Welcome to the latest edition of Inside EV Charging, the go-to resource for charge point operators, bringing you the latest news and trends across the EV charging sector that matter to you.
April marked a pivotal moment for the EV industry as the AFIR regulations went into effect. These regulations set forth stringent guidelines aimed at enhancing Europe’s charging infrastructure. It includes provisions for EV charging payments, pricing, smart charging capabilities, and detailed data sharing and reporting capabilities.
In conjunction, the European Union is stepping up its support with the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), with a new tender with a €1 billion budget for 2024-2025 to further decarbonize transport by developing infrastructure for alternative fuels.
This issue also delves into recent findings from the IEA’s Global EV Outlook, highlighting a surge in EV sales and public charging points, which underscores the urgency for advancements in EV infrastructure to support this rapid growth.
In the EV charging 101 section, we explore multiple ad hoc charging options available to CPOs with AMPECO’s platform. Additionally, we tackle the critical aspects of managing home-charging reimbursements—an essential for efficient fleet operations.
As our team continues to criss-cross the globe attending, speaking and exhibiting at the industry’s biggest events- we invite you to join us!
I will be happy to hear from you with feedback and ideas on what topics to include in future newsletters that you are interested in. You can reply to this email or write me at baycho.georgiev@ampeco.com. Also, feel free to send me a DM on LinkedInor X.
EV Charging Report
The IEA’s Global EV Outlook report was published on April 23rd and highlights some encouraging statistics and trends for the EV charging sector,
EV sales are projected to hit 17 million units, capturing over 20% of the global car market share. This follows a record-breaking year in 2023, where nearly 14 million electric cars were sold. Markets in China, Europe, and the United States are particularly robust, with expected market shares of 45%, 25%, and over 11%, respectively, driven by competitive pricing, technological advancements, and sustained policy support.
The growth in EV sales continues to be concentrated in major markets such as China, Europe, and the United States, which collectively account for around 65% of last year's global sales. However, growth in emerging and developing economies is crucial and could potentially reshape the global EV landscape.
Investments in the EV sector continue to grow, with nearly $500 billion announced between 2022 and 2023, 40% of which has already been committed.
Public charging points increased by 40% in 2023, with a notable rise in the deployment of fast chargers, essential for supporting not only personal vehicles but also an increasing fleet of electric buses and trucks.
Google Maps rolls out AI-powered enhancements for easier EV charging search
Google Maps enhances its functionality by leveraging AI to make finding EV charging stations easier. The updates include AI-driven summaries of customer reviews, more specific directions to hard-to-find chargers in complex locations like underground parking garages, and real-time information on plug availability and charging speeds. Users are encouraged to provide feedback on their charging experience to refine the accuracy of the information. Google Maps will also integrate EV charger filters into its travel search tool to help users find accommodations with charging facilities.
Hubject launches Plug&Charge into the Asia Pacific region during EVS37 in Seoul, Korea
GDuring EVS37, Hubject launched Plug&Charge in Asia for the first time, marking a significant milestone for EV charging technology in the region. Based on the open ISO15118 standard, Plug&Charge simplifies the charging process by enabling drivers to connect and charge their vehicles instantly without the need for apps or RFID cards, using advanced EV-to-charging station authentication technology. This innovation significantly enhances the charging experience for EV drivers, encouraging the transition to EVs. AMPECO proudly partnered with Hubject for this launch, participating in daily demonstrations alongside Hubject's Asian partner companies.
EU allocates €424M to support zero-emission transport infrastructure
The European Union will fund and support 42 projects that enhance zero-emission mobility across its member states. This funding, part of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), aims to develop infrastructure for alternative fuels. This initiative will add 4,200 electric charge points, 48 hydrogen refueling stations and electrify ground handling services at 21 airports along the TEN-T network. A new tender for 2024-2025 with a €1 billion budget is now open, continuing efforts to decarbonize transport across the EU.The first deadline for applications is 24 September 2024.
Bump and Banque des Territoires launch a €100M initiative to install 10,000 chargers
This new joint venture in France plans to finance the deployment of nearly 10,000 charging points for companies transitioning to EVs. The investment company, supported by a €100 million budget, will install charging stations on company premises, with users paying only for usage. Initial clients include logistics company DPD and retail chains U and Monoprix.
Amazon becomes the largest private EV charging operator in the US
Amazon has installed over 17,000 chargers across 120 warehouses in the United States in just two years, becoming the country's largest private EV charging operator. The deployment of these chargers supports the use of electric delivery vans, notably those from Rivian, which are central to Amazon's strategy of making deliveries without tailpipe emissions.
