Category: E-mobility

Charging Point Operators and Mobility Service Providers are two key players in the electric mobility supply chain: let’s find out more about their role.

The electric mobility system is composed of several actors, and it is not always easy to recognize the differences between the various players that are part of it. Understanding the difference between a CPO and a MSP is a useful for all e-drivers, so they know who is performing the different activities and are able to easily identify who to contact in case of need. Moreover, this is a relevant distinction also for those who want to contribute to the growth of their business and easily identify who to reach, in the field of electric mobility, to propose new services, seizing the opportunities offered by the development of e-mobility.

The charging infrastructure: the role of CPOs and MSPs

Charging Point Operators (CPOs) such as Ewiva are responsible for installing, activating and managing the charging infrastructure. They are also responsible for intervening later in case of any issues, as well as for normal maintenance. CPOs usually absorb the initial investment to build the infrastructure and interface with public or private partners to obtain spaces where to install the charging stations. For example, Ewiva offers several solutions with different infrastructure configurations to fully adapt to possible logistical (e.g., space available) and charging needs for users (e.g., services near the station).

So, CPOs are tasked with identifying strategic sites where to place stations to make the charging infrastructure widespread. In addition, to enable more and more e-drivers to access the network, they enter into so-called “interoperability agreements” with charging service providers (MSPs); an example is the agreement through which the network built by the CPO is made available and visible through the charging service provider’s app, and thus usable by its customers.

For example, Ewiva to date has already activated more than 40 partnerships with Italian and non-Italian MSPs with the aim of constantly expanding the network to make the infrastructure increasingly accessible to both Italian and foreign e-drivers. To find out more about all the MSPs in the Ewiva network, check the About Us page on this website.

Here are the main cases in which to contact the Charging Point Operator:

• report charging station failures or malfunctions
• request information on network operation
• report infrastructure interoperability issues
• propose a public or private space in which to place a new charging station
• propose new services to be offered at the charging station
• propose technologies for the construction/maintenance of the infrastructure
• enter into an interoperability agreement
• make an interoperability agreement.

In the case of Ewiva, in fact, through the Contact page you can submit your request using different channels according to your need. And then to answer the most frequently asked questions on how to recharge with Ewiva, it is possible to consult the Help section.

MSPs: what they are and what they are for

Mobility Service Providers offer the recharging service to end users through apps or RFID cards, without owning or managing their own infrastructure. MSPs formulate the offers for electric charging services, setting their own €/kWh price and proposing solutions based on the consumption of a single charge or in kWh package subscriptions. Thus, it is always the MSPs that handle the payments and billing of charging services.

The “pure” CPO, such as Ewiva, can only directly offer the recharging service when an e-driver occasionally recharges at its infrastructure by paying via credit card or ATM. However, there are cases where the same company plays the role of both CPO and MSP, installing its own charging stations and providing the service through its app.

Usually, MSPs that are also CPOs also make available through their apps the infrastructure of other operators with whom they are interoperable, specifying that these are “third-party” charging points.

Here are the main cases in which to contact the Mobility Service Provider:

• requesting information on the cost of a recharge or subscription
• sreport malfunctions related to the app
• request clarification on how to recharge through apps or cards
• report issues related to payment or billing

How electric car charging works with Ewiva: the simple steps to fill up with energy… and be ready to go!

Choosing electric vehicles means embracing change. As several studies have shown, in fact, electric mobility significantly reduces environmental impact compared to combustion cars: climate-changing emissions are reduced, local emissions typical of combustion are reduced to zero, and noise pollution is reduced.
A change that is now possible thanks to the constant expansion of the public electric recharging infrastructure in Italy, which is becoming more and more capillary from the North to the South of the country: by the end of 2022, there will be a general and significant growth of the public network throughout the country, particularly with regard to fast and ultra-fast stations. The joint venture set up by Enel X Way and Volkswagen Group with the aim of accelerating the development of electric mobility in Italy plays a key role in this scenario. Let us now see how to recharge an electric car.

