Electric Miles - Experts & Thought Leaders

Vestel’s UK EV charger division has formed a strategic partnership with dedicated EV software provider, Electric Miles. The move sees end-user - Electric Miles EV charger control software integrated with Vestel chargers and enables Vestel to offer a whole ecosystem of effective charger control and management options to its installers, fleet customers, and charge point operators. Remote charger management Electric Miles brings to the table a suite of cutting-edge solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses transitioning to electric mobility. The suite includes, Electric Miles the driver app, bringing to the table all EV tariff integration The suite includes, Electric Miles the driver app, bringing to the table all EV tariff integration along with full solar capabilities, Installer Miles, easy to use commissioning app designed for Installers, and Admin Miles, aimed at operations and fleet managers, as well as teams supporting multiple charge points and customers that also require remote charger management. Ali Khan, Head of e-Mobility at Vestel, comments: "We are excited to partner with Electric Miles to deliver innovative EV charger software and apps for our entire Vestel EV charger customer portfolio from residential end users to fleet operators and CPOs. Together, we are committed to driving the adoption of electric mobility by offering affordable, efficient, sustainable, and user-centric charging solutions." EV charging software and control Arun Anand, CEO of Electric Miles, said, "Partnering with Vestel, one of Europe’s largest EV charger manufacturers, further establishes Electric Miles as the UK pioneer in EV charging software and control." He adds, "As EV numbers increase, there is a growing need for software that can automatically time shift EV electricity demand to protect the grid and minimize customer energy costs, as well as offering flexible charger management and reporting for commercial users. We are looking forward to working with Vestel to embed these solutions across its EV charger portfolio." Vestel’s commercial chargers Electric Miles will be built into residential-focused variants of Vestel’s forthcoming Libra EV charger, giving users a friendly, easy-to-use control app from installation. Installer Miles and Admin Miles will feature across Vestel’s commercial chargers, from smaller units designed for SMEs to its full commercial rapid and DC chargers hitting the UK later this year. With Vestel’s Turkish factory offering a production capacity of over 700,000 EV charging units per year alongside the brand's enviable reputation for value and reliability, the Electric Miles partnership will underpin Vestel’s continued growth in the UK EV charger market.

In the realm of energy consumption, the concept of peak demand plays a pivotal role in shaping electricity usage patterns and pricing structures. As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, understanding peak demand and leveraging off-peak charging rates have become essential strategies for both EV owners and energy providers. In this comprehensive guide, they delve into the intricacies of peak demand, explore the benefits of off-peak charging for EV owners, and examine how this practice contributes to cost savings and grid sustainability. Understanding Peak Demand Peak demand refers to the period of time when electricity consumption reaches its highest level Peak demand refers to the period of time when electricity consumption reaches its highest level within a specific geographic area. This typically occurs during hours of peak activity when residential, commercial, and industrial energy usage is at its peak. Factors such as extreme weather conditions, increased appliance usage, and commercial activities contribute to spikes in electricity demand during these periods. challenges for energy providers Peak demand poses significant challenges for energy providers and grid operators. Meeting the surge in electricity demand requires additional resources, including power plants running at maximum capacity or activating costly peaking plants. These measures are not only expensive but also strain the grid infrastructure, pioneering to potential reliability issues and higher operational costs. Off-Peak Charging: A Solution for EV Owners Energy providers often offer discounted electricity rates to incentivize consumers to shift their electricity For EV owners, off-peak charging presents a compelling solution to mitigate the impact of peak demand while reaping financial benefits.  Off-peak hours, also known as non-peak or low-demand hours, typically occur during late-night or early-morning periods when overall electricity usage is lower. During these times, energy providers often offer discounted electricity rates to incentivize consumers to shift their electricity usage away from peak hours. Patterns of EV owners Off-peak charging aligns with the natural charging patterns of EV owners. Many EV owners charge their vehicles overnight while they sleep, taking advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours. By charging during off-peak periods, EV owners not only save money on their electricity bills but also contribute to grid stability by reducing demand during peak hours. Benefits of Off-Peak Charging for EV Owners Cost Savings: Off-peak charging allows EV owners to take advantage of discounted electricity rates, resulting in significant cost savings compared to charging during peak hours. By strategically scheduling charging sessions during off-peak periods, EV owners can optimize their energy expenses and maximize the value of their EV ownership. Reduced Strain on the Grid: By shifting their charging activities to off-peak hours, EV owners help alleviate strain on the grid infrastructure during peak demand periods. This reduces the need for costly infrastructure upgrades and enhances grid stability, ultimately benefiting all electricity consumers. Environmental Impact: Off-peak charging also has environmental benefits, especially in regions where electricity generation relies heavily on fossil fuels. By charging during off-peak hours when renewable energy sources like wind and solar are more abundant, EV owners can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable energy future. Convenience and Flexibility: Off-peak charging offers EV owners greater flexibility and convenience in managing their charging schedules. With the availability of programmable charging timers and smart charging solutions, EV owners can easily schedule charging sessions during off-peak hours to align with their lifestyle and energy needs. Incentives and Rebates: In some regions, energy providers offer additional incentives and rebates for off-peak charging, further enhancing the financial benefits for EV owners. These incentives may include time-of-use (TOU) electricity tariffs, EV-specific charging programs, or government rebates for adopting off-peak charging practices. Strategies for Off-Peak Charging To effectively leverage off-peak charging and maximize its benefits, EV owners can adopt the following strategies: Utilize Time-of-Use (TOU) Tariffs: Enroll in TOU electricity tariffs offered by energy providers, which offer lower electricity rates during off-peak hours and higher rates during peak hours. Programmable Charging Timers: Take advantage of programmable charging timers available in EV charging stations or through mobile apps to schedule charging sessions during off-peak hours automatically. Smart Charging Solutions: Invest in smart charging solutions that optimize charging schedules based on real-time electricity prices, grid demand, and renewable energy availability. Charging at Workplace or Public Stations: Explore the option of charging at workplace or public charging stations during off-peak hours, especially if these locations offer discounted or free charging during certain times. Educate and Advocate: Educate other EV owners about the benefits of off-peak charging and advocate for supportive policies and incentives from energy providers and government agencies to encourage widespread adoption. Conclusion Off-peak charging represents a win-win solution for both EV owners and energy providers, offering financial savings, grid stability, and environmental benefits. By understanding the concept of peak demand and strategically shifting their charging activities to off-peak hours, EV owners can play a significant role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient energy future. Embracing off-peak charging not only enhances the value proposition of electric vehicles but also contributes to building a smarter, more efficient electricity grid for generations to come.

