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Top Car Charging Points Near Me: A Complete Guide

Electric vehicle charging technology is changing so rapidly that keeping an eye on the future of EV charging has become as vital as the vehicles themselves. Large-scale EV adoption depends not only on accessible charging but also on technologically advanced charging.

Even with access to home charging, EV owners have to rely on public charging as well. It has been observed in US & China that as EV adoption increases, use of public charging stations grows exponentially.

Now lets have a look at some of the innovations & trends in the field of EV charging to look out for:

Green Charging:

As EV adoption increases in India, significant efforts will be made to integrate clean, renewable energy to power the EV charging infrastructure. The use of renewable energy will help in drastically reducing the carbon footprint of vehicles.

Wireless EV Charging:

Just like smartphones adopted wireless charging technology, electric vehicles are next in line. By deploying electromagnetic induction coils on roads & receivers underneath EVs, it is now possible to charge the EV without using a physical connection. It clears the road to charge the EV while it is being driven. Pilot programs around the world have shown the potential for the same by deploying coils under a segment of road that charge EVs that drive on top. This has tremendous potential for keeping EVs on road for much longer before they have to be stopped for recharging.

EV Roaming:

Multiple EV charging apps, memberships, RFID cards are a source of inconvenience to a lot of electric car owners. EV roaming attempts to solve this issue. With roaming, EV charging networks can communicate with each other and allow EV owners subscribed with one charging network to charge at another network in the same way mobile phone network roaming allows you to use your phone on different networks. EV roaming functionality has two execution paths:

Direct agreements between EV charging networks.

Universal adoption of the open charge point interface (OCPI). OCPI allows hardware & software of different charging networks to communicate & allow automated transactions between networks without pre-existing agreements.

Smart Charging:

Widespread adoption of smart charging approach, such as off-peak charging, green energy integration, etc will help optimize the use of energy resources, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and make EV charging more affordable. Smart charging will also make the power grid more efficient and integrate clean energy thereby increasing ecological benefits.

Kerbside (or Curbside) Charging:

There are many factors that shape the need for EV charging infrastructure and the type of charging infrastructure.

Kerbside pole-mounted EV chargers are more compact than large EV charging stations set-up at off-street parking areas. Curbside charging will substantially increase the number of locations where EV users can charge their vehicles. Mounting EV chargers on existing poles can save on installation costs. This type of EV charging is an upcoming arena for EV charger manufacturers & charge point operators (CPOs). Curbside chargers are less expensive that regular public EV charging stations as it saves up on real estate, hardware & installation costs.

Megawatt Charging:

The main aim of fast EV charging is to minimize vehicle downtime. At present, DC charging technology allows EVs to charge rapidly in around 15-45 minutes. Unfortunately, this isn’t fast enough when it comes to medium & heavy-duty EVs. Longer charging times & vehicle downtimes are big barriers to electric truck adoption. Currently, a long-haul electric truck takes around 4 hours while charging at today’s high-capacity DC EV charging stations.

But there is a solution to this. And it is known as Megawatt Charging System (MCS). Megawatt charging is the future of EV charging for heavy-duty EVs. It allows large commercial electric trucks to charge up to 80% in just a few minutes!

Conclusion:

India is in the early stages of building a robust EV charging station network, and while it may take years to fully develop, we're on the right track. Just as fuel stations are found in every nook and cranny and along highways, soon you'll see EV charging stations proliferating rapidly. Charging network operators are working hard to find ideal locations to help EV users alleviate range anxiety while keeping their stations occupied to stay in business. They strategically set up stations based on user behavior, including the time spent and the purpose of visits. Using these insights, they establish stations with either DC or AC chargers, or a combination of both, to ensure EV users have the best options available.

At EVJoints, we've outlined the different types of places where you can expect to find charging stations and how to make the most of them by choosing between AC and DC chargers.

Restaurants at Highways: These are ideal for long trips. Use them as a meal stop or a break from driving. We recommend opting for DC charging, as you may not stay at the restaurants for more than an hour; you can quickly charge your EV while enjoying a meal. Charging station networks like Statiq, Charge Zone, and Relux have strategically set up stations at highway restaurants and dhabas.