 

Electric car charging stations: how it works

Electric cars are recharged by means of special power distribution devices that allow the battery to be recharged. There are different types of charging devices: direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC), and of varying power. Furthermore, we can distinguish between private and public charging stations. The former are located in private spaces, such as garages of homes, company car parks, shopping centres, restaurants, hotels and so on. Public inlets, on the other hand, are located at public spaces, such as roads, public car parks, motorway rest areas, etc. Moreover, they are often medium- or large-sized infrastructures, which allow more vehicles to be recharged simultaneously and at higher power levels, thus reducing the dwell time for recharging.

 

How to recharge an electric car with Ewiva

Ewiva, acting as Charging Point Operator (CPO), provides the charging infrastructure and does not have its own App from which the service can be purchased directly. To recharge an electric car with Ewiva, in fact, it is necessary to have first subscribed an offer with a charging service provider (MSP), among those interoperable with Ewiva. To date, more than 30 partnerships are already active and the goal is to constantly grow the network, thus making the charging experience more and more accessible to Italian and foreign e-drivers. The list of MSPs enabled to the Ewiva network is available at

Below are the few simple steps required to recharge an electric vehicle with Ewiva:

1. Search for the nearest Ewiva charging point via your Mobility Service Provider (MSP) application or via the map on the Ewiva website or Google Maps.
2. Once you have reached the station, to start charging you need to choose the outlet and log in. This can be done in two different ways: either by selecting the chosen outlet via the app, or by bringing the RFID card close to the station reader and selecting the on-screen connector.
3. Now connect the selected cable to the vehicle (it will be the one illuminated in blue) and that’s it: in a few seconds charging will begin and the charger housing will turn green.
4. Once the desired charge level has been reached, end the charging session. Again, this can be done either from the app or via the screen of the charging station, by bringing the RFID card close to the reader and clicking on finish. It is also possible to end the charging session directly from the car. Since every car has different features, it is always useful to consult the owner’s manual or inquire with a trusted dealer to find out if your vehicle is enabled for this feature.
5. Finally, unplug the cable from the car and put it back in the housing to free up the occupied charging point in good time. It is very important to move the vehicle as soon as charging is complete, both to avoid penalties and to allow other e-drivers to charge as well.

 

Which vehicles can recharge at Ewiva stations?

The Ewiva charging infrastructure is open to all car brands and manufacturers. Regardless of vehicle make, it is therefore possible to access Ewiva’s charging stations.
From a technical point of view, since Ewiva’s charging network is a high-power direct current (DC) network, it is necessary for the vehicle to be enabled for DC charging (also known as Mode 4 charging), with sockets that are compatible with those available at Ewiva stations. The sockets available at Ewiva stations are generally CCS Type 2, in line with the European standard and common to the largest number of vehicles. However, CHAdeMO type sockets are also available at some stations..

 

 

For other curiosities or questions about the Ewiva recharging service please consult our FAQs

The growth of the EV market in Europe & Italy: the crucial role of battery recycling for the industry’s sustainability

 

EV sales are rising fast in the European market, and predictions call for demand to grow strongly over the next years. Although this begs the question: is there enough lithium, cobalt, and nickel to underpin such rapid growth? The answer can also be found in advancements in the recycling process of EV batteries, representing a crucial challenge that must be tackled in order to guarantee the industry’s sustainability. Recovering as many raw materials as possible will be the basis for sustainable growth. Fortunately, along with EV producers, battery makers and companies investing in the circular economy are also involved in the development of more efficient recycling methods, as well as in the recovery of the largest possible quantity of raw materials. Let’s find out more!

 

The evolving scenario of the recycling industry within the context of EV batteries: focus on Europe & Italy

According to a new report from Motus-E in partnership with Strategy& and Milan’s Polytechnic, the European market for EV battery recycling could be worth roughly 6 billion euros by 2050. Even though major investments will be needed to improve the recycling technology and the productive capacity, as well as the development of international standards for battery recycling, it’s also true that the capacity of “second life” applications is on the rise. Based on this report, it’s forecasted that the volume of batteries destined for recycling in Europe will reach about 3,4 Mton, while revenue generated from recycling will reach 4.1-6.1 billion euros, with a marginality of 1.2-3.2 billion euros.

