Ubitricity and Deftpower are set to roll out smart charging technology across 1,500 public charging points in the Netherlands. This initiative leverages the OCPI 2.2.1 standard to enhance the charging experience for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. By enabling scheduling of charging during off-peak hours, the program aims to deliver financial benefits through cashback incentives.
Key Points of the Initiative
- The implementation across 1,500 charging points is a significant milestone for Ubitricity, claimed to be the first charge point operator to utilize OCPI 2.2.1 at this scale.
- Smart charging will employ Charging Profiles, allowing Mobility Service Providers to send customized charging schedules directly to charging points, eliminating the need for direct vehicle interfacing.
- Approximately 65% of users who opt for smart charging have the feature enabled by default, indicating strong consumer acceptance of time-shifted charging solutions.
- This initiative builds on a previously established model by Deftpower and Allego, which enables users to shift power usage from peak to off-peak times at an existing 4,500 AC points, with plans for expansion to 9,000 points.
- With the Netherlands facing grid capacity challenges, time-shifted charging is seen as a key strategy to maximize infrastructure and accommodate a growing number of electric vehicles.
This rollout comes at a crucial time as the demand for sustainable and efficient charging solutions intensifies. The strategic planning of charging during non-peak hours not only benefits users financially but also helps balance the load on the national grid, paving the way for a more resilient energy network.