Shopping Malls: If you're planning a dinner and shopping trip, use an AC charger. For just shopping, opt for DC charging; and for a movie, AC is ideal. Jio-BP Pulse leads the way in installing stations at malls across India, with contributions from Glida and Zeon as well.

Fuel Stations: Some EV chargers are located at fuel stations on highways, which are handy for long trips when you're running low on battery. If facilities like clean bathrooms or coffee shops are available, that's a bonus. Choose DC charging, as you won't have much to do while waiting. Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum, and Shell Recharge leverage their existing fuel station infrastructure to set up EV chargers.

Resorts & Hotels: These setups, known as destination charging, are installed at resorts, hotels, and inns where you might stay overnight. Charging facilities are increasingly promoted as a key amenity, so AC charging overnight is a great option. CPOs like Zeon, Charge Zone, Tata, and Statiq partner with various hotel and resort networks to provide charging stations for EV users.

Metro Stations: In cities with extensive metro networks, such as Delhi, you'll find charging stations in parking areas. Commuters using the metro often choose AC charging, as their EVs can charge while they're away. Passersby typically prefer DC charging for a quick stop. Providers like Power Bank, BluCharge, and Jio-BP Pulse have strategically set up stations at metro station parking areas.

Airports: If you're picking someone up from the airport, use DC charging while you wait. For day trips, leaving your car at the airport parking lot and using AC charging ensures it's fully charged when you return. Jio-BP Pulse, Zeon, and Glida are collaborating with airports to set up stations.

Service Centers and Car Dealerships: Most EV service centers and showrooms have charging setups, offering both AC and DC charging. Customers visiting nearby can charge depending on how long they intend to stay. Service centers often use AC charging for EVs undergoing maintenance or repair. Brands like Tata, MG, Mahindra, Ather, and Ola ensure their dealerships and service centers have compatible stations for their EVs.

Residential Areas: Some builders have started allocating space for charging stations, and established residential complexes are already equipped. Some even open their stations to outsiders. Residents should opt for AC charging, while guests might choose DC charging. Operators like Tata, Volttic, GoEgo, and NikolEV are actively powering up residential complexes.

Workplaces: Some corporate offices and business parks are now offering charging facilities. Employees can use AC chargers since they'll be at work all day, while visitors can opt for DC charging to juice up their EVs during meetings. Glida is a prime example of setting up stations at business parks and corporate buildings.

In conclusion, the strategic placement of EV charging stations in various locations is key to alleviating range anxiety and ensuring convenience for EV users. By understanding where these stations are located and how to use them effectively, you can optimize your charging strategy to save time and maintain your battery's health. As the EV charging infrastructure continues to expand, staying informed and planning your charging stops will become even more seamless. Remember, each charging location serves a purpose, and knowing how to utilize these options will enhance your overall EV experience. Happy charging!

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Site link: https://evjoints.com/

Contact Details:

Name: Charles Nadar, Founder

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 9321283380

About the author:

Charles Nadar, the founder of EVJoints, dedicated his career to the EV industry after spending over 17 years in the BFSI sector. He left his position as Head of Marketing at Motilal Oswal in June 2022 to focus on promoting the adoption of EVs. Since then, he has been committed to assisting emerging CPOs in maximizing the utilization of their stations, providing a seamless EV charging experience for users. His mission is to interconnect the EV charging ecosystem, making it more convenient for EV users to charge their vehicles and enabling CPOs to reach a broader audience. This increased visibility leads to higher traffic and ultimately, increased revenue.

About EVJoints:

EVJoints aggregates charging stations, creating an interconnected charging ecosystem. We eliminate the need for installing multiple charging apps from various station owners, streamlining the process of charging electric vehicles (EVs) and managing wallet balances across platforms. Our unified app not only helps EV users embark on worry-free, longer trips but also benefits charging station owners by increasing station utilization and simplifying management.

