Tag Archives: approach

News

ChargePoint Plans to Improve Reliability of its EV Charging Network

ChargePoint, an electric vehicle charging company, has announced its new plan to improve the uptime of its EV chargers across its network. This plan includes proactive station monitoring, machine learning for faster identification of station issues, and predictive analytics for seamless operation.

What Does That Mean?

ChargePoint currently has over 243,000 active charging ports in its network. These charging stations are monitored 24/7 through its Network Operations Center (NOC). The company can quickly notify station owners and send maintenance teams to resolve any issues. Additionally, machine learning algorithms will process big data feeds and monitor social media to identify stations with problems.

ChargePoint hasn’t specified which social media platforms it will monitor. However, it could potentially use the PlugShare app, a crowdsourced public EV charging station app, to gather complaints and data. The company has been asked for clarification on this matter.

Why It Matters

Surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023 have highlighted issues with public EV charging networks. Participants reported problems with station access, station reliability, and user satisfaction. In the 2022 JD Power survey, user satisfaction with public Level Two charging stations dropped from 643 to 633 on a 1,000-point scale. However, Tesla Superchargers received the highest satisfaction score.

The 2023 Plug In America survey revealed that while around 90% of current EV owners are generally satisfied with their EVs, they are dissatisfied with the state of public charging networks. Broken chargers were categorized as a major concern or a deal-breaker for 46% of users who rely on public DC fast charging networks.

The Sticky Issue of Public EV Charging Network Uptime

Currently, there is no single standard to measure public EV charging network uptime. ChargePoint measures station uptime individually for each charging port, considering driver expectations. By this metric, ChargePoint’s public network in North America and Europe delivers 96% uptime. ChargePoint Assure customers enjoy an even higher rate of uptime at 98%.

The new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the US covers various EV charging topics and requires federally funded charging networks to meet a minimum of 97% uptime. ChargePoint’s internal records currently show its network at 96% uptime. The law also mandates that qualified EV chargers must be built in the US and use domestically manufactured components.

ToyotaUk

Which Toyota Electric Vehicle is Right for You?

Toyota recognizes the importance of electric vehicles (EVs) in the future of transportation. However, they understand that different drivers have different needs. That’s why Toyota’s Beyond Zero Vision is committed to providing a wide range of low and zero emissions vehicles to meet the diverse needs of customers.

In the following video overview, you will discover the various EVs available in Toyota’s lineup. Each vehicle has its own unique features and capabilities, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and requirements.

Technology

The Reason Why British Aircraft Carriers Have Two Islands

The British have found a clever solution to aircraft carrier design by incorporating two separate islands with independent exhaust and air intake systems. This design offers several advantages over a single large island.

One advantage is that the two smaller islands have a smaller combined footprint, which creates more space on the flight deck. This additional space allows for a full off-site construction of each unit. Another advantage is that each island can mount powerful radar systems without interference. If the radars were mounted closer together in a shared space, there would be significant interference.

However, there are some drawbacks to this design. Navigation is typically handled from the front island, while aircraft operations are carried out from the rear island. This requires heavy reliance on an intercom system for communication, as in-person communication between the two islands is not possible. Some people argue that the two islands detract from the aesthetic appeal of a carrier, but this could simply be a matter of getting used to.

The innovative approach of using two islands is currently employed in two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers: HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. Both ships were commissioned in 2017 and 2019 respectively. Aside from the dual islands, these carriers also feature facilities such as a cinema, five gyms, and four galleys with a staff of 27.

Cars

This Kia Cabin Feature Is Ingenious and Other Automakers Should Imitate

Kia has developed a clever approach for its USB ports, positioning them just behind the side bolsters of the front seats. This strategy offers several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the need to search low down for the USB ports, which can be particularly challenging if someone is sitting in the middle seat of the second row. It also eliminates the hassle of navigating a cable between knees when connecting devices.

If there are no passengers in the back of the car, the USB ports in the seats become even more easily accessible for those in the front. There is no need to climb halfway into the rear or search blindly for a USB port. For example, in the Niro Hybrid, the front seat occupants can effortlessly access a total of five USB ports, with a mix of USB-A and USB-C options. This ample connectivity should be sufficient to keep most devices charged.

While it’s not a definitive reason to purchase a Kia, the automotive industry is highly competitive. Paying attention to small details like this can significantly enhance the overall experience of owning a vehicle. These thoughtful features are worth celebrating, especially if they contribute to a more enjoyable journey without the age-old question of “are we there yet?”