Emerging technologies for tomorrow’s Electric Vehicles

As the years go by and we get closer to 2035 (which will see the prohibition of petrol and diesel vehicle sales), electric vehicles are more popular than ever.

 

The benefits of EVs can optimise your business by helping you save up to 79%* in basic running costs compared to ICE vehicles as fewer moving parts in the EV reduces vehicle maintenance costs. Additionally, vehicle excise duty (VED) or road tax is currently £0 for electric vehicles (as of January 2023), and they are fully compliant with current ULEZ and CAZ standards meaning you won’t have to pay congestion charges, saving you money on fees and taxes. However, like all inventions, it’s important that EV technology continues to grow and improve to maintain its beneficial edge.

 

With that in mind, we searched the EV marketplace today to bring you the EV technologies of tomorrow.

 

 

Vehicle to Grid charging (V2G)

Vehicle to Grid charging enables energy from an EV car’s battery to be transferred back into the power grid with the EV battery charging and discharging based on different signals. Essentially, V2G allows you to use your EV as a low-risk investment, as you can charge your electric vehicle during cheaper tariff periods and sell any unused energy back to the grid during higher-priced tariff periods, to improve cashflow for your business.

 

V2G charging could be at the forefront of EV technology and a greener UK, helping you save an average of £725 per year*.

 

 

Vehicle to Home charging (V2H)

V2H allows you to use the energy stored in your EV battery to power your home when convenient to help you cut your energy bill costs whilst reducing carbon emissions.

 

By using your EV’s battery to fuel your home during the day (high tariff times) you can avoid paying high energy prices from the grid and save up to £200 monthly*.

 

 

Advancements in EV battery technology

The longevity of an EV car battery and how it affects range is one of the main concerns of businesses and the public.

 

Improvements to EV battery technology will see them hold charges for longer, providing longer range and in turn reducing range anxiety and pressure on charging infrastructure by limiting the amount of charging stations needed and saving you money over time.

 

Imagine electric vehicle batteries that give you 500 miles drive on a few minutes of charge. No? How about 1,100 miles? As improbable as it sounds, that’s where EV battery technology is headed. To put this in perspective, current rapid charge points can provide an 80% charge in approximately half an hour with top-ups required on long-distance journeys.

 

 

Megawatt charging system for large EVs

Megawatt charging (MWC) will be key in the battle to reduce carbon emissions by removing the main hurdles in the way of mass eTruck adoption.

 

MWC provides the rapid power transfer required to reduce lengthy charging times and vehicle downtime for eTrucks, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and other large EVs. Powerful megawatt charging systems will deliver a full charge in approximately 15 minutes at a maximum rate of 3.75 megawatts (3,000 amps at 1,250 volts direct current (DC)).

 

 

Electrified roads

Electric roads allow for power transfer between a vehicle and the road. So, as an EV drives on an eRoad, the energy can be used to charge on-board batteries and power the EV propulsion system helping to reduce the need for the high volume of charging infrastructure and offering charging convenience. 

 

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Fleet managers will see less vehicle downtime and outgoing expenses from the costly nature of vehicle repairs through the evolution of transport safety technology. The emergence of EVs using AI to predict hazards ahead of time to protect drivers and usher in a new era of safer roads.

 

• Camera and sensor technology improvements will allow EVs a 360° view to identifying potential risks beyond the line of sight.
• AI systems called neural networks will use human body cues (such as head turning and body positioning) to accurately predict when a pedestrian intends to cross a road.
• Tyre Damage Monitoring Systems will automatically deliver hazard information to nearby vehicles and cloud data stores.

 

 

Transition to electric with Northgate

Northgate’s Drive to Zero hub hosts a complete range of EV transition tools.

 

EVs provide immediate benefits to your business such as improved cash flow with fewer moving parts reducing maintenance costs and less wear on brake pads through regenerative braking reduces spend on servicing costs. Other immediate benefits include a positive company image and contributions to a cleaner environment by meeting financial, Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability goals.

 

The continuous development of batteries and growing awareness of the most efficient driving behaviours will bring endless innovative features moving forward. With EV technology evolving at an accelerated rate, vehicle hire may prove to be the best acquisition method to add the latest EVs to your fleet quickly.

 

From helping you choose the right E-LCV from a varied selection of market-best manufacturers through our customer-friendly vehicle finder to discussing charging infrastructure to driver training and advice – we can help your Drive to Zero at every stage.

 

 

Northgate’s electric vehicle and home charging bundle

Our all-in-one electric vehicle and home charging bundle (available on Northgate 12months+ hires) not only includes an EV and home charge point, but also provides access to an inclusive platform that gives fleet managers full control and visibility of driver charging.

 

Within the platform, drivers can leverage a smart-charging option to auto-schedule vehicle charging during periods of cheaper tariffs and fleet managers can set reimbursement tariffs and compensate drivers through a company wallet feature.