Sales of EVs are projected on the rise in Italy as well, as the capacity to recycle batteries. In fact, the volume of batteries destined to be recycled will reach 367 kton while revenues from recycling will reach 431-646 million euros, with a marginality of 121-337 million.

 

The capacity of EV batteries

Based on the make and model of each EV, the capacity of each battery varies considerably, although next-gen batteries are becoming ever more efficient and long-lasting. Even second-hand batteries, whether recycled or regenerated, have now reached a very high level in quality standards, stretching their usable life for a whopping further 10 years. We forecast that the capacity of such batteries will grow, also supported by a rise in the use of devices that monitor the State of Health – or SoH – of exhausted batteries, meaning, measuring the performance levels guaranteed by batteries which varies over time.

However, at the end of their useful life, batteries must be disposed of in a safe and environmentally-sound way in order to prevent any damage to the environment and health.

 

The value chain of EV batteries

We can identify two macro-phases in the EV battery value chain:

1. Production and usage: includes the extraction of raw materials, the engineering of the battery, the construction of the vehicle, and its use to power the EV;
2. The end-of-life management: includes the collection of the batteries, transport, the eventual second-life reuse or refurbishing, the recycling of the battery, and the sale of recycled materials.

The end-of-life management of batteries

We now dwell on the second macro-phase of the battery value chain. Based on the state of health of the batteries, their management calls for three options in their end-of-life:

1. Reuse: the battery is reused in applications that differ from the automotive industry, through testing and battery-pack assembly;
2. Reconditioning: the battery is disassembled to its modules or cells, while its damaged parts are replaced in order to recover its factory capacity;
3. Recycling: raw materials contained within the battery are recovered through a series of mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes.

 

The success factors for the end-of-life management of batteries

The innovation in the sales model of EVs and the efficient management of the battery end-of-life process are critical factors that guarantee the sustainability of the sector. Six success factors were identified in the management of the battery end-of-life:

1. Evolution and regulatory compliance
2. Scaling for economic sustainability
3. Streamlining of logistics
4. Effectiveness of the recycling technology
5. Demand for recycling materials
6. Stability in the offer of raw materials

 

Recycling batteries: benefits for the environment and opportunities for Italy

Recycling EV batteries offers many perks for both the environment and business opportunities in Italy. In fact, on one side, the activity allows a significant reduction in greenhouse gases while preventing the scarcity of critical materials. On the other, it can create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the sustainable technology business. And still more, it can guarantee savings because recycled raw materials are available on the market at reduced prices.

Also with regard to Italy, the industry’s economic outlook may prove to be positive. EU targets on the minimum content of recycled material in batteries are opening up a huge market, and thanks to an extensive experience in recycling, its industrial heritage, and its strategic position, Italy has the potential to become an industry leader, thus becoming a magnet for foreign clients looking to recycle their own batteries. As numbers in circulating EVs in Europe are on a natural upward trajectory, numbers in batteries to recycle will grow substantially after 2035, thus exponentially increasing the revenue of this business. Furthermore, activating a local supply chain would make Italy self-sufficient in this important phase of the battery lifecycle.

The regulatory contribution

In order to turn the aforementioned outlook into reality, and subsequently support the battery recycling market, it’s crucial that regulations are updated through a European regulation concerning the management of the battery’s end-of-life and its waste products. Such regulation should establish recycling standards for batteries, define ambitious recycling targets, and introduce incentive schemes that boost the recycling rate as a way to make the whole industry ever more sustainable while fostering new circular economy processes.

In Italy, the public charging network infrastructure keeps growing!

Overall, we’re witnessing a steady and significant growth of the public charging network throughout the Italian territory, especially regarding fast and ultra-fast charging stations, despite a persisting gap in coverage between Northern and Southern Italy, coherent with the development of the EV market. Hence, numbers testify to the constant commitment of specialized operators, including Ewiva, the joint venture by Enel X Way and Volkswagen Group, as reported in the latest report made by Motus-E, outlining the current electric mobility scenario and the extensiveness of Italy’s infrastructure, also compared to other European Union countries.