The transformation towards a greener fleet involves considerable logistical and financial challenges. Amazon has had to adapt to varying conditions across different locations, requiring unique solutions and collaborations with power companies to meet the high electrical demands of their charging stations. This effort required significant investment in utility upgrades, which Amazon often funds to accommodate the increased power needs.
Voltpost presents curbside charging solution in the USA
Voltpost has introduced a new curbside EV charging solution by retrofitting lampposts into charging stations. These stations, which can be installed quickly within one to two hours, are designed for convenience and safety, featuring multiple charging ports and a 20-foot cable with a pulsing light for visibility. This innovation aims to make EV charging as ubiquitous as traditional lampposts, providing easy and affordable access, particularly in urban areas with limited parking options. Voltpost plans to expand these installations in major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, and Detroit.
Ad-hoc payments: 4 ways public CPOs can rely on AMPECO to comply with AFIR
The introduction of the AFIR regulation marks a pivotal shift towards standardizing the EV charging experience across Europe, emphasizing the need for easy ad-hoc payment solutions. Public charge point operators (CPOs) face the challenge of integrating these payment systems efficiently and cost-effectively. AMPECO's latest blog post delves into four innovative payment solutions that align with AFIR requirements and cater to the diverse needs of CPOs.
Employee home charging: how to improve fleet operations with effective reimbursement management
Charging at home is by far the most convenient and cheapest way to charge vehicles. By enabling home charging, fleet operators can streamline vehicle flow and energy usage, and drivers can start their day with a fully charged vehicle without wasting time charging during work hours. However, managing reimbursements for home charging can get tricky, often leading to administrative headaches and delayed payments due to clunky manual processes. That's where AMPECO's EV charging management platform steps in. Our platform cuts through the complexity by automating data management and weaving in smart charging features that allow for scheduling and cost optimization based on dynamic electricity rates.
Our team of EV charging experts would be happy to see you at the upcoming industry events. Come and talk to us, share insights, and explore collaboration opportunities.
Here's where you'll find us:
May 1-2
Join AMPECO at the EV & Charging Expo in Toronto, Canada, where we are a proud sponsor and exhibitor. This event guides organizations in their transition to EVs, offering workshops, opportunities for commercial EV test drives, and sessions on the latest technologies and funding options.
May 7-8
Experience E-CHARGE 2024 at the Bologna Exhibition Centre in Italy. This exclusive European exhibition and conference is devoted to the EV charging industry, providing deep insights into charging technologies, infrastructure, and emerging services.
May 20-23
AMPECO is excited to exhibit at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center, California. This comprehensive event delves into clean transportation solutions, highlighting innovations and exploring policies and technologies that support sustainable transport.
May 20-23
Join AMPECO in the heart of the Middle East's premier event on electric vehicles - EVIS. This gathering spotlights the future of sustainable mobility, offering a platform to discover groundbreaking advancements, network with key decision-makers, and engage in pivotal discussions. AMPECO will also be featured as a speaker - don’t miss it.
Policy Deep Dive
An Overview of Global EV Charging Regulations
The European Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) kicked in on April 13th - a pivotal moment for European CPOs. It simplifies payments, ensures clear pricing, and allows everyone equal access, regardless of their service provider. Now, drivers don't need an account with a specific EV charging service provider to charge their vehicles, making it easier to travel long distances and across European borders.
While promising, this regulation introduces new compliance demands for charge point operators. Key questions arise: How can manufacturers and CPOs guarantee seamless charging experiences across borders? What steps are necessary to ensure compliance?
To assist CPOs, our experts at AMPECO have created The Complete Guide to AFIR Compliance for CPOs, as understanding the requirements and the available solutions will be crucial for selecting the most cost-effective and timely path to compliance.
Establishing a pan-European charging network is ambitious and essential, yet it faces significant hurdles. The biggest challenge is the connection to the grid. It often takes a long time to get access and there are special technical requirements that CPOs need to fulfill. Furthermore, each country presents unique legal challenges regarding building permits and tenders and varying requirements for charger installation depending on the site location. Although AFIR sets clear targets for infrastructure rollout, the procedural enhancements to facilitate this expansion are still lacking.
Thanks for reading the Inside EV Charging Newsletter with AMPECO.
You can email us anytime at newsletter@ampeco.com to share thoughts, criticisms, opinions, or tips. We would love to hear your feedback and ideas.
Baycho Georgiev
Chief Marketing Officer at AMPECO
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