Introduction [00:00:00]

Dr. Erik Wallin: Welcome to ProptechOS Best of Breed podcast. Today's guest is Janne Olin, the CEO of EpSpot, a manufacturer of EV charging components and software to manage large fleets of EV chargers.

Janne Olin: Thank you, Erik. It's a pleasure to be here today.

Managing the Complete EV Ecosystem [00:01:00]

Dr. Erik Wallin: From an EV charging perspective, what's the biggest challenge?

Janne Olin: Let me take a step back. Our approach since inception has been about managing the complete situation - EVs, users, buildings with their electricity supply, and the power grid. It's about packaging this complex environment into something understandable for all stakeholders.

Our approach recognizes that many factors need to be optimized in relation to each other, requiring comprehensive data. We aggregate data into the cloud for processing, though some things can be done locally. Everything happens in real time - pricing, consumption, and production all need real-time processing.

Vehicle Communication Challenges [00:03:00]

If we talk about integration with cars today, it's mostly an analog connection with limited information exchange. With more information from the car, we could provide better service, and similarly, if the car knows more about electricity availability and prices, it can better inform its driver.

Dr. Erik Wallin: That's interesting. I assumed you already knew things like the state of charge on the charging equipment side.

Janne Olin: The industry has agreed on a standard called ISO 15118, which is now well-established. Car manufacturers and charging station manufacturers are moving in this direction, enabling better information exchange with vehicles.

Enhanced Vehicle Integration [00:05:00]

This means we'll be able to get the digital ID of the car, extract state of charge (with consent), and see programmed departure times. Rather than having users enter information twice in both the car and our app, we can access this directly. We can also instruct the car on power consumption per phase, helping balance the building's electrical infrastructure.

This exchange of information creates value for all stakeholders - car owners understand when their vehicle will be ready, while property managers can ensure their electrical infrastructure isn't overloaded and potentially leverage solar power.

Battery Management Challenges [00:07:00]

Dr. Erik Wallin: I understand your support calls have increased because cars are getting smarter about charging?

Janne Olin: Yes. Five years ago, when connected to a charging station, cars would charge to 100% without question. Now, to optimize battery longevity, manufacturers have implemented features that limit charging. This makes cars seem unpredictable to users who then contact our support asking why their car isn't charging. Better information flow between all entities would solve this problem.

Future of EV Evaluation [00:09:00]

This connects to another topic - using vehicle batteries to sell electricity back to the grid. What are the commercial drivers? Is it about price arbitrage or providing grid flexibility services?

When buying used cars in the past, you'd ask about mileage. For future EVs, we'll ask about charging cycles - how many 100% charging sessions were done, whether fast chargers were used frequently, and so on. These will become important factors in determining vehicle value.

Real-Time Electricity Pricing [00:10:00]

Regarding electricity pricing, we now have 15-minute intervals in the Nordics. It's worth noting that when charging an EV, you're not just paying for electricity but also for the equipment, installation, maintenance, and operation. The electricity itself is only a fraction of what you pay.

The infrastructure has a finite lifetime - both batteries and chargers wear out. Chargers have mechanical components like relays and connectors that can be damaged.

Dr. Erik Wallin: The European grid is shifting from hourly to 15-minute measurements. Optimists say this will help the grid, while pessimists say it will increase consumer costs.

Janne Olin: Everything is happening in real time - pricing, consumption, load balancing. I believe real-time processing is inevitable, and eventually, intervals will become even shorter than 15 minutes. With solar power, for example, production can change instantly when clouds pass over panels.

Security and Reliability [00:13:00]

The flip side is that real-time data processing requires reliable connectivity, making systems more vulnerable to communication interruptions and security threats. Whatever we build needs to work even if communication breaks down - robust systems with fallback mechanisms are essential.

Multidimensional Optimization [00:14:00]

Dr. Erik Wallin: This is truly a multidimensional problem - optimizing across user experience, vehicle manufacturers' warranties, charging equipment, property management, and grid requirements. Sounds like something for AI to tackle.

Janne Olin: Yes, but any solution needs to be explainable to everyone in the chain.

Standards are Critical [00:15:00]

Janne Olin: It cannot be overemphasized how important standards are now. We need to connect all these dots and make a unified system. There is no way this happens without standards.

Dr. Erik Wallin: Indeed. Here you have three different domains - the car industry, property owners, and grid operators - with charging equipment in between.

Conclusion [00:16:00]

Dr. Erik Wallin: Thank you Janne, and thank you everyone for listening to the ProptechOS Best of Breeds podcast with Jan Olin from EpSpot. You can find contact information and links to other podcasts below this clip.