 

Electric charging infrastructure: the current Italian scenario

As anticipated, 2022 recorded a constant growth trend in the setting up of public-use charging points in Italy. We can notice a significant surge in the growth rate, coupled with the overall rise of installed charging points. As a matter of fact, by December 31, 2022, Italy feature 36,772 installed charging points in 19,334 charging stations (stations or columns) and 14,048 publicly available locations. Hence, last year saw a net growth of 10,748 units, with a 41% growth rate.

It’s also important to highlight how we’re also witnessing a rise in the power output of installed charging points: the DC quota of charging points has doubled, from 6% in 2021 to 12% in 2022, while the ultra-fast charging points quota has tripled, like those installed by Ewiva, featuring a power output ranging from 100kW to 350kW

Last but not least, although still strongly curtailed, we witness a strong growth compared to the previous year of charging points in motorways. In one year, locations have more than quadrupled: from 118 in 2021 to 496 in 2022. Of these, 64% boast power equal to or greater than 150 kW, allowing for ever shorter charging stops for drivers traveling on longer journeys.

How many electric cars are officially registered?

By December 2022, there are about 170,000 BEVs circulating in Italy. If we take into account the ratio between charging points and circulating electric vehicles, we immediately notice that Italy is on track to reach its long-term goal of considerable extensiveness of its charging service. In fact, Italy features more charging points per circulating vehicle compared to the UK, France, Germany, and Norway, ranking second only behind the Netherlands and Belgium.

 

The geographic distribution of charging points

To this day, the geographic distribution of public charging points still isn’t fully consistent throughout Italy, with 58% of infrastructures located in Northern Italy, 22% in Central Italy, and only 20% in Southern Italy.  However, more than 99% of the Italian territory features at least one charging point within a 20 km radius, and 86% within a mere 10 km. Ewiva is actively engaged in the development of charging infrastructure throughout the country, and since its establishment has activated about 120 new high-power charging points.

The number of charging points naturally grows exponentially as one gets close to urban centers and major cities, with over 600 charging points available within a 10 km radius. According to the Motus-E report, Rome is the city boasting the largest number of charging points, while Venice  tops the list for the number of points per capita, and Milan features the most charging points in relation to the city’s surface. Lombardy is the most virtuous region with 5,971 charging stations, followed by Piedmont, Veneto, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany.

In terms of growth rate compared to 2021, Friuli Venezia-Giulia is the region that witnessed the highest growth (+96,95%), followed by Veneto (+58,6%), Sardinia (58,2%) and Marche (+55,2%).

 

How many charging points can Italians really reach from any starting point?

In order to foster the spreading of electric mobility, it’s fundamental that charging points are evenly spread throughout the territory.

In Italy, an EV driver can expect to find at least a charging point within a 30 km radius, and even restricting it further to 20 or 10 km, the coverage still remains satisfactory. Specifically, 99% of the Italian territory features at least one charging point within a 20 km radius and 86% within 10 km. Indeed, starting from a city center, an EV driver can reach over 600 charging points within a 10 km radius. However, if we travel to outer zones, the number of charging zones available within a 10 km radius lowers significantly, reaching less than 3.

 

A comparison with other EU countries

We now focus on the numbers of other European Union countries. By December 31, 2022, the following public-use charging stations were operational:

• Netherlands: 115,103;
• Germany: 88,992;
• France: 74,185;
• United Kingdom: 55,552;
• Norway: 26,

It’s worth noting that Italy is on par with other countries, and as pointed out earlier, it ranks second only to the Netherlands and Belgium for the charging points-EV ratio. The reason for this result is partially attributed to the number of registered EVs in Italy which is still on the low side. However, when compared to other countries, the Italian public-use charging network is growing at a compatible – if not higher – rate compared to the market growth of BEVs and has reached an overall satisfactory level of extensiveness. As a matter of fact, past and current investments carried out by charging operators are in advance compared to the EV market but running behind similar investments in other European countries.

A network of high-power charging stations, open to all, available throughout the country, and located in areas with services and points of interest nearby. This is purposely done to have you manage the charging time your way!

