Electric vehicles are undoubtedly the future of transportation, thats not really up for deabte at this point, and with their growing popularity comes the need for widespread and reliable charging infrastructure. Unfortunately, one aspect of this infrastructure that often goes unnoticed until its far too late and plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of EVs is basic maintenance and upkeep.
Recently, the US Department of Transportation announced $100M in grant funding to fix the growing number of broken public EV charging stations. While these funds are going to fix the public facing stations, many private stations suffer from the exact same issues that pluage the public network.
Unlike traditional EV charging stations, EV charging outlets like the Orange Outlet are designed to avoid nearly all maintenance issues associated with EV charging for a few very simple reasons.
Simplicity in Design
One of the key reasons why EV charging outlets require minimal maintenance is their simplicity in design. Unlike the complex wiring of EV charging stations that house everything in a single location, EV charging outlets are simple plugs. EV charging outlets are essentially electrical sockets, and their straightforward design means there are fewer components that can break down.
Durability and Weather Resistance
EV charging outlets are built to withstand various weather conditions and environmental challenges. They are typically designed to be waterproof and resistant to extreme temperatures, ensuring they can function reliably in rain, snow, or scorching heat. This resilience to the elements reduces the need for frequent maintenance or repairs due to weather-related damage.
Orange took this one step further by testing Orange Outlets to 10,000 cycles, meaning that they will last well over a decade under heavy usage (read:multiple uses per day). Beyond that the connectors can withstand 14lbs of force hanging from the outlet, as the mobile chargig adpaters that come with most EVs are fairly heavy and can damage normal wall sockets over time.
Regular Remote Monitoring
While "dumb" off-the-shelf outlets don't provide much in the way of monitoring, Orange Oulets are equipped with advanced remote monitoring systems. These systems allow operators to keep a close eye on the health and performance of each charging outlet. Any potential issues, such as a malfunction or a power supply problem, can be identified well in advance and addressed remotely, often before they disrupt charging services. This proactive approach to maintenance significantly reduces downtime and inconvenience for EV users.
Modular Components
EV charging outlets are often designed with modular components, which makes maintenance a breeze, this is the single greatest advantage they have. If a specific component, such as a cable or connector, requires replacement or repair, it can often be done without the need for extensive disassembly or complex procedures. This modularity not only simplifies maintenance but also reduces costs and downtime.
Although this situation is incredibly rare with Orange Outlets, they do allow for anyone to change the outlet on the fly should a problem arise. Unlike a tradtional charging station, a certified electrician is not needed. In fact Orange designed the outlets to be easily replaced, once the power is shut off at the breaker its simply four screws and three waygo connectors, meaning replacements take minuntes not weeks.
Self-Healing Features
Again most "dumb" wall outlets don't do this but Orange Outlet does with the help of OrangeNET. Orange Outlets are equipped with a few self-healing features that automatically detect and rectify minor issues, such as voltage fluctuations or connectivity loss, without human intervention. By addressing these problems before they escalate, self-healing capabilities enhance the reliability of EV charging infrastructure and minimize the need for maintenance visits.
OrangeNET is so robust that it actually allows Orange Outlets to set themselves up once they are connected to power. They'll start seeking out other Orange Outlets and EVSEs and building their mesh network, at the same time they will also establish their own gateway and start connecting to OrangeOS.
EV charging outlets are the unsung heroes of the electric vehicle revolution. Their simple design, durability, remote monitoring capabilities, modular components, and even self-healing features make them remarkably low-maintenance compared to traditional EV charging infrastructure. As the world continues to transition to electric mobility, investing in the reliability and longevity of EV charging outlets is a critical step in ensuring a seamless and hassle-free EV charging experience for all. With these low-maintenance marvels in place, we can look forward to a greener and more sustainable future of transportation.
Reliable EV charger that’s even easier to manage.
