Tag: vehicles

How Battery Technology Influences the Future of Autonomous Vehicles

The future of autonomous vehicles (AVs) hinges not just on software and algorithms but also on the evolution of battery technology. Autonomous vehicles are equipped with a variety of sensors, cameras, and computing units that work together to allow the vehicle to drive without human intervention. These systems require a constant, reliable power source to function effectively, making car batteries a critical component of autonomous vehicle technology.

In this article, we explore the specific requirements for car batteries used in autonomous vehicles, the innovations in battery technology that are shaping the future of self-driving cars, and how these advancements are contributing to safer, more efficient, and reliable vehicles.

The Role of Batteries in Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles are designed to operate independently, and this requires a large number of sensors and data-processing units working in tandem. These systems include cameras, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), radar, and ultrasonic sensors, which are used to detect objects, navigate the environment, and make decisions in real-time. In addition, AVs are powered by high-performance onboard computers that process vast amounts of data. All of these components depend on a continuous supply of energy, which makes battery technology more important than ever.

The primary role of a battery in an autonomous vehicle is to supply power to the vehicle’s propulsion system and its various sensors. However, this is not a straightforward task. Autonomous vehicles typically require more power than conventional vehicles due to the energy demands of their sensors and computing systems. Batteries must therefore be designed to provide not only sufficient power for the drive system but also the high energy density required for these advanced technologies to function smoothly.

Requirements for Batteries in Autonomous Vehicles

The demands placed on batteries in autonomous vehicles are more complex than those in traditional electric vehicles (EVs). Here are some key requirements for AV batteries:

  1. High Energy Density : Autonomous vehicles need batteries that can provide a significant amount of power over long periods. Energy density refers to how much energy a battery can store in a given space. High energy density is crucial for ensuring that AVs can operate for long distances without frequent recharging, especially when operating in complex, real-world environments.
  2. Durability and Longevity : Since autonomous vehicles are expected to be in constant operation, the batteries used in them must be durable and long-lasting. Battery life is an essential factor, as frequent replacements or significant declines in performance can negatively impact the vehicle’s operation. High-quality, long-lasting batteries will help reduce maintenance costs and increase the efficiency of these vehicles.
  3. Fast Charging Capabilities : Autonomous vehicles may need to charge quickly during their operational cycles to reduce downtime. Batteries with fast-charging capabilities are crucial for ensuring that AVs can spend more time on the road and less time plugged into a charging station. Advances in battery chemistry, like solid-state batteries, promise to improve charging speed and efficiency.
  4. Thermal Management : High-power batteries generate heat, especially when used in high-demand situations like driving on highways or during heavy sensor usage. Effective thermal management is necessary to prevent the battery from overheating, which can lead to safety risks and reduced performance. The integration of advanced cooling systems is an important aspect of battery design in autonomous vehicles.
  5. Safety and Reliability : Since autonomous vehicles will operate without human intervention, it is crucial that their batteries are safe and reliable. Malfunctions or failures can pose serious risks to the vehicle and its passengers. This includes preventing issues like battery overheating, short circuits, and the potential for fires or explosions. Advanced battery management systems (BMS) are crucial for monitoring the health of the battery and preventing these types of failures.

Innovations in Battery Technology for Autonomous Vehicles

Several exciting innovations in battery technology are currently being developed to meet the unique demands of autonomous vehicles. Here are some of the most promising advancements:

  1. Solid-State Batteries : One of the most talked-about advancements in battery technology is the development of solid-state batteries. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which use a liquid electrolyte, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte. This makes them safer, with a reduced risk of fires and better thermal stability. Solid-state batteries also promise higher energy densities, meaning they can store more energy in the same amount of space.
  2. Lithium-Sulfur Batteries : Lithium-sulfur batteries have the potential to significantly increase energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries. These batteries could allow autonomous vehicles to travel longer distances on a single charge. The high energy density of lithium-sulfur batteries, combined with their lightweight design, makes them ideal for the energy demands of autonomous driving systems.
  3. Battery Management Systems (BMS) : To ensure the safety and efficiency of AV batteries, advanced BMS are being developed. These systems monitor and manage the health of the battery, optimizing charging cycles, balancing energy distribution, and preventing issues such as overcharging or deep discharging. BMS technology will be essential to maintain the performance and longevity of batteries in autonomous vehicles.
  4. Wireless Charging : Wireless charging is an emerging technology that allows autonomous vehicles to recharge without physical connectors. This could lead to greater convenience for AVs, allowing them to automatically charge while parked or even while on the move in specially equipped roads. Wireless charging systems are already being tested in various pilot programs, and they could become a standard feature in the future of autonomous driving.
  5. Energy Recovery Systems : In addition to enhancing battery technology, autonomous vehicles can be equipped with energy recovery systems that capture and store energy lost during braking or other vehicle operations. These regenerative systems can improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle, reducing the reliance on external charging and improving the range of the vehicle.

