Cost-savings, stability, and efficiency: why smart charging benefits CPOs and Fleet Operators

Smart charging is a critical element in the large-scale roll-out of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. At its best, smart charging optimizes grid stability while bringing cost-savings and taking steps towards eco-friendly energy consumption. That’s why for Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and Fleet Operators, the implementation of a smart charging system is not merely a decision of a technical solution but a key business consideration that has strategic effects.

What exactly is smart charging?
Simply put, smart charging manages the timing, speed, and extent of EV charging sessions. The system ensures that the charging of EVs is managed in a way that maintains grid stability and optimizes renewable energy consumption. Stability of the grid is crucial for the EV infrastructure due to the non-storable nature of electricity, compared to traditional fuel sources used in ICE vehicles. 

In practice, smart charging can be realized through cloud-based or local solutions. These offer multiple features that can lead to impactful benefits for CPOs and Fleet Operators. 

• Dynamic load balancing: the smart charging system continually adjusts charging power levels based on the number of vehicles and the available power. This ensures that the available grid capacity at a location is never exceeded. 
• Maximizing renewable energy usage: by leveraging available renewable energy, smart charging minimizes the carbon footprint of charging operations. Additionally, by utilizing locally generated solar power for EV charging, low electricity feed-in tariffs can be avoided.  
• Prioritized charging: with smart charging features, selected vehicles can be charged faster than others, optimizing operational availability of commercial fleets. Additionally, having more fleets in use maximizes utilization of assets. 
• Lower costs of charging: by aligning charging with periods of lower demand and peaks of renewable energy generation, high peak tariffs and low feed-in tariffs are avoided. This significantly lowers energy bills.  

The Edge difference
To realize these benefits for CPOs and Fleet Operators, Last Mile Solutions has developed a local smart charging solution, Edge.  

It is a dynamic load balancing solution designed to cater to the complexities of modern EV charging requirements. With over a decade of experience, Edge provides a seamless integration with Last Mile Solutions’ charging management platform, offering asset management, insights, and smart charging in one package. 

Why choose Edge? 

• Edge’s robust platform is charging hardware agnostic, meaning it works with a variety of charging station brands. Its capability to work with complex hardware setups and support different station brands and models at the same time sets it apart from other available solutions. 
• Edge excels in energy utilization, dynamically adjusting loads in response to available power and prioritizing solar energy consumption to reduce excess feed into the grid.  
• As it is a local solution, its quick response rates ensure reliable operations even in the absence of an internet connection. 

Real-world applications
The effectiveness of Edge’s smart charging solutions is evident as customers have benefitted from its impact, adaptability, and benefits for years. For example, a major global logistics company faced challenges when expanding its charging infrastructure due to compatibility issues with their existing load balancing solution. By integrating Edge, the company managed to control both the existing and newly installed charge stations. This upgrade allowed them to support at least 40 additional vehicles without necessitating a grid capacity upgrade.

Additionally, with Edge, a.s.r. office in Utrecht connected over 200 charge points and incorporated a 1MWp solar installation into the charging management, catering to complex grids and multi-level capacity constraints. 

Smart charging is more than a device
Smart charging is more than an innovative feature – it is the building block of future EV charging operations. Through smart charging and Edge, CPOs and Fleet Operators can experience reduced costs, enhanced grid reliability, and increased sustainable energy usage.

Want to learn more about how Edge can benefit your business and operations?
Send a message to sales@lastmilesolutions.com.