The future is here: how electric vehicles and new software are shaping up the road to sustainability

Photo by Michael Fousert on Unsplash

Futuristic concepts once only seen in movies are finally catching up with us, as electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity in the move to a more sustainable future. Although there are still some challenges to overcome to fully realise the potential of these future-focused driving solutions, software has emerged as a key player in driving the growth of the EV charging market and advancing the circular economy.

This presents some exciting opportunities for the EU to take the lead in these areas, and is a great tool to utilise in the fight against climate change. But wait, I’m getting ahead of myself:

What opportunities do EVs and emerging software hold for the EU? 

Charging solutions
One of the most significant opportunities for the EU is the development of smart charging solutions. By using software to optimise charging based on factors like grid capacity, renewable energy availability, and user demand, we can reduce the cost and environmental impact of charging EVs, while also making it easier to use renewable energy.

No more irresponsible bye-bye batteries
Of course, it's not just about charging. EVs look great on paper, but to create a truly circular economy, we also need to tackle the issue of their battery waste. That’s where software comes in, by tracking and managing batteries throughout their lifecycle, which helps us to ensure that they are reused, recycled, or disposed of responsibly.

Promoting sustainable user behaviour
Another way that software can help us move towards a more circular economy is by improving the user experience for EV drivers. By providing real-time data on charging station availability and their pricing, drivers can make more informed decisions about their charging needs. Software can also be used to encourage drivers to charge during off-peak hours when renewable energy is more abundant, thus promoting sustainable behaviour.

OK, and what about those challenges you mentioned?
With all great ideas come some challenges to overcome, and the concept of optimised EV and software use is no exception to this rule. Here are a few challenges to consider? 

Rollouts or slow-outs?
As you can imagine, the rollout of EV charging infrastructure has been slow in some areas, which can make it challenging for drivers to adopt EVs. To overcome this challenge, the EU must work to ensure that charging infrastructure is widely available and easily accessible, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Policies to set an example
Change cannot be ignored, and the EU must develop policies that encourage circularity in the EV industry. This includes incentivizing battery recycling and promoting the use of renewable energy in the production of new batteries. This will position the EU as a leader in sustainable mobility and set an example for the rest of the world – which is always a good thing!

Have a look at these EU cities already utilising the power of EVs:

Amsterdam
Pioneer city Amsterdam has a smart charging network that uses software to consider factors such as grid capacity and renewable energy availability. This has led to a more efficient and sustainable charging process, and has helped Amsterdam become a leader in sustainable mobility. Go, Amsterdam, go!

Oslo
Oslo’s "ELbil-Oslo" project aims to make Oslo a fossil-free city by 2030. This aspiration included investing heavily in EV charging infrastructure, with a particular focus on fast-charging stations. The city has also implemented a pricing scheme that rewards drivers to charge during off-peak hours when renewable energy is more abundant.

EU companies
In addition to these cities, Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt is also in the battery game. They have developed a software platform called Revolt that tracks batteries throughout their lifecycle, to ensure that they are reused, recycled, or disposed of responsibly.

Final thoughts
Software is an exciting tool that can help us drive the growth of the EV charging market. It helps advance the circular economy, and provides some exciting opportunities for the EU to take the lead in these areas.

By investing in smart charging solutions, battery management software, and user-friendly interfaces, we can make EVs a more sustainable and attractive transportation option. As with all great ideas, we still have to head to the drawing board for some fine-tuning to overcome earlier-mentioned challenges.

What are your thoughts, can the road to future-focussed transportation in the EU be a smooth one?