Charge Smart with Garo

Charge Smart with Garo

Charging a car has changed over the last decade, Smart Charging has accelerated

Traditionally we have "just plugged in" without any insight into the charging session or considering the energy we are using. The introduction of Smart Charging for all private chargepoints under 50 kW DC allows charge-point owners to make educated decisions when charging private or fleet EVs. It was introduced to

  • Ensure all charge-points are metered and raise awareness of when we use energy. Charge- point owners will have a complete overview of the electricity used and the session duration.

  • Provide insights for energy operators on how charge-point owners interact with the charge-point.

  • Futureproof charge-points installed across Great Britain.

  • Minimise impact to the local grid network when multiple EVs are plugged in, by introducing randomised delay function.

To date, most charge-points in GB have not been metered, not allowing users to understand how much KwH of energy is used in the charging session. Providing EV drivers with this information can help them understand the costs and impacts of the session. For example, Garo charge points are integrated with Monta and provide the user with clear insights into:

  • kWh usage

  • Co2 impacts

  • Usage of renewable energy from the Grid

Garo charge points with Monta have a feature that only allows the charge point to charge when renewable energy is produced.  This is key to a long-term sustainable electric future for GB. The COVID pandemic changed how we commute, with the average commute being less than 25 miles. Most fully electric cars charge at 25 miles per hour when using a 7kW chargepoint. You can then tell the chargepoint how much energy you need and when you will leave home, allowing it to make the best decisions on how to charge your EV which can aid the user reduce the impact of their Co2 effect on the planet for a more sustainable future. 

With many energy providers introducing EV tariffs and off-peak rates, having the power to control the charge point via your smart device remotely, will significantly impact costs. The kWh cost could be as little as 10p per unit. A potential drop in the price by up to 76% is a significant saving in the current energy crisis. Smart Charging enables the user to have the power to schedule when they want to charge and what suits their lifestyle through the scheduling feature.

 Home users can now open their charge point to the public and generate revenue, something that the domestic charge point owner never considered. Now with Monta and Garo, they can do that. Although not conventional, the charge point owner can allow the charge to be used if renting the parking spot to city commuters or neighbours without burdening the expensive energy cost.

 Having a smart charge point is key to build a smarter future, but let's not forget the need for reliable hardware. EV charging units need to be robust, handle continual charging sessions and become a sustainable part of the future electric landscape  in the globe it's creating. For this, you need a chargepoint that is durable, weatherproof, futuresmart & adaptable and that's what we strive to create in Garo.

Our chargepoints are tested by 3rd parties to ensure the longevity of multiple car changes. They can be upgraded for future software changes when energy providers, or network operators change solutions. At Garo, we champion Open Protocol Software ( OCPP ) for flexibility and longevity to the charge point owner. All of this is achieved by 14 years of experience in the EV space and by closely improving our product with EV users across Europe. Smart, reliable EV charge points will be critical to the growth of the EV revolution.

 

Think smart and be FutureSmart in your EV journey. Think GARO.

 

Conor Charnley 

UK Sales Manager