Battery charging for electric vehicles (EV) remains difficult because of high electricity costs, and users of electric vehicles are frustrated by inconsistent pricing practices, frequently broken equipment, and a lack of battery chargers in strategic locations for all but Tesla drivers. Some drivers find charging for EVs to be a frustrating experience, especially those who are located in states with steadily rising electricity rates due to inflation and intermittent renewable energy sources (wind and solar power). According to a J.D. Power study of EV owners who use Level 2 charging stations, overall satisfaction with the charging experience has decreased 12 points since last year, primarily because rising electricity prices are starting to affect consumers directly.
Because the permitting and construction of chargers can take 18 months or longer, those funds have not produced many new chargers. This issue also affects vehicle fleet operators and businesses with fleets, since each has a significant interest in “going green” with their fleets. Fortunately, advanced data and sophisticated AI-powered connected telematics are now in place to help fleet operators and users identify the most optimum time to plug in.
The Cost of Electricity Can be Problematic
Aside from all the challenges with infrastructure, the energy costs alone can be severely problematic for fleets and users of EVs, further driving the need for this advanced connected vehicle data and insights.
The cost of energy for an EV is equated to the cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and the energy efficiency of the vehicle. For example, to determine the energy cost per mile of an electric vehicle, select the location on the left axis (Electricity Cost per kWh) at 10 cents in the graph below. Draw a horizontal line to the right until you bisect the EV 3 mi/kWh line. Now draw a vertical line down until you bisect the bottom axis (Energy Cost per Mile). This tells you that the fuel for an electric vehicle with an energy efficiency of 3 miles per kWh costs about 3.3 cents per mile when electricity costs 10 cents per kWh.
It is important to note that electricity costs in the U.S. is about 10 cents per kWh, while the average residential rate is about 11.7 cents per kWh. Charge rates for EVs in select areas may vary by time of use, day, and season. In the past, these rates have ranged from 3 cents to as high as 50 cents per kWh. Older electric vehicles can also have varying levels of electricity usage, as well as different brands of vehicles.
To determine the energy cost per mile of a gasoline vehicle, pick the location on the right axis (Gasoline Cost per gallon) at $3.50. Draw a horizontal line to the left until you bisect the Gas 22 mi/gal line. Now draw a vertical line down until you bisect the bottom axis (Energy Cost per Mile). This tells you that the fuel for a gasoline vehicle with an energy efficiency of 22 miles per gallon costs about 15.9 cents per mile when gasoline costs $3.50 per gallon. The mileage for commercial fleet vehicles such as light-duty pickups range from below 17 miles per gallon to generally about 22 miles per gallon.
Understanding How AI and Data Can Help Control Costs
Despite all of this, leading AI and data technologies are offering intelligent solutions that can reduce the headaches and costs associated with driving and charging an EV, or a fleet of EVs for a business.
Today’s available EV charge data solutions for fleets and vehicles leverage an Augmented Deep Learning Platform (ADLP) that utilizes machine learning and data science with unique indicators that allow predictive real-time data insights to OEMs that enhance their vehicle’s performance and quality as well as the customer experience related to vehicle usage. See an example in the image below:
This data connects and analyzes everything in real time from charge stations to optimized energy outputs at locations, time of day, cost savings, congestion reduction rates, and the technology can even predict failure cycles that holistically feed data into smart city data infrastructure platforms.
This type of AI-driven connected vehicle data helps fleet customers and EV users make a more seamless, successful transition to a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future. Users can charge EVs with accurate energy cost and rate plan selections. Intelligent energy consumption means consumers will lower the impact on their energy bill and get the most out of their solar panels by charging EVs at the most optimal time. Lastly, they can leverage the power of smart cities by receiving in-car notifications for the nearest charging station, reserving charging slots in the near future.
With these AI and data strategies available, fleets and drivers of EVs will have a better experience in adopting a greener solution for transportation while better controlling the cost of charging.