Conclusion

As autonomous vehicles continue to evolve, battery technology will play a pivotal role in their development. From ensuring reliable power for sensors and computing systems to providing the energy needed for long-distance travel, the future of autonomous vehicles depends heavily on advancements in battery performance, efficiency, and safety.

With innovations such as solid-state batteries, lithium-sulfur technology, and advanced battery management systems, we can expect to see significant improvements in the range, safety, and reliability of autonomous vehicles. As these vehicles become more common on our roads, car batteries, including those like the car battery for Toyota Corolla, will play a critical role in shaping the future of transportation, ensuring that autonomous vehicles can operate without human intervention efficiently and safely.

The development of powerful, long-lasting batteries is essential for the success of autonomous vehicles, and as these technologies continue to mature, we will witness a major shift in how we think about and interact with cars.

Diagram: Battery Technology Requirements for Autonomous Vehicles

Battery Requirement Why It Matters
High Energy Density Ensures AVs can travel longer distances and power sensors and driving systems efficiently.
Durability and Longevity Reduces maintenance and increases the vehicle’s operational life, lowering overall costs.
Fast Charging Minimizes downtime and keeps autonomous vehicles on the road for longer periods.
Thermal Management Prevents overheating, ensuring safe and optimal performance of the battery.
Safety and Reliability Ensures the vehicle can operate autonomously without the risk of battery malfunctions or failures.

 

There are a variety of suppliers offering car batteries for different vehicle types and requirements. The best-known brands include Varta , Banner , and Optima , which are known for their reliable and durable products and are used in many vehicles worldwide. In addition, Q-Batteries offers wide range of car batteries suitable for both standard vehicles and specialized applications. Other providers such as Batterie24 and Batterieexpress make it easy to select the right battery based on vehicle type and specific requirements is also CoreAutomotive.com one of the relevant providers providing high-quality battery solutions for the automotive industry, with a focus on efficiency and environmental friendliness in manufacturing and operations. These providers ensure a wide availability of batteries that are optimally tailored to the requirements of modern vehicles and offer various models that differ in their technology and performance. 

 

What Fuels the Growing Popularity of Home EV Chargers in Ireland

Gone are the days when car owners would go to flashy showrooms just to see what electric vehicles are all about. The EV revolution is well underway, and many homes in Ireland already come equipped with home EV chargers. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as this new breed of “filling station” appears all set to disrupt the entire automotive industry.

Home EV chargers provide all the solutions EV owners have been looking for: convenience, cost savings, and control. The rise of this trend is fueled not only by practicality, but by a cultural shift that reflects the growing desire for self-sufficiency and sustainability.

Why Home Charging is Gaining Traction

Who actually likes going to the petrol station? The stink of fuel, wrestling with that clunky pump, and feeling the glare of the drivers queuing up behind you aren’t exactly the best part of anyone’s day. For those driving electric, that whole weekly petrol station dance is starting to fade out. Home charging gives you back those little moments that used to get sucked away by that boring chore. Imagine getting home after a crazy day, plugging in your car just like you would your phone, and you’re done.

Speaking of phones, remember back in the day when mobile phones first came out and you’d get those crazy phone bills all the time? Public charging can feel a bit like that—a constant hit to your wallet. Charging at home gives you the power to actually manage how much you’re spending on powering your car. Not only can you make the most of those cheaper electricity rates at off-peak times, but you can also keep an eye on how much you’re using with those fancy smart charging apps.

Government Initiatives and Support

The Irish government actually seems to be on board with making this whole thing easier! Take those folks at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), for example. They’re practically throwing money at you to get a charger installed at home. Their grant scheme can cover a huge chunk of the installation cost, so it’s a total no-brainer if you’re thinking about going electric. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, we get that this whole eco-friendly tech thing can be a bit pricey, so here’s a little something to help you out.”

