With electric vehicles (EVs) gaining momentum across Europe, with nearly 3.2 million new registrations in 2023 and an annual growth rate of almost 20%, the need for accessible charging infrastructure is more critical than ever. To address this burgeoning demand, ENGIE Vianeo, the EV charging division of energy giant ENGIE Group, has partnered with international communications enabler BICS to enhance its charging stations with cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
In 2023, the European Union enacted legislation mandating the installation of more EV chargers across its member states, with specific targets set for 2025 and 2030. This law emphasises the deployment of charging stations along main highways to support the increasing number of electric vehicles.
In response to this legislative push, ENGIE launched its EV charging business, ENGIE Vianeo, a year ago. The partnership with BICS aims to upgrade the technology supporting ENGIE Vianeo’s expanding network of charging stations, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and user convenience.
Technological upgrade with IoT
ENGIE Vianeo is integrating the BICS SIM for Things IoT connectivity portal into its EV charging stations. This upgrade transforms the charging infrastructure into a network of IoT devices, allowing for remote maintenance, real-time data collection, and enhanced decision-making. The new system enables remote software and firmware updates, addressing one of the key demands of EV users for reliable and efficient charging solutions.
Previously, ENGIE’s charging stations utilised a ‘black box’ technology that required physical data collection and processing. The new IoT solution, however, provides real-time, remote data collection, vastly improving operational efficiency and user experience.
Enhancing user experience
One of the standout features of this new technology is the improved customer experience. Users can now access live information about nearby charger availability and the charging status of their vehicle via a mobile app. ENGIE Vianeo managing director Clémence Fischer emphasised the importance of this feature, stating, “The appetite for electric and hybrid cars is growing across Western Europe. We aim to meet this demand by rapidly expanding our number of charging stations.”
Fischer also highlighted the ambitious targets set by ENGIE Vianeo, noting that the company plans to have 12,000 charge points in France and over 3,000 in Belgium by the end of 2025. Managing such a large and dispersed network of charging stations presents significant challenges. By investing in IoT technology alongside BICS, ENGIE Vianeo seeks to maintain complete visibility over its infrastructure, ensuring prompt response and reliable maintenance.
Strategic locations and connectivity
Due to the typical locations of charging stations, whether in busy urban areas or remote highways, mobile connectivity is crucial. BICS is simplifying this aspect for ENGIE Vianeo by providing the internet connection, SIM cards for the charging stations, and the SIM for Things platform for easy setup and maintenance.
The initial rollout of these connected chargers will focus on Belgium, with plans to expand across Western Europe, including France, Italy, and Spain. Around 50,000 devices are expected to be deployed as part of this collaboration.
The future of EV charging
Mikael Schachne, BICS CRO of Enterprise, underscored the significance of IoT technology in this endeavour. “IoT technology augments businesses by enabling real-time visibility across their operations, from the management of moving parts within factories to devices distributed across the globe,” he said. “Enabling EV vehicles to access charging stations anywhere is essential as we look to achieve a more efficient and carbon-neutral mobility infrastructure.”
Schachne expressed BICS’s commitment to simplifying the deployment of smart chargers across Europe. “We are very pleased to partner with ENGIE Vianeo to accelerate their rollout, reducing the complexity with ‘plug-and-play’ SIM connectivity to rapidly and easily connect smart chargers across Europe.”
The partnership between ENGIE Vianeo and BICS marks a significant advancement in EV charging infrastructure in Europe. By leveraging IoT technology, the collaboration aims to provide a seamless, efficient, and user-friendly charging experience. This initiative not only supports the EU’s legislative goals but also aligns with the broader vision of achieving a carbon-neutral mobility infrastructure, fostering a sustainable future for all.