Smart Parking Software and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The vehicle industry is evolving to meet the changes in the technology sectors. We are starting to see self-driving cars and large autonomous vehicles like semi-trucks and machinery. There is also a push to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in the automotive industry and make a switch to alternative energy sources. The most recent of these switches are with electric vehicles. What was once only seen in the few car brands like Riker Electric Motor company are now becoming mainstream through major companies like Dodge, Ford, and Tesla.
History of the Electric Vehicle
The Riker Electric Motor Company was among one of the first electric car companies, as well as the company Electric Carriage and Wagon Company. These companies were forerunners in the major push to switch to alternative fuels. The Electric Carriage and Wagon Company had introduced a fleet of electric taxis for use in New York City in 1896. There were also attempts in the 60’s and 70’s to use alternative fuels for vehicles, but fossil fuel use still remained the top fuel source.
The world became more environmentally conscious and a new movement occurred across all industries to become more ‘green’ and have safe practices that had low environmental impact. Now major companies like Ford and Dodge are releasing electric vehicles alongside Tesla. These vehicles have a different need for fuel and require a slightly different approach to refueling. In fact, depending on the type of charging station it could take 40-50 hours (level 1) from empty, or 5-6 hours for a plug-in hybrid vehicle. However, higher powered charging stations can charge a vehicle in much less time. The Tesla Superchargers can charge a car in 15 minutes! This is a longer process than fueling up with gasoline, so there is some need for longer parking.
Smart Parking Technology
This is where smart or digital parking can take the helm in helping organize the parking areas for charging vehicles. This includes making sure non-charging vehicles are not left in the parking spaces. Smart parking is the use of technology or equipment to enhance the parking areas through automation. The overall level of automation is dependent on the overall goals and budget of the operation. In the case of charging stations, this may include technology such as sensors, a digital app, and reservations. There are many benefits for the use of smart technology to assist with charging stations in all aspects of parking both at retail establishments and also residential.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
When surveyed, there were several areas that were of concern for charging of EV vehicles. One of the major ones was access to charging at home when the driver didn’t have their own garage or driveway. A solution to that was through the residential complexes and providing charge areas for EV vehicles for residents. One misconception of this is that many believe that this means that the residential areas would be required to provide one station per EV or resident. However, with the use of smart parking technology, as well as data generated to track those that do and don’t have EV’s, informed decisions can be made on the needed number of stations. This information can be provided through registration on the online app. When residents register their vehicles they can say whether or not the vehicle is electric and needs a charge area. Once this information is processed, management can make an informed decision on the need for chargers, as well as placement of the tenants in certain apartments or condos that are close to the charging stations.
In addition to generating the reports needed, management can work into a lease agreement for the use of the charging stations for either a fee added to the rent, or payments through the app. In the case of payments through the app, residents can apply cashless payments through the app via a card or other payment methods like Samsung or Apple Pay. All of these things can be controlled through the app on any connected device.
Management is also able to monitor the charging stations and determine if a vehicle is parking there correctly or not through the registration process and information generated specific to a license plate. This ensures the spaces become available when needed, as well as eliminates EV’s that are not registered or living at the properties. In the case of an improperly parked vehicle, management can communicate with the drivers through the app, as well as towing or law enforcement services.
There are many other benefits to smart parking applications that make it a go to for many applications from retail, commercial, and residential. For more information on parking management apps reachout to a knowledgeable staff member at ParkingBadge!
The industry of parking is ever evolving and meeting the needs of the driver. As the world evolves into one with technology, all aspects of everyday life will also evolve to meet the needs. This also includes parking. There are many other amazing features for smart or digital parking out there that are waiting to be explored.
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