Critical Software Technologies has been appointed by Engenie, a provider of electric vehicle charging solutions, to help it and Schneider Electric establish one of the first national charging networks in the UK.
The network will involve the installation of rapid DC charging systems at Roadchefs throughout the country, with the first one opening at Roadchef Clacket Lane on 23rd May.
Critical Software has developed a network management system, csNMS, that helps charging suppliers to optimise their charging infrastructure – with real time usage and performance monitoring, centralised management and control, and seamless communication with other business functions such as billing. Critical’s csNMS product is comprised of a set of software tools that optimise EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) network management for companies in the electric mobility industry. It will be used as Engenie’s back end network management system.
Critical Software has already deployed csNMS in a nationwide charging network in Portugal. The software provides the back-end management system for over 1,300 charging points, helping electric vehicle owners seamlessly journey from one side of the country to the other.
Brian Luff, Critical Software’s chairman commented, “We are delighted to be working with Engenie to help roll-out the charging network with our csNMS software. The best charging network in the world will not achieve its full potential if it is not operating efficiently at all times and is not dependable. If a critical component fails, the system fails. Our job is to help make this system the best it can be, minimising risk while optimising performance.”
Jeremy Littman, managing director at Engenie, added, “The adoption of electric vehicles in the UK to date has been discouragingly low. This is partly due to the 100 mile journey limit in terms of battery capacity and a lack of suitable, accessible and reliable charge points. Projects such as this one will help to overcome that hurdle.”
