How Smart EV Charging can Reshape Urban Landscapes

The UK's journey towards net-zero emissions is accelerating, with electric vehicles (EVs) becoming a more common sight on our roads as time goes on. Yet, the infrastructure to support this electric mobility is still constantly evolving. As manufacturers of EV chargers and enablers of electric mobility, we’re always thinking about new ways to redefine how we think about EV charging and urban design.

In the latest step in our journey, we unveiled our newest EV charger earlier this month, the io8. Like its sister products, the io8 embodies the idea that EV charging can seamlessly integrate into and enhance our built environment. Let’s take a closer look at what smart EV charging solutions like the io8 can offer, as well as the benefits they bring:

The Evolution of EV Charging

EV charging infrastructure has come a long way since the early days of EVs. What started as simple power outlets in a garage has evolved into a network of smart, connected charging stations that do more than just supply electricity.

Beyond just powering vehicles, modern EV chargers are becoming important parts of smart city infrastructure. They're equipped with features like real-time data communication, load management, and even integration with renewable energy sources. This push towards electric mobility is turning EV chargers into hubs of energy management, playing a crucial role in balancing the electrical grid and optimising energy use across urban areas.

The latest charging solutions are also designed with user experience in mind. Mobile apps let drivers locate available chargers, reserve charging slots, and pay seamlessly. At Ratio EV, we offer two solutions that complement our charger installations; the ‘Ratio App’, as well as the flexible back office system, ‘Ratio for Business’.

Lighting the Way to Sustainable Transport

One of the most visible ways smart EV charging is reshaping urban landscapes is through integrated lighting solutions. Well-designed charging stations with built-in lighting like the io7 and io8 offered by Ratio EV serve multiple purposes:

1. Safety and Security: Well-lit charging areas provide a sense of security for users, especially during nighttime hours.
2. Visibility and Accessibility: Lighting helps drivers locate charging stations easily, even from a distance.
3. Urban Aesthetics: Thoughtfully designed charging points with integrated lighting can enhance the visual appeal of urban areas, turning utilitarian spaces into attractive places.
4. Energy Efficiency: By combining charging and lighting functions, these solutions can potentially reduce overall energy consumption compared to separate systems.

EV charging and lighting (more specifically, ambient lighting) are two solutions that aren’t commonly offered in a single comprehensive package. Our new io8 specifically incorporates ambient lighting into its design, demonstrating how charging infrastructure can elevate urban environments from an aesthetics standpoint.

Pushing the Boundaries of EV Infrastructure

Smart EV charging is about more than just powering cars; it's about reimagining how the built environment can function. Advanced charging solutions are capable of bidirectional charging, allowing EVs to act as mobile power banks. This vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology could transform parked cars into valuable assets for grid stabilisation, especially during peak demand periods.

This integration of EV charging with wider urban systems opens up exciting possibilities. Imagine a city where EV charging points are seamlessly integrated with public transport hubs, allowing for efficient multimodal transportation. Or consider the potential of using EV batteries as a distributed energy storage network, helping to smooth out the intermittency of renewable energy sources and increase grid resilience.

Recent advancements in charging technology are making these scenarios more feasible. For example, Ratio EV chargers offer flexible configuration options to suit varying power availability and internet connectivity, making them adaptable to different urban environments. They also support advanced load management capabilities through Sense hardware, which is crucial for protecting electrical installations and building infrastructure as EV adoption increases.

Contributing to Business Sustainability

For businesses, installing EV chargers can be a significant step in their sustainability journey. Smart charging solutions offer businesses the flexibility to manage their energy use efficiently, potentially reducing costs and carbon footprint. They can also attract environmentally conscious customers and employees, enhancing the company's sustainability credentials.

Some of the latest chargers are designed with this in mind, especially those by Ratio EV, offering features like OCPP 1.6 compliance for easy integration with back-office systems, and multiple payment options to enhance user convenience. These features make it easier for businesses to manage and monetise their charging infrastructure effectively.

The Future is Bright (and Electric)

As we look ahead, it's clear that EV charging infrastructure will need to evolve beyond mere functionality. Solutions that combine practical charging capabilities with thoughtful design and additional features are likely to become the new standard.

By reimagining EV chargers as multifunctional urban fixtures, we're not just preparing for a future with more EVs - we're creating smarter, more efficient, and more appealing urban spaces for businesses and the general public.

The transition to widespread EV adoption and electric mobility is a complex journey, involving changes in technology, infrastructure, and behaviour. As more businesses and urban planners create and embrace innovative solutions, we can look forward to a bright future for our sector.

Interested in learning more about how Ratio EV is pushing electric mobility forward? Get in touch to find out more.