The government’s also looking beyond our own driveways, with some pretty ambitious plans to get more electric cars on the road and build up a proper charging network. They’re putting money into public charging stations, pushing those smart charging technologies, and even looking at how to plug electric cars into the national grid.

Now, let’s get to those enticing extra perks: lower motor tax, cheaper tolls, and even getting to park in those fancy preferential spots. They’re really laying on the perks to get people to ditch their old diesel guzzlers and go electric. It’s a bit of a carrot-and-stick situation, maybe, but hey, who’s complaining when the carrots are this sweet?

Choosing the Right Home Charger

Picking a home EV charger can feel a bit like trying to choose a new phone. There are tons of options with all kinds of fancy features, different brands all trying to get your attention, and a whole load of tech specs that can make your head spin. Unlike your phone though, you’ll probably have this charger for quite a while, so it’s worth taking the time to figure out what you really need.

To start, let’s consider the difference between tethered and untethered chargers. As you might guess, a tethered charger has the cable permanently attached to the unit. It’s a bit like those old landline phones—always there when you need it, but not exactly designed for portability. Untethered chargers, however, offer greater flexibility. With a separate cable, you can use it with different vehicles without having a cable hanging from your wall when not in use.

Next up, we need to think about charging speed. Do you need a charger that can juice up your car in a flash, or are you okay with a slower, overnight charge? This really comes down to how you use your car, the size of your car’s battery, and how much patience you have. Just keep in mind that those super-fast chargers usually come with a heftier price tag.

Smart chargers should also be on your radar. These clever little gadgets can do all sorts of things, like making sure your car charges when electricity is cheapest, keeping things balanced so you don’t overload your home’s electricity, and even tracking how much energy you’re using. You can even get chargers than can also charge or kids electric ride on car. 

And unless you happen to be an electrician (and let’s face it, most of us aren’t!), you’ll need to get someone in who knows what they’re doing. They’ll take a look at your home’s electrical setup, figure out the best spot for your charger, and make sure everything’s installed properly and safely. You know, so you don’t have to worry about any unexpected fireworks displays.

One last thing: think about the future when you’re choosing your charger. You don’t want to get something that’s going to be outdated in a couple of years, right? So, ask yourself, will you be getting a car with a bigger battery down the line? Would you be interested in vehicle-to-grid, where your car can actually pump energy back into the grid? It’s worth thinking about these things now, so you don’t end up regretting your choice later.

 

ABLIC launches the S-19193 Series of automotive battery monitoring protection ICs

ABLIC (President: Seiji Tanaka, Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter “ABLIC”), a group company of MinebeaMitsumi Inc., today launched the S-19193 Series of automotive 3 to 6-cell battery monitoring protection ICs.

BMS (Battery Management Systems) for EVs and e-Bikes, etc. require functional safety (*1) compliant with ISO26262 (*2), which is a standard for functional safety in road vehicles.

The acceptance criteria for functional safety are (1) fail-safe (the ability to return to a safe state in the event of a failure or malfunction), (2) fail-operational (the ability to continue operation even in the event of a failure or malfunction), and (3) fail-degraded (the ability to continue operation with decreased functionality). In the past, the conventional method of achieving (1) fail-safe functional safety was to use a microcontroller (MCU) together with a high performance IC called an “analog front-end” (AFE) to monitor automotive battery overcharge and over discharge conditions.

Under the conventional (1) fail-safe methodology, the safety of a driver is ensured by “returning to a safe state”, i.e. stopping the vehicle in the event of an actual failure or malfunction, and there was no requirement for continued monitoring of batteries after the vehicle had safely stopped.

However, with the evolution of automated driving technologies, it is expected that there will be an increase in the number of cases where the system, rather than the driver, handles any problems that occur, so the (2) fail-operational and (3) fail-degraded methodologies, which allow for continued operation even in the event of a failure or malfunction, are becoming increasingly important.

The S-19193 Series automotive 3 to 6 cell battery monitoring protection ICs launched today are products developed in ISO26262 compliant processes and are equipped with functions for monitoring automotive battery overcharge and overdischarge.

Utilizing the S-19193 Series makes it possible to continue battery monitoring as a secondary system even in the event the conventional monitoring system (primary) fails, and to achieve a safer BMS that is both (2) fail-operational and (3) fail-degraded compliant.