By prioritizing accessibility and convenience, EVJoints actively contributes to the growth and adoption of electric vehicles, playing a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable transportation future.

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Charles Nadar

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 Charging Station Finder - Locate EV Charging Stations Easily | EV Joints

Introduction

In the bustling streets, a new kind of vehicle is making its presence felt - the EV. As you navigate through the traffic, you might wonder, does an EV have an engine like a traditional car? The answer is no. Instead of an engine, EVs have an electric motor.

The Heart of an EV: The Electric Motor

Just like the heart pumps blood throughout our body, the electric motor is the heart of an EV. It’s this motor that propels the vehicle forward. But unlike a traditional car engine that runs on petrol or diesel, an electric motor runs on electricity stored in a large battery.

Powering the Electric Motor: The Battery

Think of the battery as a large reservoir of energy, just like a dam. When electricity is needed, it’s drawn from this reservoir to power the motor. This is similar to how water is released from a dam to generate electricity. This concept of storing and releasing energy is also central to the EV Battery Swapping Revolution.

The Indian EV Landscape

In India, the EV industry is still in its nascent stages, accounting for less than 8% of total vehicle sales. However, the government has implemented several schemes and incentives to promote electric mobility. Despite the challenges, such as a lack of charging infrastructure and high initial costs, there’s a growing interest in EVs among Indian consumers. In fact, some states are leading the way in EV Adoption in India.

The Silent Revolution

One of the unique features of EVs is their silent operation. Since there’s no engine under the hood, there’s no noise. The electric motor functions so silently that you need to peek into your instrument panel to check if it’s on. This is a stark contrast to the noisy engines of traditional vehicles. This silence is part of the appeal of EVs, and it’s one of the reasons why investing in the EV Industry can be a smart move.

Conclusion

The Significance of Charging Point Operators in Building Robust EV Charging Networks

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in India, with the Government setting a target of 30% compounded growth by 2030. As of January 23, 2023, there were 5,254 public EV charging stations in India to cater to the growing number of EVs on the roads. This means that for every 393 electric vehicles in the country, there is one public charging station. Although the growth of the EV market in India has been impressive, there is still a long way to go in terms of building a robust charging infrastructure to support the increasing number of EVs on the roads.

Role of Charging Point Operators (CPOs): The growth of the EV charging infrastructure in India wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Charging Point Operators (CPOs). These are companies or brands that own and operate EV charging station networks, providing services to EV drivers who need to charge their electric vehicles. CPOs play a crucial role in the EV charging infrastructure as they are responsible for installing, managing, and maintaining charging stations across various locations. Their charging stations are mostly powered by DC chargers instead of AC chargers, as it is not feasible to use AC chargers in public charging stations due to their slow charging speed. AC chargers are typically installed at individual homes, where car owners can leave their vehicle to charge overnight.

Working with Stakeholders: CPOs work closely with EV manufacturers, property owners, local governments, and other stakeholders to identify suitable locations for charging stations and negotiate contracts for their installation. They also handle the back-end operations of charging stations, including payment processing, customer support, and station maintenance, ensuring that charging stations are always functional and accessible to EV drivers.

Mobile App-based EV Charging Stations: As the charging stations are self-operated, every CPO builds its mobile app that EV owners can install to initiate charging on their own. The CPOs’ mobile apps make it easy for EV owners to locate the nearest charging station and pay for charging services. These apps also provide real-time information about the availability of charging stations and the estimated time it will take to charge an EV.

Serious players in the Charging Infrastructure: In India, there are many serious players in the EV charging infrastructure field, such as Tata Power, Jio-BP, ABB, Delta Electronics, Statiq, Charzer, and Charge Zone. These players have their networks of charging stations built in collaboration with places like housing societies, malls, highways, public parking areas, etc. They also have the franchisee model to collaborate with local businessmen. Interestingly, every CPO has its own niche, such as Kazam, which endeavors to build infrastructure using small shop owners who have some space in front of their shops, and Charzer, a Bangalore-based start-up that has partnered with a comprehensive society management system to build charging infrastructure in gated societies.