EV Charging Innovations at CES: Faster Home Charges, V2G, and Connectivity

The Evolving Landscape of EV Charging at CES

For several years, EV charging firms have consistently presented their latest innovations at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). However, the significance and potential impact this year are notably increased.

The impending arrival of numerous electric passenger vehicles and commercial fleets within the next few years is propelling EVs into widespread adoption. This expansion of the market brings with it certain expectations.

Consumer Expectations and Grid Considerations

Mainstream consumers anticipate charging durations comparable to traditional gasoline refueling. They also expect intuitive user interface design and are generally unfamiliar with concepts like peak and off-peak energy pricing.

Companies in the EV charging sector, alongside emerging startups showcased at CES, demonstrated an awareness of this evolving landscape.

Innovations on Display at CES

The products presented focused on enhanced speed, improved connectivity, simplified usability, streamlined installation processes, and integration with the existing electrical grid.

A key observation from CES was the dedication of EV charging companies to cater to a broader customer base.

This commitment is reflected in products designed for diverse applications, including commercial fleet charging, residential charging solutions, vehicle-to-grid technology, and even the monetization of advertising displays on charging stations.

Market Growth and Competitive Dynamics

The global EV charger market is projected to experience substantial growth, increasing from $3.23 billion in 2020 to approximately $11 billion by 2025.

This growth indicates continued opportunities for new companies to enter the market before consolidation occurs around a few dominant players.

Smaller Companies Leading with Innovation

Notably, many of the larger industry leaders did not feature prominently at CES with demonstrations or announcements.

Instead, smaller companies distinguished themselves by presenting unique solutions, emphasizing connectivity, and delivering upgraded charging speeds.

Faster Charging: Reducing wait times to match gasoline refueling.
Enhanced Connectivity: Providing seamless user experiences and data insights.
Grid Integration: Optimizing energy usage and supporting grid stability.

Blink Charging Solutions

Blink Charging has introduced a suite of four new electric vehicle (EV) charging products this year. These include a DC fast charger designed for wall mounting, alongside three Level 2 chargers. These Level 2 options cater to diverse needs – fleet and multi-unit dwellings, residential use, and locations seeking integrated advertising displays. All new chargers incorporate 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity, alongside intelligent features for fleet management, load sharing, and energy consumption monitoring.

Blink MQ 200: Fleet and Workplace Charging

The MQ 200 is specifically engineered for fleet operations, workplaces, and multi-family residential settings. This 50 amp charger features Plug & Charge capability, enabling automatic vehicle identification through a secure data exchange between the vehicle and the charging station. This simplifies the charging process, requiring drivers to simply connect their vehicle to initiate a session.

Scheduled for release by the end of the first quarter, the MQ 200 incorporates Smart Grid functionality for direct communication with utility companies and localized load management. This allows for the installation of between two and twenty chargers on a single electrical circuit, making it well-suited for overnight fleet charging. It also integrates with the Blink Network, a cloud-based system connecting Blink chargers, and the newly launched Blink Fleet Management Portal. This portal provides fleet managers with a centralized dashboard for tracking charging activity, load management, charger status, vehicle information, and driver details.

Blink HQ 200: Advanced Home Charging

The HQ 200 represents Blink’s latest residential charging solution, a Level 2 charger delivering 50 amps – an increase from the previous generation’s 30 amps. This boost in power aligns with a broader industry trend focused on reducing EV charging times.

Customers have the option of a basic, no-frills charger or a smart, Wi-Fi-enabled version. The latter is particularly noteworthy, as the HQ 200 is among Blink’s first chargers to support vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. V2G allows EVs to charge during periods of low electricity demand and return energy to the grid during peak demand, utilizing the EV battery’s stored energy.

The HQ 200 also connects to the Blink Mobile App, enabling users to initiate charges instantly, schedule charging sessions, and receive reminders. Availability is expected by the end of Q1.

High-Power DC Fast Charging for Dual Vehicles

The DC Fast Wall 50 kW charger can be either wall-mounted or pedestal-mounted, and is capable of simultaneously charging two vehicles. This makes it an ideal solution for fleets, retail locations, streetside charging, and areas with high pedestrian traffic. It provides up to 150 amps of output and incorporates V2G technology, a 10-inch touchscreen display, and flexible billing options based on time, kilowatt-hours, or per-session charges. Remote management and energy usage reporting are facilitated through the Blink Network, and an RFID reader supports authentication via member cards, RFID credit cards, or a mobile app.

According to a Blink representative speaking with TechCrunch, “The price point will also make it attractive for locations that otherwise may not feel they can afford DC fast.” The DC Wall 50 kW is priced under $20,000, significantly lower than the typical starting price of $35,000 for comparable equipment.

Vision IQ 200: Charging with Advertising

This Level 2 charger integrates one or two 30-inch LCD screens for dynamic digital media displays, offering comprehensive advertising capabilities. It is well-suited for retail environments, hospitality venues, municipal locations, and high-traffic areas. Property owners will have the opportunity to share in revenue generated from both charging services and advertising, with the latter managed through a third-party vendor.

The Vision IQ 200 is equipped with either one or two 80-amp IQ 200 chargers and supports convenient payment methods including RFID, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and all major credit cards. It also includes intelligent features such as remote management and real-time energy usage reporting.

Blink has announced that the DC Fast Wall charger will become available later this year.