There are also examples with AFE and MCU internal monitoring functions configured as primary and secondary, but these are mainly for failure and fault detection through mutual monitoring and are insufficient for backup of functionality. In addition, internal redundancy also poses a risk of “joint failure”, where loss of functionality occurs simultaneous to the occurrence of a failure, however with the S-19193 Series, the secondary monitoring can be made completely independent from the primary monitoring to also mitigate the risk of joint failures occurring.

The S-19193 Series also makes it possible to configure a stand-alone operation secondary monitoring circuit which does not require MCU control, which can also contribute to a reduction in the number of design processes.

A Safety Manual is also available for download to support BMS functional safety design using the S-19193 Series. The product is also compliant with the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) established by the U.S. Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), and is also planned to be made compliant with AEC(*)-Q100 Grade1 (*Automotive Electronics Council) quality standards for automotive IC.

Going forward, ABLIC will continue to strive to contribute to our customers’ success with high-quality products developed with the utmost consideration for safety and based on our many years of technological capability and knowhow.

(*1) Functional safety: The incorporation of functional innovations to maintain an acceptable level of safety
(Reference: https://www.ablic.com/en/semicon/products/automotive/asil/)

(*2) ISO26262:
An international standard for functional safety of automotive electronic control systems which was officially established in November 2011. It standardizes development processes aimed at achieving “functional safety” by calculating the risk of failure in automotive electronic control systems and devising measures to lower those risks and integrate those risk reduction measures into systems as functionality in advance. The standard covers the entire vehicle development life cycle from initial vehicle conceptualization to development, production, maintenance, and disposal of systems, ECU, embedded software, and devices.
ABLIC has received “ISO 26262” development process certification from a third-party certification organization in Germany.
(Reference: https://www.ablic.com/en/semicon/news/2024/01/10/iso26262/)

 

Major Features

1.Continued automotive battery monitoring functionality in the event of a failure when used as a secondary monitoring IC
The S-19193 Series is capable of maintaining continuous monitoring of battery overcharge and overdischarge through stand-alone operation which does not require microcontroller control. This makes it possible for battery monitoring to be maintained even in the event of a failure of the main monitoring system (primary), to achieve a fail-operational BMS.
In addition, the S-19193 Series is functional safety standard product developed in ISO26262 compliant processes which achieves ASIL-B(D) classification under expected use cases. This product enables to the achievement of safer BMS by configuring this IC as a secondary monitoring circuit while continuing to use existing circuits at the primary monitoring circuit.

2.Enable stand-alone monitoring and failure detection through self-testing with a simple structure
The product is equipped with a self-test function which makes it possible to detect internal IC failures by simply inputting an external start signal. This makes it possible to use the self-test function to allow the system to detect monitoring function failures even in the event monitoring functionality is lost due to overcharge or over discharge resulting from the random failures that can occur when ICs are used over long periods.

3.Cascade function makes it possible to configure simply monitoring circuits with a small number of components
The S-19193 Series is equipped with a cascade function. In addition to direction connection, the S-19193 Series also supports connection with adjacent S-19193 Series products through a photocoupler, making it possible to construct safe monitoring circuits even in high-voltage BMS with a large number of serially-connected batteries.

Major Specifications
•Overcharge detection voltage: 2.50V to 4.50V ±20mV
•Overdischarge detection voltage: 1.00V to 3.00V ±80mV
•Current consumption during operation: 20μ max.
•Max. rating: 28V
•Operating temperature: -40℃ to +125℃
•Package: HTSSOP-16
•Functional safety compliant (*3)
•AEC-Q100 compliant
•PPAP support available
(*3) Functional safety compliant： https://www.ablic.com/en/semicon/products/automotive/asil/fusa-compliance/?rf=asil

Application Examples
• Automotive devices
• Battery monitoring in EVs, HEVs, PHEVs, e-Bikes, etc.
• Industrial equipment
• Battery monitoring in capacitors, electric forklifts, etc.

Irish Motor Insurance Database Implemented to Help Detect Uninsured Vehicles and Drivers – Each year insurance claims for uninsured vehicles cost €60-€70 million

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) in cooperation with Insurance Ireland, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Transport, has implemented a central insurance database which is referred to as the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) which will help identify uninsured vehicles and drivers. This database is underpinned by Legislation under Section 78A of the Road Traffic and Roads Act (2023) which requires all insurers to provide motor policy information to the database.

