e-charging access and payments

ESB ecars is developing the supporting payment and IT systems which will be operational in 2012. Until then charging in public locations will be free.

The payment system will give drivers access to the public charge point network. Having registered for electric car charging, ESB ecars will send each electric car owner a charge point access card.

When the system is up and running, an online account will enable drivers to pay for public charging. When you log into your account, you choose an energy supplier and you pre-pay using your debit or credit card. You will be able to check your balance and top-up at any time. The system can even recall your normal charging pattern and let you know, via your mobile phone, when you need to top-up. You can see what the best online electricity tariff is and change energy supplier at any time with no penalty.

Connecting you, your ecar, and the charge point network

Again, it’s the fun & functionality that meets the customer not the complexity. The charge point can let you know via your mobile phone when your car is fully charged. It can also let you know about items and events of interest near to your charge point.

Mobile Apps in Development

If you use an iPhone, Android, or another smartphone, you will be able to use a range of additional apps which are currently being developed. ESB ecars is developing an electric car charge point app which will enable users to view charge point locations and get news updates. You will be able to see the charge point locations and their status in your area and throughout Ireland.

These will provide you with geographical maps with locations of the charge points in your area and their status.

This all involves a range of wireless communications and data centres, but you don’t have to worry about ‘how’ it works just enjoy ‘what’ it does!

Image describing how a charge point, your car, and your phone can communicate with each other.

Business Opportunities

ESB ecars aims to maximise the benefits of the national infrastructure development including the supporting IT and communications systems to indigenous Irish companies and start-ups (subject to EU and OJEC requirements). Already, several Irish companies are involved in the design and support of this national implementation. ESB ecars are working with Transpoco in developing car sharing software. Transpoco are a small Irish I.T company who have developed GPS car tracking software and a car data logging system used by ESB ecars in their research and trials. Arekibo another Irish company, are a digital media company who are working with ESB ecars in developing an mobile app to help electric car drivers locate the nearest charge point to them through an online map. More details can be found above in the Mobile Apps in Development section.

For a detailed e-charging IT system overview please click here.

If you would like to learn more about other companies who are involved in the ecar industry click here.

If you want to get in touch with us about ideas you may have please e-mail: ecars@esb.ie