Smart EV Scheduling - Ensuring Fair Access for Daily Commuters
As EV adoption accelerates, workplace charging has become a critical need. However, "charger hogging" and range anxiety remain significant hurdles for daily commuters. The FLOW project recently tackled these challenges head-on by launching a smart EV charging testbed at Maynooth University in Ireland.
Deliverable D6.4 “Efficient management of EVSE in shared parking premises”
The web-based FLOW app introduces an innovative scheduling feature to make shared charging fair, predictable, and stress-free. It was tested among campus staff and students to reserve charging times in advance, ensuring guaranteed access and a fair rotation among all users. When drivers arrive, they simply scan a QR code at the station to verify their booking and activate their contactless charging session. This smart management system not only maximizes the daily use of available chargers but also provides the reliability needed to significantly reduce range anxiety, encouraging more drivers to confidently make the switch to electric.
Key Takeaways:
- Eliminating "Charger Hogging": A new slot-based booking system allows users to reserve charging times in advance, guaranteeing access and enforcing fair, continuous turnover of shared campus chargers.
- Seamless Contactless Access: Physical access to the chargers is secured via a simple QR-code scan, ensuring that only the authorized user can activate a charging session during their specifically reserved time slot.
- Smart Notifications: The platform integrates with messaging apps (like Telegram) to send automated booking reminders and facilitate interactive "vacate requests," helping users seamlessly coordinate spot swapping.
- Driving EV Adoption: By providing highly reliable and predictable workplace charging, the system directly tackles range anxiety, making electric vehicles a much more attractive option for daily commuters