Four Pillars of EV Charging Software Design

Contributed Content from Paired Power CEO Tom McCalmont

To learn more, visit https://pairedpower.com/

While electric vehicles (EVs) have achieved near parity with their ICE counterparts in terms of reliability, speed, and everyday practicality, the charging infrastructure supporting them still has a considerable amount of ground to cover.

Numerous data points have been collected by EV industry watchers that point to EV charging infrastructure being the factor holding back the transition away from ICE vehicles. The inaugural annual reliability report from ChargerHelp found that “software consistently overestimates station uptime, point-in-time status, and the ability to successfully charge a vehicle.”

The findings showed that 10 percent of non-Tesla chargers the company inspected that were marked as online were unable to complete a test charge. Additionally, a Consumer Reports survey found that 21% of all chargers they inspected had an issue of some sort. And a 2024 survey from nonprofit Plug In America found that 68 percent of EV drivers have had an experience with a malfunctioning or broken EV charger within the previous 12 months.

While hardware faults make up a considerable number of the issues reported by drivers, the shortcomings in software cannot be denied. Whether it's an app indicating that a broken EV charger is still available or a charger’s operating system not considering the variables that can cause charging prices to spike, EV charger operators must ensure that the software operating in their networks makes charging a seamless experience.

At its core, EV charging software stack must consist of four well-integrated pillars: It needs to seamlessly integrate chargers into the grid, be a robust management solution, create a positive user experience, and provide excellent customer support.

Good EV charging software must not merely connect EV chargers to their power source but need to ensure seamless operation. Software must be designed to optimize charging to take advantage of renewable energy and to manage grid electricity to keep costs low. By intelligently coordinating charging schedules with on-site solar generation and battery storage, users can significantly reduce their energy costs and minimize their reliance on the traditional grid during periods of peak demand. And chargers must have designed-in reliability that assures they do not stop working during a reboot or over-the-air firmware update as so frequently happens.

Beyond the operational experience, the backbone of a successful EV charging network lies in its robust management software. This system needs to provide operators with real-time visibility into the status of their chargers, enabling proactive maintenance and swift issue resolution. Intelligent diagnostics and remote monitoring are crucial for identifying and correcting potential problems before they impact users.

Furthermore, the software should facilitate efficient energy management across the network, optimize load balancing, and provide valuable data analytics on usage patterns, enabling informed decisions about network expansion and resource allocation.

Third, the driver's experience with the charging infrastructure cannot be overlooked. Like gasoline pumps, EV chargers must be intuitive and easy to use, work every time, and facilitate simple and straightforward payments. Good software design prioritizes ease of use, from locating available chargers to initiating and completing a charging session. This includes clear and intuitive mobile applications with real-time availability information, seamless payment integration across different networks, and reliable communication with the charger itself. Minimizing friction points, such as confusing interfaces, unreliable payment systems, and unclear charging status updates, is crucial for building driver confidence and encouraging EV adoption.

Finally, addressing the industry's well-documented reliability concerns requires more than just functional hardware. It demands excellent support systems that are readily available, responsive, and effective in resolving issues. Drivers should be able to contact live support with a single click from the charging station. Software plays a vital role in facilitating this support by providing clear channels for users to report problems, offering real-time troubleshooting guidance, and enabling remote diagnostics for operators. One-click and live photo communication about charger status, maintenance schedules, and issue resolution progress is essential for building trust and ensuring a positive user experience, even when challenges occur.

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