Opinion: Why software will drive mass EV adoption

The EV charging landscape is undergoing a radical transformation. Software has become the critical differentiator in the industry, with the global EV charging software market projected to reach $11.1bn by 2032. As new technologies are creating more reliable, predictable and seamless driver experiences, pairing quality hardware with intelligent software is what will drive the EV revolution forward by helping EVs charge at scale. This article will explore the immense value that software brings to the table, from improved driver experience to smarter solutions and more sustainable futures, which is helping a greater number of businesses and their drivers to go electric. 

Using software to power up the future 

The typical consumer or EV driver does not think of charging beyond their vehicle and the physical charger, whether that be at a public location or at home. With years of development and learnings from the field, EV chargers are nearing a point where engineering efforts move from a focus on basic functionality to that of generational improvement and affordability. They are now reliable, tested for compatibility with nearly every EV, and offered in numerous dedicated configurations for the task at hand. These tasks encompass fleets, public charging, multifamily housing, and more. Whatever the use case, there is now a charger available, and one that functions as needed. As this charging hardware reaches a plateau, the opportunities lie in the software managing these chargers, not the units themselves. 

While the chargers are a necessary piece of the equation, the electrification benefits their owners and drivers desire such as cost savings, energy management, reporting, and invoicing are all handled at the software level. This was a realisation reached in the industry’s first phase of growth, and a prioritisation for its second. Regardless of the specific use case, intelligent software is already paving the way for more reliable charging networks by providing operators with increased visibility and flexible controls. Developments in software have enabled operators to monitor their charging station status at all times. Not only does this help improve station reliability and uptime–the portion of time each individual charging port can dispense energy– it also enables a station owner to react to incidents faster. Theses drivers are less likely to come across a damaged or otherwise out of service charger. 

What’s more, AI has revolutionised traditional remote monitoring by providing advanced image analysis This means chargers can swiftly identify and report issues with chargers to expedite repairs. Rather than being mere add-ons, AI and machine learning are essential components for developing a robust charging network capable of supporting millions of new EVs.

Creating a reliable, enhanced network 

Software has underpinned charging industry developments to create smarter, more distributed networks. It helps companies consider how and where charging should occur, and makes it much easier for drivers to find, use and pay for charging today. 

For example, from the perspective of a business planning to invest in offering charging to its customers, software and AI technology offer visibility over more accurate demand patterns, which they can then leverage to find convenient and frequented locations to install chargers - whether that be in service stations, supermarkets or retail centres. Software can also keep track of costs; for instance, by consolidating VAT collection and billing across borders, as well as setting pricing and access control. With more autonomy and control over charging stations, operators can both bring a better experience to drivers and improve internal processes. 

By making charging more accessible, drivers can feel more confident in their decision to purchase an EV and travel longer distances. 

Affordable, smart fleet management

The benefits of software don’t just stop at consumers and charge point operators  – they extend as far as fleets. In fact, optimised fleet management is heavily driven by the emergence of smart software. For example, new software provides smart energy monitoring that gives companies visibility over optimal charging times, that’s to say at a time of day when electricity costs are lower, keeping the total cost of ownership (TCO) to a minimum. In addition, these technologies enable power sharing. This allows multiple vehicles to charge at the same time and either avoid overloading the power supply available. Another feature is or stopping charging  when there is just enough to get to a destination, freeing up energy to be dispensed into another vehicle.

Software is also enabling businesses to improve their company car schemes as it can monitor and track how much energy EV drivers use to charge their vehicles at home, as well as the cost. As commercial spaces benefit from business energy rates, which are often cheaper than domestic rates, drivers can then use the software-driven insights to show their employers the amount they spend on charging at home and be reimbursed for the excess spent on home charging. Making EV charging more affordable provides employees and businesses with a greater incentive to implement and use green perks like EV company cars.

The evolution of the EV charging landscape is underpinned by software, bridging the gap between hardware and real-world application. By enhancing reliability, efficiency, and user experience, software solutions are making EV ownership more appealing for both consumers and businesses. With capabilities like AI-enhanced station monitoring, energy optimisation, and smart fleet management, software is addressing challenges like range anxiety and operational costs. As the industry continues to grow, this digital transformation not only propels the widespread adoption of electric vehicles but also paves the way for a more sustainable and electrified future.

Joe Gorman, VP, ChargePoint Europe.