Monday to Friday
9am - 12.30pm - 2pm - 7pm
Understanding intelligent recharging
What is intelligent charging?
Intelligent recharging is a technological system designed to optimise the use of electrical energy when recharging electric vehicles. The system is based on interaction between the vehicle, the charger and the electricity network, enabling the vehicle to be recharged at the same time as the charger. battery more efficiently and cost-effectively.
At the heart of intelligent charging is real-time communication between the charger and the electricity grid. Thanks to this connection, the charger can adjust the charging process according to fluctuations in electricity tariffs and the availability of renewable energy. For example, smart chargers are able to delay charging until periods when electricity is cheaper and renewable sources more abundant, typically during night-time off-peak hours. This mechanism not only reduces the user's energy bill, but also helps to balance overall demand on the grid, reducing pressure during peak consumption periods.
In addition, intelligent charging involves interaction with the electric vehicle itself. The electric car communicates its battery level and energy requirements to the charging station, which then adjusts the charge accordingly. This level of customisation ensures that the vehicle is always ready according to the user's needs, while maximising energy efficiency.
What are the advantages of intelligent recharging?
Intelligent recharging of electric vehicles offers multiple benefits at different levels, both for consumers and for the overall electricity system.
Savings
Smart charging optimises energy costs by charging electric vehicles during off-peak hours, when electricity tariffs are lower. This strategy can lead to a significant reduction in energy bills, with annual savings of up to up to €1,000 for drivers travelling long distances. In addition, the use of smart chargers can reduce charging costs by up to 40 % by exploiting variable electricity tariffs. In addition, by reducing charging during peak periods, it avoids network overloads, which can also prevent additional costs associated with high energy demand.
The practical side
Smart charging systems are extremely easy to use. They allow users to programme charging according to their own schedules and ensure that the vehicle is charged just in time for its intended use, with no manual intervention required after initial configuration.
Environmental benefits
By shifting charging to times when renewable energy production is higher, smart charging contributes directly to reducing carbon emissions. This supports the use of cleaner energies such as solar or wind power during periods when they are more abundant and less costly, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.carbon footprint of electric vehicles.
Stability of the electricity network
Smart charging plays a crucial role in stabilising the electricity grid by distributing demand more evenly. By avoiding peaks in consumption, it helps to maintain a stable flow of energy and reduces the risk of overloads that might otherwise require costly investment in additional infrastructure.
Optimising the use of renewable energies
The adaptability of smart charging increases the integration of renewable energies into the grid by scheduling vehicle charging during periods when green energy production is optimal. This not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also supports the development of renewable energies by increasing their profitability and efficiency.
Also read → Smart charging: what is it?
How can I save money with off-peak rates?
Off-peak rates: what are they?
Off-peak tariffs are an attractive tariff offer for electric vehicle owners in France, enabling them to benefit from reduced charging costs during periods of low energy demand. These rates are particularly attractive during the summer, when energy-hungry appliances are in high use.
In France, scheduling charging during off-peak hours is made easier by intelligent systems built into vehicles or available via dedicated applications, which can automatically start charging when the lowest tariffs are in force.
There are two types of off-peak times for recharging electric cars in France:
- from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- from 12 noon to 2 p.m.The price may vary according to region and supplier
How can I take advantage of off-peak rates?
Taking full advantage of off-peak tariffs for charging your electric vehicle requires a few key steps, including installing smart meters and subscribing to suitable tariff plans.
Step 1: Check eligibility and sign up for an off-peak tariff
Start by contacting your electricity supplier to check whether you are eligible for off-peak tariffs. These tariffs are particularly advantageous during periods of low consumption, usually at night. Subscribing to a specific tariff plan for electric vehicles may also offer additional reductions during these hours.
Step 2: Installing a smart meter
Installing a smart meter is essential for accurately tracking your electricity consumption and taking full advantage of off-peak tariffs. These devices allow you to view your consumption in real time and adjust your habits to maximise savings. Many suppliers offer to install these meters, often at a reduced cost or at no extra charge for customers subscribing to certain tariff plans.
Step 3: Schedule your vehicle to charge
Use the automatic programming of your charging point or your vehicle to take advantage of off-peak times. Most modern electric vehicles and intelligent charging systems allow you to programme the start time of charging to take advantage of reduced rates without manual intervention.
Step 4: Monitor and adjust your consumption
Regularly monitor your energy consumption via the smart meter to adjust your habits if necessary. This can include changing your recharging times to reflect changes in tariffs or seasonal changes in off-peak times.
Step 5: Evaluate the savings and adjust the plan if necessary
After a few months, assess the savings achieved thanks to these adjustments. If the savings are not as significant as expected, talk to your supplier to explore other options or plan adjustments that may better suit your usage.
So not only can you reduce your energy bill, you can also contribute to more sustainable energy management, by aligning your consumption with periods of lower demand on the electricity grid.
Also read → Optimising electric car charging at home
What infrastructure and accessories are needed?
Installing smart charging stations
Intelligent recharging stations not only offer faster recharging, but also include intelligent functions that enable recharging to be managed efficiently and economically. There are three types:
- Level 1 charging stationsThey are supplied with the vehicle and require no installation.
- Level 2 charging stationsBecause they use a higher voltage (240 V), they need to be installed by a professional. They offer much faster recharging and are ideal for home and business use.
- Fast direct current (DC) charging points, Mainly used in public charging stations, these terminals provide ultra-fast recharging.
Good to know
Before installing a Level 2 or DC terminal, an assessment by a qualified electrician is required to ensure that your home or workplace electrical system can safely handle the additional load.
Depending on your location, permits may be required before installing a charging station. Beev recommends that you check the regulations in force and ensure that the installation complies with safety standards.
Finally, the location of the charging point must be easily accessible for the vehicle and close to a power supply. For home installations, a garage or driveway are typical locations. To take full advantage of the intelligent features, a Wi-Fi or other form of Internet connectivity is often required. This allows charging to be controlled via various accessories, as described below.
Accessories and complementary technologies
To optimise the use of charging stations For electric vehicles, various accessories and complementary technologies are essential. These tools enable more efficient management of recharging and better monitoring of electricity consumption.
|
Smart meters
|
- allow users to monitor their electricity consumption.
- They also facilitate access to dynamic tariffs.
|
|
|
Mobile charging management applications (ChargePoint or PlugShare)
|
- offer users the possibility of controlling and programming their vehicle's charging remotely.
- can show the current charging status and consumption history, and even locate available public charging points.
|
|
|
Home energy management systems
|
- can be used to connect and control several household appliances, including charging points for electric vehicles.
- optimise energy consumption in the home by automatically adjusting the load according to energy needs and current tariffs
|
|
|
Connectivity kits for charging stations
|
- allow remote management via mobile applications, and include Wi-Fi or GSM modules to connect the bollard to the internet and make it compatible with energy management applications.
|
|
|
Integration with solar panels
|
- allows users to charge their vehicles with locally-generated renewable energy. This reduces dependence on grid energy, minimises energy costs and supports sustainable development initiatives.
|
Conclusion
By adopting smart charging and exploiting off-peak tariffs, electric vehicle owners can make significant savings while minimising their environmental impact. The installation of technologies such as smart meters and appropriate charging points, combined with the use of energy management applications, means that energy consumption can be synchronised with the most economical periods. In this way, these practices contribute to more sustainable and cost-effective energy management, in line with wider environmental objectives.
