How do we accelerate the transition to electric vehicles? That was the question posed to a group of panellists at the recent Powered On: Engineering a Sustainable Future event.
The panel session is now available to watch on demand and was moderated by Rolf Bienert, Technical and Managing Director at OpenADR Alliance, and featured Paul Marshall, Co-Founder and CCO at Eseye, and Richard Earl, R&D Director at EO Charging.
The discussion, titled “Electrifying Transportation: Accelerating the Transition to Electric Vehicles,” brought together these industry leaders to explore the critical challenges and opportunities in the EV landscape.
Paul Marshall kicked off the conversation by highlighting the essential role of reliable IoT connectivity for EVs, particularly for large fleets. He emphasised that the biggest hurdle for EV adoption is ensuring that vehicles are charged and ready when needed, a concern for both individual consumers and fleet operators. Marshall pointed out that IoT should go beyond being an “expensive remote control” and instead deliver real value through smart, efficient energy management systems.
Richard Earl then provided an in-depth look at the infrastructural demands of fleet electrification. He discussed the complexity of transitioning from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles to EVs, stressing the need for robust infrastructure encompassing power generation, distribution, and communication systems. Earl shared examples of how EO Charging is working with local governments and investors to overcome these challenges, ensuring reliable power delivery to EVs through smart load management.
The panel also delved into the potential of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. Earl explained how V2G could transform EVs into virtual power plants, feeding energy back into the grid during peak times and helping to stabilise the energy network. While this technology is still in its early stages, it promises significant benefits for both grid stability and consumer energy costs.
In addition to the technical discussions, the panellists addressed the importance of customer experience and education. They noted that consumers need to understand the benefits and changes associated with EV adoption, such as planning for charging times and adapting to new energy management practices. The integration of smart home systems with EV charging infrastructure was highlighted as a key area for future development, offering consumers greater control and efficiency in their energy use.
For a deeper dive into these topics and more, watch the full panel discussion above. Further sessions from Powered On: Engineering a Sustainable Future will be available on Electrical Review in the coming days.
To stay ahead of the trends shaping the electrical industry, don’t miss Powered On Live, returning in June with a comprehensive agenda featuring key experts from across the sector.
