The Future of EV Charging Technology: Exploring What's Next

Electric vehicles and the chargers that accompany them are becoming increasingly important in cities, businesses, and more. As the technology continues to grow, some exciting changes in the field have the potential to transform it and improve the way users can connect with it, charge their vehicles, and make the most of it. Look at what's coming shortly—and some trends expected to power the industry for years.

What to Expect with EV Charging Technology

As you prepare your charging stations, there are several things you can expect.

1. Universal Plug-and-Charge and ISO 15118

ISO 15118 empowers plug-and-charge solutions that make it easier to handle vehicle charging needs on the go. Rather than using complex fobs, login requirements, and other complicated authentication strategies before charging their vehicles, plug-and-charge technology pulls the billing information directly from the car. This makes charging considerably more manageable and more convenient for users, not to mention increases security, as it combines a private security key with a public one to create an enhanced layer of protection.

ISO 15118 is the international standard for charging vehicles. It allows the electric vehicle to communicate with the charging infrastructure to improve charging effectiveness and simplicity. In addition, the communication protocols created by ISO 15118 enable bidirectional charging options, allowing electricity to flow back out of the car to power other things, including homes, businesses, other vehicles, or other solutions that need that power.

Complying with ISO 15118 standards makes charging easier and more accessible for users. It may also increase vehicle-to-grid charging solutions, improving resiliency across power grids. The adoption of this standard is expected to grow, which means that customers will come to expect this simple, convenient solution.

2. Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Building Interactions

Most of the time, vehicles draw power from the electric grid. As the latest advances in electric vehicle technology emerge, however, they have the potential to draw power and put it back into the grid. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology allows plug-in electric vehicles to sell energy back to the grid in response to demand. Electric cars are often powered by large batteries that are in high demand and draw. That makes them ideal for serving as storage for other factors, including providing power back to the grid during shortages or periods of high demand. Electric vehicle owners can sell that power back to the grid, allowing them to make a profit. They can also reduce their draw on the grid during high-demand periods for a fee. This solution can allow for the storage of more renewable power for those moments when supply and demand are out of alignment, as well as provide backup power solutions during outages.

Vehicle-to-building (V2B) technology is similar, but instead of sending power back to the grid, it uses it to power specific buildings directly. In many cases, the power from an electric vehicle can help with essential operations in a building that would otherwise lack it. Both technologies are enabled by the bidirectional charging technology that goes along with plug-and-charge solutions.

PowerFlex is working on both V2G and V2B solutions that have the potential to revolutionize connectivity and make it easier for grid managers and operators to get the solutions they need. Electric vehicle fleets are an excellent fit for these critical solutions, since you have multiple large vehicle batteries available that can provide power back to your buildings or the grid. They contribute to the Virtual Power Plant solution, a network of energy resources that work together to ensure a steady power flow to the grid. V2X resources are being integrated as part of PowerFlex's existing VPP--and our team was instrumental in helping get those V2X resources included in DSGS program rules, ensuring that those resources are accessible across a variety of grids and solutions.

3. Battery Technology Innovations

Batteries are one of the most critical elements of electric vehicle solutions--and fortunately, there are continuing advances in those solutions that make them more effective, improve their lifespan, and make them easier to charge and use.

Inductive (Wireless) Charging

Wireless charging manages the charging process without excessive wires and hookups. A small power box—less bulky and more straightforward to conceal than traditional charging boxes—is attached to the wall or floor. A conduit runs from the box to a charging pad. Vehicles pull onto those charging pads and initiate charging—no wires or connectivity are required.

This solution can revolutionize EV charging, making it more accessible across cities. These pads can be placed anywhere, including on city streets and parking lots, so EV drivers can use available spaces to maximize their charging options. These chargers don't rely on vehicles being stationary, either. In a collaboration between Purdue University and the Indiana Department of Transportation, construction has already begun in Indiana to create charging solutions that work at highway speeds.

Self-Heated EV Batteries

Self-heated EV batteries have the potential to transform charging. Weather conditions can substantially impact EV charging. For example, a Consumer Reports study found that at -10 degrees F, vehicle range decreases by as much as 25%.

Enter the self-heating battery. Penn State has created a prototype lithium ion battery that can heat and cool in minutes. These batteries can provide a car with up to 300 miles of charge power in just 10 minutes. This fast charging solution helps substantially decrease range anxiety in electric vehicle owners, a serious problem that has made many people unwilling to commit to electric vehicles. Faster charging technology decreases those challenges and makes many people more willing to consider the other benefits of electric cars. Taking less time to charge also supports extending the battery's life.

Reducing Battery Degradation/Improving Reuse Options

As researchers consider how electric vehicles can improve environmental impact, one of the critical questions that often comes up is battery degradation. Fortunately, several strategies can help improve battery use. That includes:

• Reuse: Using automotive batteries for stationary power storage to complement clean energy sources like solar or wind
• Recycling involves breaking down batteries into their parts, including disassembling battery packs, modules, and cells. These components can be recycled through mechanical, Pyrometallurgical, and hydrometallurgical processes.
• Improving battery lifespan and usage: The longer batteries last, the more valuable those components can be. This includes strategies like self-regulating battery temperatures and creating better batteries that continue to hold charge over thousands of charging cycles.

Research into strategies that can improve battery lifespan is ongoing. For example, researchers are investigating solutions like cooled cables that can deliver more power more efficiently and safely. Due to the increased energy consumption of big trucks, not to mention their commercial applications, these solutions will likely first appear in large truck fleets. However, as technology improves, it's more likely to expand to smaller vehicles, allowing all users to take advantage of it.

4. Federal Regulations for Standardization

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common, which means that the government is stepping in to provide regulatory standards around charging, including charging station design. The new standard, known as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, lays out clear standards that impact the EV charging infrastructure's installation, operation, and maintenance. Regulations include:

• Traffic control devices or signage that determine how vehicles move through the charging stations and areas
• Interoperability standards that ensure charging stations are compliant with current demands
• Data that must be submitted to ensure compliance, including the format of the data and how often it has to be submitted
• Network connectivity for EV charging infrastructure

In addition, NEVI requires that the owners of publicly available EV charging stations make their locations, pricing, availability, and accessibility available through mapping applications, making it easier for EV drivers to find charging stations when needed.

These standards have the potential to create immense change throughout the industry. Because they require standardization, they make charging stations more accessible to all EV users, ultimately leading to greater electric vehicle adoption. However, this may also mean that charging stations already in place must be upgraded to ensure they will continue to meet those standards over time.

Are You Prepared for the Future of EV Charging Technology?

Your charging stations are critical to your business plan, whether using them to generate another income stream or improve your eco-friendly status. Future-proofing those charging stations is essential to ensuring they work for your business today and will continue to provide what you need for a long time. Contact PowerFlex today to learn how our team can help you plan for the future of EV charging.