Highlights
Cloud-connected EV charging station
- Supplies the infrastructure to power electric vehicles and promotes the shift toward cleaner electric transportation
- Cloud operating system allows for smart features, such as remote administration of the network
- Flexible payment system increases convenience for users and increases revenue for hotels in southern California
As with any emerging technology destined to change the world, there are infrastructure challenges that must be addressed before EVs can become as widely adopted as their fossil fuel-powered predecessors. One such hurdle — and one of the most important — is providing a way to power all the new EVs hitting the roads worldwide.
Taipei-based Noodoe Inc. is well on its way to becoming a one-stop shop for electric vehicle charging solutions. After recognizing that EVs will boom over the next 10 years, the company has focused its strengths on helping to accelerate the global transition to electric transportation.
“Globalization has essentially been an extremely polluting process,” said Calvin Lu, Vice President of sales at Noodoe. “After Tesla’s successful launch of EVs, everyone eventually decided to follow suit.”
“By 2025, there will be about 350 different EV models globally,” he said. “In about 10 years, there will be 120 million EVs.”
Breaking the fossil fuel paradigm — starting with infrastructure
There are currently about 1.2 billion cars worldwide, almost all of which are powered by traditional internal combustion engines that allow drivers to travel hundreds of kilometers on a tank of gas. When their fuel runs low, gas stations are generally plentiful, particularly in urban areas, meaning a quick top-up is always just a few minutes away.
It is a different story with electric powered vehicles.
“When an EV reaches 50 percent battery power, drivers start to worry,” Lu said, referring to the current relative scarcity of charging stations.
As EVs develop and their technologies mature, their numbers will continue to grow as they slowly replace fossil fuel-powered vehicles. However, as this next generation of transportation comes of age, one of the biggest problems will be how to charge them all. In smart cities, charging stations are part of the infrastructure that enables smart transportation. Therefore, if cities want to push adoption of EVs to reduce air and noise pollution, charging stations are critical.
Cloud operating system provides the brains powering more than just charging services
To maximize their potential, charging stations must be compatible with EVs from a variety of manufacturers. In addition, making it easy and convenient for drivers to pay for use of a charging station will only contribute to faster adoption. To that end, Noodoe has developed an EV ecosystem that includes a wide range of charging stations and a smart operating platform that simplifies the EV charging experience for drivers, while allowing EV charging station managers and owners to effortlessly generate revenue.
What separates Noodoe EV from run-of-the-mill charging stations is Noodoe EV OS, a cloud operating platform that manages the services of the devices, provides universal payment processing, allows for central administration of the network and unlocks a wealth of diagnostic and analytic capabilities. In addition, in regions that employ automated demand response, Noodoe EV OS can communicate with power companies and remotely adjust the charging speed of stations depending on the available capacity.
“Why have smart hardware? Situations such as a malfunction or an unexpectedly damaged device previously required personnel to go out in the field and inspect it. Now, with Noodoe EV OS, administrators can survey a map of all charging stations and get updates on their individual condition,” Lu said. “A dashboard provides information on charging status, usage, any errors, etc.”
Innovative built-in payment functionality increases convenience for users and opens up new revenue streams for operators
In addition to the administrative functionality provided by Noodoe EV OS, it also facilitates convenient, cashless payment by charging station users. Unlike systems commonly found in the US, no membership is required.
“Everyone is already carrying a membership card — their credit card,” Lu said, adding that there is no need to download an app, which some people do not like to do.
Noodoe EV charging stations offer a variety of options to conduct payment, including: using Apple Pay and Google Pay, or their favorite credit card. Charging codes and radio-frequency identification cards are also supported.
This convenience extends beyond just users — it opens up a new revenue stream for the public sector, as well as industries such as construction, retail and hospitality. By installing Noodoe EV charging stations, operators can increase their revenue by providing value-added services in existing parking lots. This not only helps ameliorate the anxiety of drivers about finding a place to recharge, but also helps promote a cleaner, greener environment powered by EVs.
Mature technology proven in the most competitive environment provides a wealth of experience
Most important of all, the Noodoe EV ecosystem is not some pipe dream: it has already been deployed in many places, including southern California — ground zero for the adoption of EVs.
“The first market we entered is the most competitive: southern California. There is already a significant number of electric cars there, as it’s a location where many manufacturers have chosen to debut their EVs,” Lu said.
“We chose the region with the most intensive competition because from there we can gain an intimate understanding of what such locations require,” he said. “It gives us the opportunity to quickly gain experience and grow as a leader in the field.”
There are already 80 Noodoe EV charging stations deployed in southern California, many at well-known hotel chains. Noodoe has both fast DC charging stations and AC charging stations, which can take a few hours to power up an EV. AC EV stations are ideal for destinations where people are likely to spend some time.
“You want something to do instead of waiting in the car for a charge, so hotels are a good location,” Lu said. “You might stay for the night and need the car in the morning, or maybe you go inside and get some refreshments, or even lunch. In that hour or two you’re away, your vehicle is recharging.”
“When developing smart city solutions, it’s important to start with the software, then add hardware,” he said. “Afterwards, learn about the situations faced by real users and find the most effective, convenient solutions for them.”
Noodoe Inc.
Smart Transportation
Cloud-connected EV charging station
Selling points:
- Cloud operating system allows for remote management of installed units
- Universal payment system that is convenient for users
- Increased revenue for operators
- Compatibility with automated demand response allows charge rate to be adjusted remotely based on available power