How much time does it take on average to charge an EV battery? If there’s a frequently asked question about EVs from potential and actual EV owners, this is it. The answer depends on various factors connected to the infrastructure’s features, the EV make and model, as well as climate conditions. Ewiva, Italy’s largest ultra-fast charging network, stemming from a partnership between Enel X Way and Volkswagen Group, answers this question in two ways. On one side, by creating a high-power network (from 100 kW to 350kW) that lowers charging times (on average, 20 minutes in standard conditions), on the other, selecting sites where charging stations are located, not only based on criteria of extensiveness but also based on the availability of areas of interest and useful services for interested parties. This is all done to make the charging experience ever simpler, faster, and enjoyable, with the goal of spreading electric mobility throughout the country.
 

 
This is why, thanks to its high power, charging an EV at an Ewiva charging station reduces wait times but at the same time, it makes the wait worthwhile, turning it into a moment to enjoy what makes us truly happy: drinking coffee served tableside, a relaxing walk, reading a book, or some shopping. This is a time for self-pampering thanks to the many opportunities available near charging stations: while your EV battery is charging, you can stock up on some energy yourself!
 

Where are the Ewiva charging stations located?

Ewiva’s network extensively covers the Italian territory, with stations available in urban and suburban areas, from major towns to small hamlets, but also covering main roads and highways crossed daily by commuters and leisure travelers alike. In order to expand the reach of such infrastructure, Ewiva collaborates with public and private partners from a wide range of sectors to serve in the most effective way the needs of EV drivers, with the goal of placing charging stations in resource-rich locations like shopping malls, sports centers, hotels, cafés, and parking areas. Such locations are so varied and diverse that they can cater to any need of an e-driver, anytime and anywhere. It’s an added value for those who travel electric, and a business opportunity for those who choose to set up an Ewiva charging station next to their business.
Explore the interactive map to discover the location of Ewiva charging stations.
 

The Ewiva offer: four tailor-made solutions for every need

The Ewiva offer features four solutions: four types of sites that can be customized based on the business needs of the partner that wants to offer its current and future clients an EV charging station, available 24/7.
Various types of Ewiva sites are characterized by the number of charging points and their power output (from 100kW up to 350kW), in order to adapt to different contexts of urban and suburban mobility

Standalone

It’s the simplest and smallest solution that can be easily installed in urban centers and tourist hotspots. The Standalone solution features a single charging station with a connector, with a DC power output of up to 100 kW. Within a 5-minute walking range, toilets, cafès, restaurants, shops, and points of interest are all readily available.

Basic

It’s the solution for medium-large retail areas, from parking spaces to petrol stations, and other businesses that aim to enhance their offer by presenting an EV charging station to their customers. The Basic site from Ewiva is made up of two charging stations for a total of four DC charging spots, with a power output ranging from 150 kW to 350 kW, usually located within a walking range of 8 minutes from toilets, food courts, shops, and parking areas.

Convenience

Convenience is Ewiva’s solution for large-sized retail areas, from public and private parking areas to petrol stations, or other businesses that aim to offer their customers an EV charging service, as well as luring new ones through it. It features three charging stations with a total of six DC charging spots, from 150 kW to 350 kW, guaranteeing toilets, a food court, shopping, and parking areas within a 4-minute walking range.

Premium

The Ewiva Premium solution is our top-range option, offering e-drivers the added comfort of a lounge area with all fundamental services to guarantee a relaxing and productive break. An Ewiva premium site is made up of at least six charging stations, for a total of twelve charging spots from 150 kW to 350 kW, with an added exclusive lounge freely available to e-drivers, featuring a relaxation area, a meeting room, Wi-Fi, a toilet, and shopping area.
Ewiva already opened its first Premium site in Rome, in Via Flaminia 871, inaugurated as part of the corporate launch in December 2022.
 

The future of electric mobility is already here

Reducing waiting times during the charging process while allowing e-drivers to enjoy the wait is something that gives added value to a charging experience that’s already simple and accessible to make it even more comfortable and efficient. This is true for daily journeys but also during longer trips. Today, planning an on-the-road getaway is easier thanks to a constantly growing extensive network and to the possibility to charging an EV at a hotel, in tourist hotspots, or simply on the route.
With Ewiva makes you save time, but also foster a totally new and pleasant driving experience: hassle-free and emissions-free!