In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant traction as a sustainable alternative to traditional combustion engine vehicles. With the growing adoption of EVs, especially in fleet operations, effective management of charging infrastructure and energy consumption becomes paramount. In this article, they will delve into various strategies for optimizing charging and energy consumption in electric vehicle fleet management. Smart Charging Infrastructure Implementing a smart charging infrastructure is essential for optimizing the charging process in an EV fleet. Smart chargers are equipped with advanced features such as load management, scheduling, and remote monitoring, allowing fleet managers to efficiently allocate charging resources.  By leveraging real-time data and predictive analytics, smart chargers can dynamically adjust charging rates based on factors like grid demand, energy prices, and vehicle usage patterns, thereby optimizing energy consumption and reducing operational costs. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Integration V2G integration also provides flexibility in managing energy consumption by allowing fleet managers Integrating V2G technology enables bidirectional energy flow between EVs and the grid, allowing vehicles to not only draw power for charging but also discharge excess energy back to the grid during peak demand periods. This two-way communication facilitates grid stability and enables fleet operators to monetize their EV batteries as grid assets, thereby offsetting charging costs and generating additional revenue streams.  V2G integration also provides flexibility in managing energy consumption by allowing fleet managers to prioritize between charging vehicles and supporting grid services based on real-time demand and market conditions. Demand Side Management (DSM) DSM strategies involve actively managing energy consumption patterns to optimize resource utilization and minimize costs. Fleet operators can implement DSM techniques such as load shifting, peak shaving, and demand response to strategically control when and how vehicles are charged based on factors like time-of-use tariffs, grid constraints, and operational requirements.  By staggering charging schedules and prioritizing low-demand periods, fleet managers can mitigate peak demand charges and take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, resulting in significant cost savings and reduced strain on the grid. Fleet Optimization Algorithms Advanced fleet optimization algorithms utilize ML and optimization plans to analyze data Advanced fleet optimization algorithms utilize machine learning and optimization techniques to analyze historical data, predict future demand, and optimize charging schedules in real time. These algorithms take into account various factors such as vehicle availability, battery state-of-charge, charging station capacity, and operational constraints to dynamically adjust charging priorities and allocation strategies. By continuously optimizing charging schedules based on evolving conditions and user preferences, fleet optimization algorithms can maximize fleet efficiency, minimize charging downtime, and ensure optimal resource utilization while balancing energy consumption across the fleet. Renewable Energy Integration Integrating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power into the charging infrastructure enables fleets to reduce their carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels while also providing a more sustainable energy supply. By strategically pairing renewable energy generation with EV charging, fleet operators can minimize grid dependency, mitigate energy costs, and achieve greater energy independence. Additionally, implementing energy storage solutions such as battery storage systems enables fleets to store excess renewable energy for later use, further enhancing energy resilience and reducing reliance on the grid during peak demand periods. Vehicle Routing and Telematics Telematics systems also provide valuable insights into vehicle version, battery health, and driver behavior Utilizing vehicle routing and telematics systems allows fleet managers to optimize route planning and vehicle deployment based on factors like vehicle range, charging station locations, and real-time traffic conditions. By integrating charging station locations into route optimization algorithms, fleet operators can minimize detours and downtime associated with charging, ensuring efficient use of resources and maximizing fleet productivity.  Telematics systems also provide valuable insights into vehicle performance, battery health, and driver behavior, enabling proactive maintenance and optimization of energy consumption across the fleet. Conclusion Effective management of charging infrastructure and energy consumption is crucial for optimizing the performance and sustainability of electric vehicle fleets. By implementing smart charging infrastructure, integrating V2G technology, leveraging demand side management strategies, deploying fleet optimization algorithms, integrating renewable energy sources, and utilizing vehicle routing and telematics systems, fleet operators can maximize operational efficiency, minimize costs, and reduce environmental impact. As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to rise, implementing these strategies will be essential for achieving sustainable and cost-effective fleet management in the future.