E-Mobility opportunities and challenges in the Energy & Utility sector

A large share of electric vehicles on Europe's roads in the future will have implications for the electricity generation and distribution infrastructure, which means energy and utility companies are forced to provide more resources. What's more, Europe's vehicle-emission regulations are forcing car manufacturers to increase the volume of EV sales each year. Energy and Utility companies are focusing on covering utilization with renewable resources to meet the daily needs of consumers.

Today's vision of the decarbonized world is strongly connected with e-mobility, supported by governmental goals to decrease the number of fuel-engine cars in the following decades. It contributes to creating a new demand segment for energy and utility companies playing a tremendous role in the e-mobility system. Yet, one of the biggest challenges for the EV market is the lack of charging infrastructure. The European Union targets 1 million charging points by 2024 and 3 million by 2029. About 240 000 new charging points are needed yearly to accomplish the target of the EU; companies in the Energy sector have a significant impact on it.

Charging Infrastructure

Now that the electric vehicle charging system is about to become a general phenomenon, electric car owners can choose from different types of charging methods: private charging points equipped at home, semi-private charging points such as offices, hotels, retailers, transport hubs, and last but not least, public charging points in cities to provide better well-being for car owners. The wide variety of charging options shows how significant the potential in e-mobility for energy companies and how unique the position of the energy and utility market in private and public charging is.

New grid systems

Our grid infrastructure is ageing, and it is pushed to do more than it was traditionally designed to supply. As peak demand for electric cars rises, increased grid system capacity is needed. Therefore, distribution and transmission systems operators are developing new electricity management systems to satisfactorily control charging points connected to the grid system. Modernizing the grid infrastructure is crucial to make it more resilient for cutting-edge technologies and controls that communicate and work together to deliver electricity more efficiently. The transformation is both an opportunity and a challenge for energy and utility companies to fulfil the increased needs of consumers.

Long-term investments

Providing charging points for electric car owners is both an investment for nature and the services providers in the long term. As the European Union pushes governments for sustainability, utilities must consider opening new charging points to serve possible new consumers, as experts prognostic 80% share for electric vehicles by 2050. Electric cars can significantly reduce direct emissions of CO and air pollutants from road transport; therefore, implementing new chargers also help the long term goal of global awareness.

New partnerships with sustainability service providers

Mobility, especially e-mobility creates a unique environment for partnerships, as the market is a constantly emerging area in transportation and city well-being. Utilities should continue to work with fleet owners, retailer companies and smart city planners to contribute to the mission of the European Union.

Electric vehicle charging platform

Grape Solutions’ electric charging application, Montu is a customized development for e-mobility CPOs and their users. Montu fulfils the needs deriving from drivers’ and service operators’ side by providing a complex solution for electric charging management. The development makes electric charging hassle-free by providing robust software for businesses, fleets and drivers. Montu was first implemented in Hungary to provide a business solution that facilitates the process of charging electric vehicles from the National Energy Utility Provider by providing a user interface and facilitating communication between the eMSP and the Charge Point Operator (MVM Mobiliti).