Maintenance in EV Charging Infrastructure
August 30, 2023
In this blog post, we will discuss a critical yet often overlooked aspect of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure – hardware maintenance. As we all know, EV charging infrastructure plays a vital role in enabling the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. However, regular hardware maintenance is imperative to ensure seamless operation and prevent costly malfunctions or replacements. In this article, we will explore the importance of maintenance and provide practical recommendations for maintaining different types of charging stations.
The Significance of Maintenance:
EV charging infrastructure is exposed to various elements, especially when installed outdoors. This exposure makes routine maintenance essential to identify and address potential issues promptly. Neglecting maintenance can lead to expensive repairs or the need for complete unit replacement, ultimately disrupting the charging services offered to both public and private EV owners.
AC chargers are relatively more straightforward in design, requiring less intricate maintenance procedures. Regular cleaning, such as removing spider webs, should be performed monthly to ensure proper functionality. Additionally, an annual visit to the site is recommended to check for firmware upgrades, wear and tear repairs, and other necessary adjustments.
DC or fast chargers are more complex and involve power modules and various intricate parts. It is advisable to rely on either the original installer or a certified technician to maintain these chargers. This helps mitigate the risk of voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. The general guideline for DC charger maintenance is to conduct a site visit every six months. During these visits, all components should be thoroughly inspected to ensure optimal performance. It is also crucial to have access to an OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) interface, which facilitates communication and enables real-time monitoring and diagnostics.
Leveraging OCPP Dashboard:
Implementing an OCPP dashboard is highly recommended for effective charger maintenance. This entails connecting the chargers to a proprietary or third-party cloud, which enables comprehensive monitoring. Through the OCPP 1.6 or 2.0 communication protocols, most issues can be reported, allowing operators to diagnose and address them promptly. However, it is essential to note that remote troubleshooting is only the initial phase, and if problems persist, on-site visits should be conducted to inspect and repair physical components.
At Beyond EV, we emphasize the importance of routine maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure optimal charger performance. If your organization’s charging infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance, we are here to assist.
Future Milestone: Remote Preventive Maintenance Powered by AI:
In the coming months, we are excited to announce the first release of our ground-breaking software solution that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enable remote preventive maintenance on EV charging stations. By harnessing AI capabilities, we aim to eliminate downtime and increase visibility, allowing fleet operators to optimize their charging infrastructure effectively.
This concludes this post, maintenance is a critical factor in ensuring the reliability and longevity of EV charging infrastructure. By prioritizing regular upkeep, operators can prevent costly malfunctions, enhance charger performance, and provide uninterrupted services to EV owners.
We hope you found the information provided insightful and practical. If you are an organisation moving to EVs and encountering some challenges and require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@beyondev.com.au.
Electrification all the way!⚡
