As more people switch to electric vehicles (EVs), the EV charging infrastructure changes and adapts to meet consumer needs.
However, not everyone has easy access to a charging station at their home or workplace – many people, especially new EV owners, still rely on public chargers, which can be expensive and difficult to access on demand.
Peer-to-peer charging is a new initiative that aims to make charging more accessible and create a wider variety of options for drivers. In this article, we’ll explain peer-to-peer charging and how it could work for you.
Let’s get started!
What is Peer-to-Peer Charging?
Peer-to-peer charging is a way of renting your EV charger to other EV owners and vice-versa. A range of apps and websites allow you to connect host and renter for easy access to sustainable charging options.
How Does it Work?
An EV owner can register with an online peer-to-peer charging service to become a host or a renter. This will give you access to an overview of the charging options available and allow you to search for available charging stations in your area.
The host and the renter can use the online platform or app to chat and arrange a price and time for the charger rental. The renter will also pay through their chosen platform for a safe transaction.
Benefits of Peer-to-Peer Charging
Peer-to-peer charging has several benefits that may make it a worthwhile investment. Some of the key benefits include:
- Easy access to chargers across the country
- Build relationships with other EV owners
- Help create a sustainable charging network
- This creates a second source of income for those who own chargers
Overall, it’s a useful way to create a carbon-neutral EV charging network that helps drivers have a consistent, easy-to-access energy source for their vehicles.
Challenges of Peer-to-Peer Charging
There are a few challenges to be aware of with peer-to-peer charging networks.
The main issue you might encounter is that certain EVs require certain charging characteristics. For example, a car that uses a type 1 charging cable couldn’t use a charger that has a type 2 cable built-in.
EV charging speeds may also be an issue, so it’s important to be aware of how powerful the charger is before you pay for a certain amount of charging time to ensure you get your money’s worth.
Additionally, there may be concerns about insurance coverage and liability if someone damages a charger or a charger damages their car. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of the platform you choose to use for this reason.
Would You Try Communal Charging?
Overall, peer-to-peer charging offers a promising new way to make access to EV chargers more accessible.
While there are challenges to be addressed, the benefits of this EV charging model could make EV charging more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Get In Touch
Do you have a question about your EV charging options? Our Smartly experts will be happy to assist you. You can contact us by using the live chat function at the bottom of this page or by filling in our online form.
