Table of Contents

Introduction

 We are in the era of sustainable mobility, the electrification of transport is an unstoppable trend, that is, we see more and more electric vehicles in our daily lives.

This is a slow-moving development, since, for example, in Spain only 1% of vehicles are electric. There is still a long way to go to achieve certain goals, but it is true that little by little ground is being gained on the streets around the world where we find these silent vehicles.

There are many companies responsible for creating and maintaining the network of electric chargers in Spain to serve the growing fleet of electric vehicles in Spain.

As has happened in other sectors, there is a need to efficiently manage this new fleet of electric chargers in Spain. From commissioning to updating and maintenance, to managing payments and assistance in case of breakdowns, etc., this can be done optimally if combined with remote connectivity thanks to 4G or 5G mobile technology.

In this article, we will explore how the convergence of these technologies is contributing to the electric mobility landscape and the management of Electric Chargers in Spain.

Electric charging stations: Electric charger gas stations

Just as the existence of a gas station network is essential for the operation of traditional vehicles, a network of electric chargers or Electrolineras is equally important, which facilitates and makes viable the advancement of the expansion of electric vehicles in Spain.

According to specialist magazines, at the end of 2023, there were around 28,000 electric car charging points in Spain, we are talking about those for public use. 25% more than in 2022 with around 22,000. Of these, 1 in 5 are fast, the rest are slow charging.

There are a wide variety of electric vehicle charger manufacturers installed in Spain, all of them with highly advanced technology thanks to the combination of disciplines such as Electricity, Electronics, Telecommunications and IT.

This allows easy handling for the end user, and real-time remote control for both operators and owners of the chargers.

An example is the Czech company OlifeEnergy , which combines the experience of its professionals with the DNA of a country that is the cradle of electronic design in Europe.

OlifeEnergy has a collection of chargers for electric vehicles that ranges from Wallbox models (for wall installation) to pedestals for outdoor installation.

The Importance of 4G 5G Connectivity at Electric Charging Stations 

4G connectivity has revolutionised the way we communicate and access information. But its usefulness is not limited to our mobile devices. By integrating with industrial systems and other devices such as traffic lights, lifts, vending machines, etc., the experience of both the user and those who manage and maintain these infrastructures is improved and optimised.

In the case of electric chargers, the 4G 5G connection opens up a wide range of possibilities, allowing, among others, the optimization of Operations and Maintenance processes.

Benefits of 4G Connection in Electric Chargers 

Remote Monitoring : 4G connectivity allows for remote monitoring and management of electric chargers. Operators can monitor the status of chargers, efficiently detect and resolve problems, and optimize charging infrastructure based on demand.

Real-Time Updates : Electric chargers can receive real-time software updates, ensuring optimal performance and the incorporation of new features and safety improvements.

Integrated Electronic Payment : 4G facilitates the implementation of electronic payment systems integrated into electric chargers. Users can pay for the charging service conveniently through mobile applications or credit cards, quickly and safely.

Grid Optimization : By analyzing real-time data, operators can optimize electrical load distribution, avoiding grid congestion and ensuring equitable energy distribution.

Technical assistance in the event of an incident : In the event of a breakdown, the operator is able to respond immediately and in real time to any incident, from restarting devices to blocking or resetting triggers.

Customer service : in the case of unattended charging stations, there is also a communication button with the operations centre to request help or report breakdowns.

Conclusion 

The combination of electric chargers with 4G connectivity represents a significant step towards optimising the operations and maintenance services of a growing fleet of electric charging stations and their electric vehicle chargers in Spain.

More sustainable, efficient and connected mobility thanks to 5G. A technological convergence that benefits users of electric vehicles and companies that install and maintain electric vehicle charging stations.