8 01732 759725 OPINION Plug and pay Daniel Forsberg, Marketing Manager EVSE at CTEK, a leading provider of EV charging solutions, advises businesses to futureproof workplace EV charging to support emerging ‘zero touch’ options The potential for ‘zero touch’ charging to transform the charging experience for Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers means that employers installing or expanding EV charging in their workplace car parks should futureproof their installations to support Autocharge and Plug & Charge technologies. With both options, the chargepoint will automatically communicate with the vehicle and, if a payment method has been previously set up, begin charging. This provides a seamless experience for users and streamlined administration for employers. One difference between the two is that Autocharge requires the driver or employer to pre-register the vehicle with the charging network’s backend, use an RFID card or authenticate via an app, but only for the first charge. For employers with workplace charging, Autocharge is a smaller step and easier to implement than Plug & Charge but, unless a vehicle is pre-registered to the backend, might require a physical authentication device (e.g. an RFID reader) for the first charge. Autocharge is already available in some European countries, and although roll-out in the UK is limited, it is growing here too. Already, some charging networks are installing Autochargecompatible chargepoints and educating consumers on how to register for Autocharge and on the advantages they will enjoy. Autocharge relies on the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), which enables communication between the chargepoint and the backend management systems. To stay ahead, employers should install chargepoints that support the latest OCPP standard 2.0.1, such as CTEK’s new CC3. One step beyond Plug & Charge, a step beyond Autocharge, provides an even more streamlined experience. A vehicle’s identifying data, securely stored within the car, is automatically recognised by any compatible charging station. The EV driver doesn’t need prior registration with specific charging networks – they just plug in and start charging. For employers with workplace car parks, Plug & Charge promises enhanced security using encryption, digital signatures and public key infrastructure. This will provide additional protection for information about the EV, its owner, who pays for charging and how. Plug & Charge’s protocols are defined by the ISO 15118 standard. As more EVs are built Plug & Charge-ready, employers should specify compatible chargepoints – ideally ones that support both OCPP 2.0.1 and ISO 15118. ISO 15118-compatible chargepoints, such as CTEK’s CC3, will enable Plug & Charge and unlock other innovations governed by the standard, including Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), paving the way for smarter energy management. Autocharge and Plug & Charge are not just for rapid DC charging, but also AC charging, which some employers may install for overnight charging. ctek.com Better access to mentors needed to boost business performance The Association of Business Mentors is calling for public policy interventions to increase awareness of the benefits of professional business mentoring and to expand access to qualified professional mentors. It is urging the Government to form a taskforce dedicated to identifying and implementing strategies to expand access to professional business mentoring following a survey in which two thirds of business leaders said the mentoring they received helped them boost revenues (65%), increase profitability (64%) and take on more staff (63%). Almost three quarters (72%) believe it has also improved their work-life balance and mental health and confidence. On the downside, 25% of business leaders say they found it harder than expected to find a mentor, suggesting that demand may be outstripping supply. Commenting on the findings, Georgina Waite, Chief Executive of the Association of Business Mentors, said: “As this research shows, professional business mentoring is more than just guidance and support; it is a proven catalyst for growth, resilience and wellbeing of UK businesses and their leaders. The benefits of mentoring are wide-ranging, helping businesses to navigate and maximise the opportunities and overcome challenges of daily business life. “Yet, too many businesses still lack knowledge and access to this invaluable resource. By raising awareness and expanding access to experienced and qualified mentors, especially for SMEs, we can create meaningful change. Together, we can help more businesses thrive, strengthening not only individual businesses but the UK economy as a whole.” The Association of Business Mentors, the professional body for business mentoring, sets standards in business mentoring and supports members through professional development and training. www.associationofbusinessmentors.org
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