How good connectivity is crucial for EV charging operators

1. Slash operating costs

Instead of sending someone out to fix every little problem, you can monitor and manage your chargers from anywhere. Need a software update? Done remotely. Suspect a malfunction? Diagnose it from your office. This means fewer site visits, less manpower, and lower costs.

What is the real-world impact of this? Studies by McKinsey & Company show that remote monitoring and management can cut operating costs by up to 25% through reduced maintenance visits and streamlined operations (Source: McKinsey & Company, "The Future of Mobility: How Smart EV Infrastructure Reduces TCO," 2023).

2. Keep chargers up and running

Downtime is the enemy of any EV charging operator. Connectivity allows for proactive maintenance. By analyzing charger data, you can spot potential issues before they become real problems. This means less downtime, happier drivers, and more revenue for you.

The cost of downtime has real impact on businesses. According to research by ChargePoint, just one year of connectivity issues can cost EV charging operators a whopping $10 million in lost revenue for large networks (Source: ChargePoint, "The Business Impact of EV Charging Reliability," 2024).

With real-time status updates, drivers know exactly which chargers are available and working, preventing frustration and wasted time.

3. Make drivers happy

Happy drivers mean repeat business. Connectivity allows you to offer:

• Effortless Payments: No more fumbling with cards. Connected chargers enable mobile payments and automated billing for a smoother customer experience. Think contactless payments like Apple Pay or charging apps that automatically bill the driver's account.

• Personalised Service: Use data from connected chargers to offer tailored services like custom charging plans or loyalty programs. Imagine offering discounts to frequent users or providing personalised charging recommendations based on their past behaviour.

A J.D. Power study found that payment ease and reliability are the top two factors affecting EV driver satisfaction (Source: J.D. Power, "Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study," 2024).

4. Boost your revenue

Connectivity opens up new ways to make money:

• Dynamic Pricing: Adjust your pricing based on demand, time of day, or even electricity costs. This maximizes your revenue and helps balance the grid. Think charging more during peak hours or offering discounts during off-peak times to incentivise usage.

• Grid Services: Connected chargers can participate in demand response programs, allowing you to sell energy back to the grid when it's needed most. According to National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), EV charging operators participating in grid services can generate an additional 10-15% in revenue (Source: NREL, "Vehicle-Grid Integration: A Global Review of Opportunities," 2023).

5. Get smart with data

Connected chargers are data goldmines. Use this information to:

• Optimise charger placement: Figure out where your chargers are most needed and ensure you have the right coverage. This data-driven approach prevents over-investment in underutilised areas.

• Understand driver behaviour: Learn how drivers use your chargers and tailor your offerings accordingly. This could involve adjusting charging speeds, offering different connector types, or even providing amenities like waiting areas or Wi-Fi hotspots.

Research by Bloomberg NEF indicates that data-driven placement strategies can increase charger utilisation rates by up to 35% (Source: Bloomberg NEF, "EV Charging Infrastructure: Optimisation Through Analytics," 2024).

Good connectivity is no longer optional for EV charging operators. It's a necessity. By investing in reliable connectivity, you can reduce costs, improve uptime, enhance the customer experience, and unlock new revenue streams. In the rapidly evolving world of electric mobility, staying connected is the key to staying ahead.