Top 5 EV Innovations in Fleet Technology This Year
Technological advancement in any department benefits and facilitates the human race. This means that these technological upgrades help us keep up with the ever-growing and advancing world of technology. Every new advancement in the field of modern tech comes with a defining new specification or feature that makes it stand at the forefront of the particular company, at least for the time until a new product or service superior to it is launched.
The tech world thrives on constant innovation and experimentation, offering a chance to re-imagine our experiences with each new product launch. Traditionally, success has been measured by a product’s immediate reach and sales figures.
However, the electric vehicle (EV) segment has transcended these metrics and fundamentally altered how we interact with and travel in our cars.
This concept of electric vehicles now stands at the forefront of how cars will be defined. Building on the foundation of electric vehicles, the concept of self-driving cars has emerged as the next frontier in transportation.
Today, let’s explore the top 5 advancements in EV fleet technology that are pushing boundaries and shaping the future of sustainable transportation.
- VEHICLE-TO-GRID AUTOMATION
This is a type of technological advancement that allows EVs to give back the power they have generated to the power system. This is a way of turning the kinetic energy that is produced by electric vehicles into electric energy. This energy can be utilized in a variety of ways.
For instance, this electrical energy can be used in a place where there is a shortage of electricity. Places like construction sites, farmlands, etc. It can also help facilitate home electricity during the hours when consumption of electricity is high. This further helps to reduce electricity consumption. It is, however, important to note that not all electric vehicles currently support the vehicle to grid technology.
One of the most notable models that support this feature is the Ford F-150 Lightning. Also, make sure to take note that this feature is still in its early stages, and it will likely go through a lot of additional changes before it can start functioning at larger scales and more efficiently.
While this technology holds promise, its current application might be more supplementary than a primary solution in critical situations.
ADVANCED COMPUTERIZED EQUIPMENT
The advanced metrics that are being displayed in your car monitoring systems require sophisticated algorithms. This is because the information displayed is accurate and portrayed in real time as well. The most advanced and recent software not only collects car performance data but also takes note of things such as the vehicle battery’s health, overall health, and location metrics.
Its purpose is to provide this information to the driver and suggest ways to improve. Nowadays, vehicles are equipped with multiple cameras. These cameras provide the best viewing angles from all sides for a driver while parking in tricky scenarios. Therefore, the use of a multi-camera system for fleets is quickly becoming the new norm.
- BETTER CHARGING SUPPORT
One of the key challenges for EV adoption is charging time. While traditional charging can be slow, the good news is that technology is rapidly evolving.
We can take the example of smartphones in this case. Smartphone charging tech was not up to par when they were introduced. For a smartphone that would take 2-3 hours to charge fully, the charging speed has now been lowered to as low as 30 minutes. Therefore, this is undoubtedly good news for the EV vehicle owners. We will see a lot of improvement when it comes to charging EV vehicles shortly.
Fast charging isn’t the only focus. Companies are placing a strong emphasis on efficient heat management of batteries. This is crucial, as it directly impacts charging speed, battery health, and overall vehicle performance.
This essentially means that these batteries will last much longer. A network of fast charging stations, batteries, and after-sales support is required to maintain the EV vehicle battery segment.
- THE USE OF RECYCLABLE ENERGY SOURCES
Sustainability remains a critical factor. EV development must prioritize eco-friendly practices and procedures throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle, from material sourcing and manufacturing to battery recycling and disposal.
Many people would argue that the concept of the electric vehicle itself is there to reduce environmental pollution caused by the pollution of combustion engines. While the environmental benefits of EVs are widely recognized, the manufacturing process presents its own set of sustainability challenges.
Therefore, it is essential to consider renewable energy sources like solar energy. Solar energy can be integrated not only into the charging infrastructure for EVs but also into the manufacturing process itself. These plants can use solar energy to power the various types of machinery that work to make an electric vehicle.
- REMOTE-BASED CHARGING OPPORTUNITIES
EV vehicle manufacturers are considering prioritizing improvements to home-based charging, recognizing its potential to enhance convenience and effectiveness for drivers.
Efficient home-based charging could reduce the pressure on EV companies to establish an extensive network of charging stations. This can be beneficial for electrical grids in some areas as these stations may consume a lot of electrical power and put a burden on the electrical stations.
Conclusion
EVs are a big turning point for the automotive industry. The writing is on the wall: gasoline engines are headed for obsolescence as electric vehicles continue to dominate the market. While challenges and concerns remain, automakers’ commitment to phasing out gasoline engines signifies a significant shift towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Benjamin Stewart Specialist at Stillwater Motors