TEKenable, MIBI’s solution provider, working closely with the insurance industry, through Insurance Ireland and the MIBI, identified the need to provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for insurers and the Gardai to meet the obligations placed on them by the legislation.  Tekenable designed and developed the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) which will assist the Gardai in enforcement of the insurance requirements in the Road Traffic Act. This will ultimately help to reduce uninsured driving which in turn will reduce premiums and help to improve road safety.

“In Ireland, it’s compulsory for all vehicles to have motor insurance.  If any person suffers physical injury and property damage that’s caused by an uninsured vehicle, MIBI will deal with the claim and pay compensation to the victim.  MIBI, as a not for profit organisation, is financed by levies on the insurance industry. These levies are ultimately paid by law abiding insured motorists with €30-€35 included in the premium paid by drivers,” explains Tom O’Brien, Technical Claims Manager at MIBI.  “This puts an extra burden on law abiding drivers and motor insurance companies while the person with an uninsured vehicle attempts to get away without paying anything.”

The IMID integrates with the underwriting platforms at approximately 40 insurers and collects data on a nightly basis from each insurer. This data is processed overnight and then shared with An Garda Síochána who make it available to front-line Gardai via their internal systems and mobility devices. The MIBI also plans to share the data with the National Vehicle & Driver File (NVDF) at the Department of Transport.

The IMID is one of the largest financial services databases in Ireland today as it contains details on over 3 million vehicles and over 5 million drivers that are insured to drive those vehicles.

The complex and sensitive data in the database will allow Gardai, the Department of Transport and the MIBI to see real-time insurance data pertaining to motor vehicles and their drivers.

“The new system delivers a secure database that connects insurers, MIBI, the Department of Transport and the Gardai, giving them highly secure access to motor insurance data at any time,” concludes Tom.  “The data in IMID facilitates live access to insurance data by Gardai at the road side through their mobile devices.  This is a gamechanger as it allows the Gardai to check the insurance status of both vehicles and drivers that they have stopped.  This will help reduce uninsured driving and improve road safety.”

Bank of Ireland Finance Announced as Exclusive Finance Partner of All-Electric Smart Vehicles in Ireland

Bank of Ireland Finance has been announced as the exclusive finance partner of the all-electric motor franchise Smart – with two new Smart electric vehicles (EVs) now available on the Irish market.

Both new cars, the Smart#1 and Smart#3, feature a premium design fitted with advanced technology, with a range of both four-door and five-seater models available. The new Smart cars are exclusively distributed in Ireland by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) and sold nationwide through their Smart dealer network.

Following a period of steady rather than spectacular EV sales performance over the past couple of years during market reconfiguration, interest in EVs and applications for EV financing are trending higher again with the latest Bank of Ireland figures revealing;

  • Used EV purchase applications up 125% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023
  • New EV purchase applications up 41% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023
  • Overall, 56% increase in EV purchase funding in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023
  • 9 out of 10 EV drivers move into another EV after their original PCP contract ends

Bank of Ireland Finance, which works with 23 motor franchises nationwide to provide low-rate APR offers for EVs, is the largest provider of wholesale finance for both battery electric and plug-in hybrid EV purchases. The EV market continues to evolve as the number of owners with range anxiety falls due to improved charging infrastructure, and awareness levels surrounding EV choice and value rise as motorists become more environmentally conscious.

John Feeney, Head of Property, Project and Asset-backed Finance, Bank of Ireland said: “It’s an exciting time for Smart to introduce these two new models to the Irish market, and Bank of Ireland Finance has an extensive range of flexible finance options available to customers looking to purchase a Smart car.”

 “The switch to EVs is an important part of Ireland’s overall green transition, and with more than €11 billion in sustainable lending already extended, and a target to reach €30 billion by the end of the decade, our focus is on helping consumers and businesses on their green journey. We look forward to supporting customers in making a plug-in or hybrid EV purchase as the market develops further and the sustainable motoring transition gathers speed.” 

EasyGo Reaches Landmark Milestone of One-Million Charges

Erapid Charger Company Limited, trading as “EasyGo”, the largest private electric vehicle charging network operator in Ireland has today announced it has reached a landmark moment with its one-millionth charging session since the company was founded in 2018.

To mark the occasion, EasyGo customer Marcin Owocki from Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, who made the one-millionth charging session, was awarded a €250 EV charging credit on his EasyGo account, the equivalent of one year’s free charging based on his current usage. Marcin made the charge at the Midleton Park Hotel and was also gifted a lunch for two at the hotel.

