A deep understanding on Unified energy interface for EV charging in India

Electrification is reshaping industries,societies by replacing traditional fossil fuels with electric alternatives.Global shift towards electric power is undeniable.There are several key challenges faced by EV ecosystem like fragmentation of charging network,Range anxiety,complex payment process,data privacy and security,grid integration.UEI plays an important role by addressing these challenges.Lets delve into details on UEI(Unified energy interface) for EV charging in India.

What is UEI

In simple words Unified energy interface is similar to the UPI(Unified payment interface).UPI simplifies payment process by allowing users to link multiple bank accounts to single mobile app.Similarly UEI is open network designed to streamline energy transactions.It is a digital platform which connects different stakeholders such as CPOs,discoms and end consumers.UEI ensures that charging stations,vehicles and central management system can communicate seamlessly.

UEI v/s UPI v/s OCPI : What makes UEI stand out

UPI facilitates inter-bank peer-to-peer (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions.UPI does not understand complex aspects of charging transactions.

It lacks logic to calculate charges as per user's profile or account privileges or refund amount in charging sessions.UEI is based on Beckn protocol which is a transactional protocol that understands business context and at the same time process payments using UPI,credit cards and other methods.

OCPI (Open charge point interface)is the most popular EV charging interoperability protocol in the world.Primarily focused on the technical aspects of charging infrastructure, enabling communication and data exchange between different charging networks.Functional areas of OCPI are charge point discovery,authorization,reservation ,metering .On the other hand UEI prioritizes seamless user experience by simplifying the payment process.UEI emphasizes easy charger discovery, secure payments, and integration with existing payment systems.UEI is slowly gaining traction in India with potential to become dominant player in domestic market.

How does UEI work:Process flow

The UEI network indeed operates on Beckn protocol.This protocol allows different platforms to interact with each other, creating a more interconnected and competitive ecosystem. Beckn provides the technological foundation for UEI to function as a unified platform for energy services.

Charger search -The consumer app searches for available charging stations in the vicinity using the UEI network.The app displays a list of charging stations with relevant information like location, availability, and pricing

Session initiation-The consumer selects a charging station and initiates a charging session.The app communicates with the ESP(Energy service providers) to reserve the charger.

Authentication-Consumer’s identity and payment details are verified through secured authentication methods

Charging and payment-Charging session begins and the Electric vehicle starts charging.The payment is processed securely through the UEI network and the chosen payment gateway.

Session Termination-Consumer ends the charging session. Payment is calculated considering charging duration and rate.

Key challenges in EV ecosystem addressed by UEI

Fragmentation of charging network-EV users currently using multiple applications for different charging networks which is creating inconvenience.UEI provides a unified platform for discovering,accessing and paying for charging stations.

Data privacy and security-EV charging involves huge amounts of personal and financial data which is at the risk of unauthorised access and leaks.UEI Implements strong security protocols to protect user data.Also Adheres to data privacy regulations.

Grid integration-Grid capacity and EV charging load balancing is crucial for successful grid integration and optimization.UEI solution Enables collection of charging data for grid analysis.

It also Facilitates participation in demand response initiatives.

Range anxiety-There is always uncertainty and anxiety about charger availability.UEI Helps users locate available charging stations easily.UEI provides real-time updates on charger status and availability.

Payment process-Different charging networks often have different payment options, causing confusion.UEI solution provides a secure and standardized payment process.

Summing Up

UEI plays a vital role in accelerating the adoption of EVs and building a sustainable energy ecosystem.Successful implementation of UEI needs strong collaboration between government,industry and consumers.The UEI platform is relatively new, and the onboarding process is ongoing.To get the most accurate and up-to-date information,visit Websites of the Ministry of Power, NITI Aayog.