charge management software
Four reasons to choose tech-agnostic EV charge management software
As fleets electrify and scale over time, tech-agnostic software is important for future-proofing
Summary:
- EV adoption is growing, however many fleets are electrifying in phases
- Many automakers are offering packages so fleets will use vehicles, software, and charging infrastructure all from one brand
- By adopting tech-agnostic solutions rather than one brand for all, fleets can electrify in phases and use the best vehicles, infrastructure, and software available to them in the future
EV adoption is accelerating among fleets, with many fleet operators electrifying in phases. Fleets will add different vehicle models, weight classes, and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) types over time, reflecting new market offerings and evolving fleet needs, leading to the use of a mixed technology fleet.
Without the right tools to operate a mixed fleet, operators may experience challenges. In particular, charger hardware that only connects with specific software can limit fleets’ ability to use the right tools for them and collect necessary data. To scale over time, fleets need interoperable solutions that work with all of their tech—charge management systems that connect with any vehicle, charger, or energy source.
As electrification advances, some automakers are acquiring software providers to offer a closed platform–a suite of vehicle, software, and EVSE that must all be of the same brand to work together. Few fleets can be adequately served by a single platform, as they need access to every option, starting with software solutions that are hardware-, vehicle-, and charger-agnostic.
Here are four ways that going tech-agnostic benefits fleets:
1. Reducing disruptions and keeping your options open
Choosing closed platforms means that a fleet’s EV transition is subject to the constraints of the charging network provider. Supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19, for example, impacted EV charging companies and major automakers alike. Similarly, vendors and suppliers can change product development or support policies, pushing fleet operators toward expensive and unplanned upgrades. Opting for a tech-agnostic approach instead keeps your options open, potentially reducing such disruptions.
2. Improving the EV charging experience, even when stations go down
Electrification is a paradigm shift for fleets, so convenience and reliability are critical for user acceptance. Siloed software adds complexity to a transition that will surely hit some snags, like malfunctioning chargers. And while EVs sit idle, operators face the hassle of wrangling multiple warranties, support services, and data systems.
Technology-agnostic software platforms that prioritize integrations can provide a transparent view of fleet operations, making it possible to quickly identify and remedy hardware issues, regardless of brand or model. Our charge management system, Omega, is able to integrate with any vehicle, charger, or energy source, and send critical alerts to fleets in real-time.
3. Future-proofing your electrification strategy
We’re still beginning the electrification journey, and new models and vendors will enter the market as costs fall due to economies of scale. A great price for today’s technology—with strings attached—may cost more in the long term if it limits flexibility to shop around and take advantage of the latest upgrades.
Our work with Manhattan Beer Distributors demonstrates the benefits of a tech-agnostic managed charging approach. When we implemented our Omega charge management software, Manhattan Beer grew the number of EVs in its mixed fleet and is estimated to have saved over $44,000 in 2023 with managed charging. Omega integrated with the mix of equipment in their fleet, optimizing charging sessions when energy costs are lower and ensuring their fleet doesn’t charge beyond the site’s load capacity.
4. Meeting sustainability goals faster
Meeting ambitious sustainability commitments and strict regulatory requirements can be challenging. Tech-agnostic solutions mean that fleets can pursue multiple paths toward decarbonization. This includes different vehicles and charging technologies, but increasingly, different energy sources.
New technologies can integrate distributed renewable energy generation, microgrids, on-site energy storage, and more, making it possible for fleets to charge with zero-carbon electricity sources like solar. Proprietary charging technologies are typically designed only to pull electricity from the grid, meaning fleets are unable to make use of zero-carbon energy sources for sustainability goals or cost savings.
Inclusivity and integrations are the way forward
By adopting tech-agnostic solutions, fleets can help create a market ecosystem that supports their sustainability and business goals. Insisting on interoperability will encourage software providers, manufacturers, and charging networks to differentiate their offerings based on convenience, price, features, and customer service, not network exclusivity. Industry leaders like Hertz are already moving in this direction, and the rest of the EV industry will be soon to follow.
Go further
Learn more about Omega charge management software
Our charge management software, Omega, integrates with any EV, charger, telematics, or fleet management tool. Tech-agnostic, Omega allows you to easily add any new technology in the future as your fleet expands, and needs change.
Date
7 June 2024
author
Joanna Edwards
Senior Product Marketing Manager
bp pulse fleet
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