E-Lift

At CES, E-Lift unveiled its latest innovation: the GS Pop-Up charging station. This new offering from the Dutch firm is designed for customization and is slated for a North American release in the near future.

The compact charging station supports concurrent charging via up to four connectors. Furthermore, it has the capability of integrating sensors that connect directly to E-Lift’s Sustainable and Smart Energy Management System, known as SENSE.

SENSE Platform Capabilities

The SENSE platform functions as a comprehensive management solution, addressing both mobility and energy requirements for users. It allows customers to access and oversee their energy usage and mobility data from a remote location.

According to a company statement, this remote access facilitates an economically advantageous shift towards energy efficiency. This transformation is particularly valuable for governmental bodies and corporations aiming to build a future powered by renewable energy resources.

JuiceBar

JuiceBar, an electric vehicle charging provider headquartered in Connecticut, is emphasizing domestically sourced components with the introduction of its inaugural residential charging unit at CES. This new charger, named the Cheetah, is designed for rapid charging, according to the company’s claims.

JuiceBar intends to offer a $1,000 credit towards the purchase of a Cheetah charger for customers who trade in their existing units. Sales of the Cheetah are anticipated to commence in 2022. Currently, JuiceBar maintains a substantial network of hundreds of commercial chargers throughout the United States and Canada, and these same regions will be the initial focus for the new home charging solution.

The Cheetah will be offered in a range of configurations, including 16, 32, 40, and 48-amp options, along with compatibility for 120, 208, and 240 input voltages. While not the absolute quickest Level 2 charger available – particularly when compared to offerings like Blink – the Cheetah delivers competitive charging speeds.

Connectivity is a key feature of the Cheetah, incorporating Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cloud capabilities to facilitate Smart Grid charging. It includes a 25-foot cable and an optional tangle-free retraction system for convenient storage.

To enhance safety during home charging, the Cheetah is equipped with dual safety relays. This redundant system ensures that if the primary relay fails to interrupt the circuit, a secondary relay will activate, providing an additional layer of protection. JuiceBar also states that the charger’s energy consumption is offset by investments in 100% certified carbon reduction projects.

The company is initially covering carbon offsets for the first year of operation. Following this period, customers have the option to subscribe to ongoing carbon offset purchases for under $1 per week.

According to a TechCrunch report from a company spokesperson, the Cheetah is slated for consumer availability in late Q2 or early Q3. Initial distribution will be managed through partnerships with automotive dealerships, home builders, and utility providers across the U.S. and Canada.

Wallbox Quasar 2: Bidirectional Home Charging

At this year's CES, Wallbox unveiled its Quasar 2, representing the newest iteration of its bidirectional home electric vehicle (EV) charger.

This advanced charger doesn't simply facilitate EV charging; it also enables the discharge of energy from the EV back into the home or the electrical grid.

A key feature is the ability to disconnect a home entirely from the grid, utilizing the EV as a backup power source.

This functionality proves particularly valuable during outages, including those stemming from natural disasters.

Wallbox asserts that the Quasar 2 is capable of supplying power to a home for over 72 hours during a blackout event.

Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) Capabilities

The inclusion of vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology is projected to yield cost savings for EV owners, according to Wallbox.

This is especially true in regions where electricity pricing is tied to demand levels.

Users can program charging cycles to coincide with periods of lower energy rates.

Furthermore, those equipped with solar panel systems can leverage their EV to store surplus energy generated during times of minimal consumption.

Technical Specifications and Connectivity

The Quasar 2 delivers 48 amps of power, ensuring efficient charging.

It features CCS compatibility, supporting fast-charging EVs such as the Jaguar I-Pace and BMW i3.

Connectivity is achieved through multiple options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and 4G, all managed via the myWallbox app.

Pricing and Availability

While the exact price of the Quasar 2 remains undisclosed, Wallbox indicates it will be in line with the Quasar 1.

The Quasar 1 is currently priced around $4,000.

The company anticipates a launch date before the year's end.

Meredot: Revolutionizing Micromobility Charging

While electric cars are gaining prominence, the realm of micromobility is also experiencing significant innovation. Meredot has recently introduced its inaugural commercial Wireless Charger, specifically engineered for a diverse range of vehicles.

This includes e-scooters, e-mopeds, food delivery robots, and even wheelchairs. The charger is designed as a physical pad, offering installation flexibility – either above or below ground surfaces.

Vehicles equipped with a compatible receiver can then be charged simply by parking over the pad. This eliminates the need for cables and connectors.

Targeting OEMs and Fleet Operators

Meredot’s primary focus is on partnering with micromobility OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and fleet operators. The technology is currently available for licensing.

Companies seeking to provide a convenient and streamlined charging solution can integrate Meredot’s wireless charging capabilities into their vehicles.

For businesses managing large fleets of scooters and bikes, even those utilizing swappable batteries, charging represents a substantial operational expense. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce those costs.

Statements from Meredot’s CEO

According to Roman Bysko, CEO and co-founder of Meredot, “The Meredot Wireless Charger delivers a new, distributed architecture that helps achieve greater site capital efficiency and scalability, saving energy and costs.”

He further stated that the charger can serve as a foundational element for a new micromobility charging experience, benefiting both operators and end-users.

Enhanced Charging Efficiency

Meredot asserts that its wireless charging technology can accommodate 50% more e-scooters within the same physical space compared to conventional cable-based charging systems.

This increased efficiency translates into considerable cost savings for charging station operators. It optimizes space utilization and reduces infrastructure requirements.