomes for environmental well-being:

• Improved air quality – By charging EVs during off-peak hours, there’s less strain on the electrical grid. This leads to reduced dependence on fossil fuel-based power generation and lower emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
• Promotion of renewable energy integration – Off-peak charging allows for greater integration of renewable energy sources into the electricity grid. EV owners can take advantage of times when renewable energy production is highest, such as during sunny or windy periods, to charge their vehicles. This helps to increase the overall use of renewable energy.

Improve the user experience with notifications and alerts

Goal #4: Increasing users’ awareness of off-peak hours and other periods with charging benefits

The Yalantis team developed an advanced notification module to keep users informed and engaged throughout their charging experience. Using real-time data and user preferences, the system can send notifications and reminders to users, including:

• reminders to plug in electric vehicles during off-peak hours
• alerts when electricity rates are low
• updates on charging progress

Results:

• Improved user engagement. By delivering personalized and relevant information to users, the client fosters a sense of transparency, trust, and satisfaction. Users feel more empowered and connected to the charging process, leading to increased confidence in EV ownership and a positive overall experience with the charging network.
• Maximized cost savings. By providing timely information on favorable pricing conditions, the software empowers users to make informed decisions about when to initiate charging sessions, allowing them to take advantage of discounted rates and minimize electricity expenditures.
• Promotion of sustainable behavior. Notifications play a key role in promoting sustainable behavior among EV owners. By reminding users to charge during off-peak hours, the client encourages eco-friendly practices that contribute to reduced energy consumption and lower carbon emissions.