EVs are a sustainable solution that greatly reduces the environmental footprint. Let’sfocus on the whys.

Thanks to various studies elaborated in recent years, together with the market’s evolution, looking at the figures we can demonstrate that choosing EVs is a truly sustainable option from many points of view. As a matter of fact, EVs guarantee a vastly superior performance from an environmental point of view compared to currently available petrol-powered cars: they improve air quality, and consequently, people’s well-being. This overall reduction is particularly true for greenhouse gas emissions, while local emissions from car exhausts are written off and noise pollution is greatly lowered.

 

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

One of the main reasons that make EVs more sustainable than their petrol-powered counterparts is that the former generates much less greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, we’ve highlighted that they cut 70% of CO2 emissions throughout the lifecycle compared to an internal combustion engine (Source: ICCT). It’s also important to specify that this percentage is destined to grow in the future. First and foremost, the reduction in greenhouse gases depends on EVs running on electricity stored in the battery, thus avoiding the need to burn fossil fuels to generate the energy that powers the engine. However, the size of greenhouse gas emissions generated by EVs depends on the energy source used to power their batteries: if the electricity comes from renewable sources like wind, and solar, EVs can be virtually emissions-free. If instead
electricity is generated by fossil fuels, these vehicles can still generate emissions, albeit at significantly lower levels compared to petrol-powered cars.

 

Reduction of local polluting emissions

Replacing combustion with electricity is the way to do away with emissions typical of traditional engines. Having nothing to burn, this entails a strong reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), ammonia (NH3), nanoparticles, and other pollutants coming from the exhaust that combines in the atmosphere to form other secondary pollutants. Furthermore, these pollutants are contributing to the creation of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), worsening the air quality (Source: Transport & Environment). All of these substances are extremely harmful to humans, animals, and the entire ecosystem. EVs also deliver the added perk of reducing emissions of metallic particles during braking. Petrol-powered cars mostly use disc brakes that generate polluting emissions. On the contrary, EVs use the engine as a braking tool, reducing the need to act on braking clamps and consequently reducing emissions. It’s called regenerative braking and allows for maximizing energy recovery. So, instead of wasting energy through heat with the brakes, the system used the electric engine as a generator to charge the battery. When the driver brakes or uses the reverse drive, the electric engine works as a generator, converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity stored in the battery. Such a system boosts the car’s range and reduces the need to use traditional brakes and their related emissions of metallic particles. (Source: Transport & Environment).

 

Noise reduction

According to the European Environmental Agency, half of the urban population is exposed to levels of noise pollution north of 55 dBs. EVs are the solution to this issue because they’re much quieter compared to petrol-powered vehicles. Their low noise output is due to the lack of an internal combustion engine and to lower noise from tires rolling on the road, with both elements representing the main sources of noise in a traditional vehicle. Hence, investing in electric mobility can not only improve air quality but also, tackle noise pollution. As a matter of fact, the amount of noise reduction generated from EVs compared to traditional vehicles basically amounts to halving vehicle traffic. On average, we estimate a 3 dB reduction compared to a petrol-powered car traveling at 50km/h next to a pedestrian.

In urban centers, where traffic noise levels can get particularly high, the consequences of noise pollution can be severe. Scientific studies have demonstrated a direct correlation between traffic noises and health issues like anxiety, depression, insomnia, obesity, hypertension, cardiac diseases, strokes, as well as hearing issues. Creating a quieter and more enjoyable environment for drivers, pedestrians, and dwellers helps improve living standards while preserving the well-being of people constantly exposed to traffic noises.

 

Electric mobility: a choice that’s good for us and the planet

It reduces the environmental footprint, tackles climate change, and helps reach the Zero Emissions goal. These are some of the reasons that switching to electric mobility can make us happy. In Ewiva we work every day to make this choice ever simpler and more accessible, creating Italy’s largest ultra-fast charging network, open to all EVs and powered by 100% renewable energy.