Commenting on the milestone, Oliver Chatten, CEO of EasyGo said: “Today marks a significant milestone as we reach one-million charges. Mr. Owocki makes use of a prepay contract with EasyGo and currently uses both our mobile application and an EasyGo fob to charge his electric vehicle and we are delighted to award him for using our services.”

He continued, “There are over 60,000 registered subscribers on the EasyGo mobile app and we are on track to see this increase with plans to roll out over 3,000 fast DC chargers by 2032. We’re committed to continually delivering enhanced services to existing and new customers across Ireland, staying in-line with our mission of decarbonising transport, providing accessible and efficient EV charging solutions for them.”

Anais Gilles, Sales and Marketing Manager of Midleton Park Hotel added: “The demand for EV charging facilities has grown significantly in recent years among visitors to our hotel, and we are delighted to partner with EasyGo to provide EV infrastructure for customers.

We’re proud that the one-millionth charge took place here at Middleton Park Hotel, it’s great to see customers such as Mr. Owocki – who has clocked 158 sessions at the Middleton Park Hotel – use these facilities.”

The one-millionth milestone comes after the announcement of Oliver Chatten as CEO of EasyGo and recent investments of €30 million by Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc and an increased investment from Rubicon Capital Advisors.

EasyGo is Ireland’s fastest-growing and largest privately owned EV charge point operator and turnkey solutions provider. Its EV charging network provides access to over 4,000 charging points in 1,500 locations across the island of Ireland. The EasyGo mobile application grew by approximately 2,000 users each month in 2023.

Electric vehicle charging points vulnerable to cyber attack

Belfast based cyber security specialist ANGOKA says developers of the UK’s fast-growing network of electric vehicle charging points could be sleep-walking into a high-risk vulnerability to hacking and cyber-attacks.  

Significant and rapid growth in the number of electric vehicle charging points is expected in the next three years. There are estimated to be more than 100,000 petrol and diesel pumps across the UK while the number of EV charging points( home and Public) stands at over 350,000 and counting.  While the growth in public charging points will grow exponentially, the risk of hacking, disabling and even weaponizing these has become an increasingly recognized problem. 

Richard Barrington, ANGOKA’s head of land mobility says the race to decarbonize and the shift to electrification goes hand in hand with digitization.  

“We need to electrify our economy but we have not fully understood the need for cyber security in this transition,” says Mr Barrington.  

“While data protection through encryption is in place to prevent the theft of financial information through credit cards and electronic payment forms, the cyber security of the actual charging points should be at the top of the agenda,” he says. 

Because EV charging points are all networked, the risk goes beyond theft of financial information or abstracting electricity. ANGOKA says the potential to engineer an attack back onto the national grid or spoof charging indicators allowing batteries to be over or undercharged means the industry must adopt the Zero Trust principles of Never Trust, Always Verify! 

“The threat landscape becomes even more extensive when you consider the bi-directional data exchange between vehicle and charging point,” says Mr Barrington, “this data exchange can be unprotected and vulnerable meaning hijacking, the introduction of malware and denial of service attacks become probable. 

ANGOKA says the responsibility of providing the cyber security to protect these from attack has fallen between the players in the supply chain, Manufacturers, Installers, operators and procurers e.g. local authorities. 

New regulations coming into force next year creates a more open market in that anyone should be able to use any charging point  irrespective of the operator.  Unfortunately greater levels of interconnectivity will lead to a widening of the threat landscape and risk potentially at national scale.  Mr Barrington. “We believe there is an approach that can address these concerns and the  EV charging sector and the motor industry must step up and take action.” 

Representatives from the automotive sectors are due to meet ANGOKA representatives in Belfast in the coming weeks in anticipation of new EV charging point regulations to be introduced next summer.  

Pinergy & Kearys driving an electric future for Munster Rugby

Energy specialist Pinergy, in partnership with Munster Rugby and Kearys Motor Group, was joined by Munster Rugby players Simon Zebo, Niall Scannell and Patrick Campbell at Musgrave Park for the announcement of the installation of EV (electric vehicle) charging technology and the distribution of electric vehicles to Munster Rugby staff.

The new initiative sees Pinergy and Kearys Motor Group working alongside Munster Rugby to begin migrating their car fleet to electric, supporting Munster Rugby’s ambitions to reduce staff emissions in their day-to-day travel. Pinergy will also install the latest Easee EV charging technology in Munster Rugby’s staff members’ homes, to help power their battery every morning. The Munster Rugby staff included in the partnership range from players, coaches, Development Officers, and administrative staff. Based on their needs, staff members availing of the new charging solutions will also be supported with the new Pinergy PowerUp App for EV drivers which enables the drivers to control and manage their charging needs.

