Summary
- Non-Tesla charging stations need to improve to avoid issues like dead stalls and finicky cables
- ChargePoint has faced problems with its business model of having others own the machines, leading to abandoned stations and repair delays
- ChargePoint has implemented AI technology to diagnose hardware issues remotely and ensure station uptime
- The company’s Network Operation Center uses sensor inputs, logs, and data to analyze problems and dispatch on-site technicians quickly
- AI technology allows users to submit photos of broken stations for the software to identify the issue and provide actionable information for repairs
Article
Non-Tesla electric vehicle charging infrastructure has been improving over the last year, with networks such as Electrify America making strides in enhancing the reliability and functionality of their charging stations. However, there are still issues that need to be addressed, such as dead stalls, finicky cables, and stations that require multiple attempts to start charging. The occasional stranding of drivers due to charging problems also remains a concern that needs to be resolved.
One challenge faced by ChargePoint is its business model of having third-party owners own the charging stations, which has led to issues such as abandoned stations and delays in getting replacement parts. To address this, the company is encouraging customers to purchase service plans to avoid unexpected repair bills. However, even with service plans in place, the speed at which repairs can be made is crucial, as drivers may not be charging experts and can only report that something is wrong with the station.
When a driver reports a problem, ChargePoint runs diagnostics on the charging station remotely to identify the issue. Using sensor inputs, logs, and other data, the company’s representatives can often determine the cause of the problem and dispatch a technician with the necessary parts for a faster repair. However, some issues are difficult to detect remotely or require on-site assessment, making it challenging to provide timely solutions to charging station problems.
ChargePoint is exploring the use of AI technology to enhance its ability to diagnose hardware issues and improve station uptime. By allowing users to submit photos of broken charging stations via the app, the machine learning software can compare the images to a database of known issues and provide actionable information to dispatch on-site technicians. This technology is aimed at improving the reliability of the charging network and demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovation in electric vehicle infrastructure.
Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint, emphasizes the importance of deploying AI technology to enhance the company’s Network Operations Center and ensure efficient triaging and resolution of physical issues that may not be detected through remote monitoring. By leveraging AI for hardware diagnostics, ChargePoint aims to provide a more reliable charging network and deliver faster solutions to charging station problems. The incorporation of AI technology represents a significant step forward in improving the overall performance and maintenance of non-Tesla electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Read the full article here
