Electric Vehicle (EV) charging technology is an important area of focus for Beijer Electronics to provide robust, sustainable solutions for the Energy sector. Since 2020, Beijer Electronics HMIs have been installed in many EV charging stations around the world, providing drivers with robust, reliable displays that help to keep them on the move. Because they are built to last, the panels reduce the need for maintenance and frequent replacement, meaning less electronic waste ending up in landfill.

In this paper, we will look at:

• The need for long-lasting technology
• Displays with a perfect fit for EV charging stations  
• Data communication solutions to optimize the customer experience 
  
  
  

A greener global mindset

EV charging is a huge growth area, with many countries committed to removing petrol and diesel vehicles from the road in the next two decades. The environmental benefits of electric vehicles (EV) are clear. They remove the current reliance on fossil fuels, but they are also cleaner to run, reducing air pollution and chemical emissions. 

It is one of many renewable energy initiatives that reflect a changing global mindset, and a collective effort towards the promotion of products that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

Demand for EV charging stations is likely to grow rapidly, as service facilities try to keep pace with the growth rate for Electric Vehicles. Manufacturers and facility management companies need to make their charging stations as easy to navigate for drivers as regular petrol stations are today. 

Crystal clear displays in tough environments

With almost all EV charging stations located outdoors, display panels have to withstand extreme temperatures, as well as the intense glare of UV light and exposure to dust. In this environment, screens can become cloudy, making them difficult to read and frustrating for consumers.

Regular panels have an extremely short lifespan when exposed to these harsh outdoor applications, with some requiring replacement every year. Such a high turnover of components means the industry runs the risk of offsetting any sustainability gains made by switching to EVs in the first place. 

Out of the box, or customized solutions

Beijer Electronics’ X2 extreme panels are perfectly suited for the challenges of EV charging stations. They are made from hardened glass and have built-in UV protection, meaning they can operate in temperatures ranging from -30 to +70 degrees Celsius. Crucially, the X2 extreme panels have a lifespan of 5-7 years, so they can provide long-lasting, durable service without needing to be frequently replaced. The X2 extreme panels are part of Beijer Electronics’ range of standard panels, ready to go out of the box and implement in an EV charging application. 

Beijer Electronics also offers a variety of customizing options for its display panels. Choose white labelling where standard displays are branded with the client’s logo, and colors to enhance the visual identity. Or choose a completely custom-designed model where Beijer Electronics tailors all parts of the display including display type, mounting, operating system, and other client-specific requirements. 

A new user experience

EV charging is a different experience to what drivers have been traditionally used to at service stations. When filling up a petrol or diesel car, the process takes less than a minute, and displays just need to be simple and functional.

The electric charging process is longer, so displays need to be intuitive and informative. There are additional things to consider, such as the charging cycle of the vehicle, timing, and payment information. There is also the added complexity of different information being prioritized depending on the type of charging facility, or the country it is operating in.

For Beijer Electronics, the priority is that the display panels provide a positive user experience for both clients and end customers. As with all Beijer Electronics panels, the design and the customer experience can be tailored exactly as each facility requires.

Staying connected

Data communication is an important part of the EV charging application, with multiple facilities requiring consistent data reporting across different markets. Important data to and from the station will allow remote maintenance, software updates and serve both users, OEMs and charging point operators with important information. 

Utilizing iX Developer software, as well as solutions provided by its sister company Korenix, Beijer Electronics can help build secure networks, regardless of any different protocols (wired, cloud or wireless) at each location. 

This global continuity allows for complete flexibility, with connectivity into the business systems of diverse companies in different countries.

Beijer Electronics is committed to helping make the transition as seamless as possible by providing best-in-class, sustainable display panels in EV charging stations for many years to come.