Pinergy has supported Munster Rugby since 2017, through the provision of renewable energy as the province’s Official Energy Partner and through the offering of essential expertise to efficiently manage their energy use.

In November 2021, Munster Rugby – having taken steps to reduce carbon emissions since 2008 – first signalled their ambition to become one of the most sustainable clubs in world rugby by becoming one of a number of signatories to the Sports for Climate Action Framework (S4CA), run by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Munster Rugby pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2040.

Pinergy is serving as a lead partner to Munster Rugby in the development and implementation of its sustainability policy and supplies clean, renewable energy to Munster’s Thomond Park and Musgrave Park to help achieve their Net Zero ambitions by reducing their carbon footprint through a range of energy supply & solutions.

Speaking at the launch at Musgrave Park today, Pinergy Chief Executive Officer, Enda Gunnell commented: “It is fantastic to see the tremendous work and collaboration between Pinergy, Munster Rugby and Kearys Motor Group, who all share the same ambitions and values for a better, more sustainable future. This new partnership allows Munster Rugby staff members to drive change in their everyday lives, ensuring the sustainability of Munster Rugby remains a priority for the future. The new EV charging solutions showcases Pinergy’s commitment to helping Munster Rugby become one of the most sustainable sports clubs in the world, with our focus over the past six years remaining in innovation, collaboration, and a collective determination to make positive changes. We are delighted to support Munster Rugby on this journey and have no doubt that our long-standing partnership with the province will continue to lead towards a brighter, greener future for all at Munster Rugby.”

Ian Flanagan, Munster Rugby Chief Executive Officer, said: “At Munster Rugby, we are proud to continue developing our sustainable habits for a greener future.

“We are delighted to have Pinergy and Kearys Motor Group supporting our staff in making a difference first-hand to our carbon footprint and contributing to our greener ambitions.

“This EV project partnership is an inspiring step forward in our sustainability commitment as we continue to target reaching Net Zero by 2040.”

Brendan Keary, CEO, Kearys Motor Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with Munster Rugby and Pinergy to contribute to Munster Rugby’s vision of a more sustainable future, not just for rugby in the province, but also life in the community. Our shared commitment to excellence and innovation makes this partnership a truly exciting one, and through providing electric vehicles to some of the dedicated staff members of Munster Rugby, we are not only supporting the club’s journey towards Net Zero carbon emissions, but also setting a new standard for responsible, sustainable living nationwide.”

Committed to Munster Rugby, Pinergy is also proud sponsor of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club Choir as well as being title sponsors of the Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup continuing to back the future of rugby in the province.

Drivers in the Republic of Ireland can now claim up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of Indra’s EV home chargers

Indra, leading British electric vehicle (EV) charging provider and smart energy technology company, has announced today that its range of smart EV home chargers has achieved Triple E certification from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

This means that EV drivers can now claim up to €600 off their Indra Smart PRO and Smart LUX™ purchase and installation through the Irish Government’s Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant scheme, which is designed to encourage the transition towards EV adoption in Ireland.

The Triple E certification is an important step for Indra as the British manufacturer continues to scale its operations and enter the Irish market.  With 75,000 EVs currently on the road in Ireland, the market has shown impressive growth, including a 49% year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2023 alone.

Leighton King, Chief Commercial Officer at Indra, said:

“We are delighted that EV drivers in Ireland are now able to access the government grant scheme to purchase and install Indra EV home chargers, making the transition to EVs more affordable.

“But that is not the only potential cost saving for EV drivers as our chargers come with the latest charging technology, giving users access to the greenest and cheapest energy tariffs.”

Compatible with any energy supplier, the Indra Smart PRO and Smart LUX™ chargers work seamlessly with Indra’s intuitive app, helping users to minimise both their carbon footprint and energy bills.

All Indra chargers are equipped with industry leading, proprietary, and patented PESTTM technology and water and dust protection, making them the safest EV chargers on the market. The Smart PRO and Smart LUX™ chargers automatically receive remote over-the-air (OTA) software updates to keep them getting smarter every day.

Indra’s class-leading smart EV chargers are available for purchase via its website. To find out more about Indra, please visit: https://www.indra.co.uk/