Landis+Gyr on the pros and cons of shared data between EVs

How can electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure benefit businesses as well as consumers? 

Monetisation comes as a result of an increasing amount of data, which is a byproduct of, and in fact a reason behind, the evolution of connected infrastructure. 

Curious about the further implications of shared vehicle data, we spoke to someone in this area who works with clients to ensure delivery of industry leading EV hardware and software. From Landis+Gyr, is EV Solutions Account Manager Cain Kunman who delves into this more.

What’s the current status of connected EV infrastructure?

In the UK, the current status of connected EV infrastructure is developing rapidly. The government has set ambitious targets to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, which has spurred investments in EV infrastructure. Connected EV infrastructure typically consists of a network of charging stations that can communicate with each other and with electric vehicles. This enables EV drivers to locate and reserve charging stations, receive real-time information about charging speeds and prices, and make payments seamlessly.

Connected EV infrastructure is also capable of monitoring and managing the energy demand and supply of EV charging, which can help to balance the grid and reduce the need for expensive upgrades. Furthermore, it can facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, making EV charging more sustainable.

Through interactive chargers INCH Pro and INCH Duo and ChargePoint management platform OCEAN,  Landis+Gyr offers both the physical charging infrastructure as well as a software hub for monitoring, control, and management of the charging infrastructure. 

What parts of connected infrastructure that could be monetised by businesses?

Connected charging infrastructures today offer several benefits to drivers, charge point operators and utilities. While drivers can easily locate charging stations and get an easy, seamless charging experience with convenient payment options, charge point operators can monitor and maintain their charging infrastructure in real-time and Utilities can manage energy supply and demand, optimise the charging load and enhance grid reliability.

This generates a wealth of data that could be monetised by businesses. For example, data on charging patterns, vehicle usage, and driving behaviour could be used by energy companies, mobility service providers, and insurers to develop new products and services.

Energy companies could use data to offer dynamic pricing plans that incentivise EV drivers to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours when energy is cheaper. Mobility service providers could use data to optimise vehicle routing and improve the efficiency of their fleets. Insurers could use data to tailor their policies to individual drivers, based on their driving behaviour and risk profile.

Is it ethical to monetise data shared between cars and everything?

Monetising data shared between cars, and everything raises ethical concerns around privacy and consent. Drivers should have control over their data and be able to choose who has access to it and for what purposes. Companies should also be transparent about how they collect, use, and share data and ensure that it is stored securely and in compliance with data protection regulations.

When monetisation is considered, how can firms be more responsible with consumer/driver data?

To be more responsible with consumer/driver data, firms should adopt privacy-by-design principles, which involves embedding privacy considerations into the design of their products and services from the outset. They should also provide clear and concise privacy policies that explain how data is collected, used, and shared. Companies should obtain explicit consent from drivers before collecting their data and offer them the option to opt-out at any time.

Furthermore, firms should implement strong security measures to protect against data breaches and unauthorised access to data. They should also appoint a data protection officer to oversee compliance with data protection regulations and establish processes for handling data breaches and complaints.

What does connected infrastructure of the future look like—in terms of e-mobility?

Today, connected EV charging infrastructure that comprises intelligent technologies such as the INCH chargers and the OCEAN platform offer robust interoperability among the systems used by utilities and charge point operators. 

In the future this will likely be even more integrated and intelligent, with EVs and charging infrastructure communicating with each other and with the grid in real-time. This will enable more efficient and sustainable use of energy resources and pave the way for new business models that capitalise on the sharing economy.

Connected infrastructure will also support the growth of autonomous vehicles, which will require high-speed connectivity and real-time data exchange to operate safely and efficiently. Furthermore, it will enable new mobility services, such as ridesharing and on-demand autonomous vehicles, which could reduce the need for private car ownership and promote a more sustainable and equitable transportation system.