(Photo credit: Bosch)

We are living in the new millennium and have already made huge technological strides. But have you stopped to think what the future holds? What will things be like in 20 years' time? Singapore banks on future technology to provide an environmentally-friendly transportation option for its citizens.

Approach

Since 2001, the government has put in place a Green Vehicle Rebate (GVR) scheme to boost the uptake of green vehicles. To encourage the research and development (R&D) of environmentally-friendly vehicle technologies, car companies can register vehicles used for R&D activities under the enhanced Transport Technology Innovation and Development Scheme (TIDES-PLUS), jointly administered by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Economic Development Board (EDB). Other than these initiatives, an EV Taskforce was set up, led by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and LTA, to develop and roll out the EV test-bed.

In 2010, Robert Bosch (South East Asia) Pte Ltd won a competitive bid to implement an integrated electric vehicle charging infrastructure for the Singapore EV test-bed. The challenge of an integrated charging infrastructure was to use a flexible open architecture to support interoperability among the players in the electric vehicle arena to ensure an integrated and seamless service to end users. 

Challenges and solutions

For electric vehicles to take off, there are several challenges which need to be solved at the policy and infrastructure level. In the Singapore EV test-bed, the government has implemented initiatives on the policy level such as rebates for green vehicles and the TIDES-PLUS scheme, among others. Equally on the infrastructure end, the following problems have to be solved, such as:

• The driving range of the electric vehicles
• Car availability
• The interoperability and possibility of roaming to make electromobility available for everybody

Key to the test-bed's success is access to the charging infrastructure. Assuming that there will be more charging stations being installed at residences and commercial sites over the next few years, would the availability of charging stations be enough to ensure that such an initiative prospers?

One of the challenges is the need for intelligent coordination of vehicles, service providers and energy utilities.

To meet these networking requirements, Bosch Software Innovations (the software solutions and systems business division of Bosch) has created the eMobility Solution, as well as to provide standard functions such as identification, authorisation, charging and settlement. The system offers other key benefits of flexibility. For example, the internet-based charging infrastructure provides options for creating or incorporating contracts with other electromobility operators, individual tariff models, bonus programs and sales promotion campaigns.

Five EV charging stations in initial rollout

Charging infrastructure

The EV taskforce under EMA has announced the launch of five EV charging stations as part of the first phase rollout. These are currently located at the carparks of LTA, Ministry of Manpower, as well as at Bosch's Southeast Asia headquarters in Bishan. The Bosch outdoor charging stations allow two EVs to be charged simultaneously, while the indoor charging station powers one EV at a time. As part of the initial phase of the EV test-bed project, up to 63 charging stations are planned island-wide.

Software engine for integrated service approach

The solution is based on the Visual Rules software, which allows users to independently define and modify business rules. The software also makes it possible for other companies to integrate their business models into the eMobility Solution. Those companies may include operators of parking garages or facility managers, for example. The solution can be adapted to existing information and energy networks, allowing an e-mobility network to be tailored to the existing infrastructure in a given city.

(Photo credit: Bosch)

The service platform is specifically designed to be open enough to allow competing companies--public utilities, for instance--to participate as well. In a next step, other providers will get a chance to integrate their charge spots within the service platform. The approach deliberately encourages unrestricted competition for creative ideas relating to e-mobility. It is accessible and flexible, offering customers a broad range of services and a high level of information security at the same time.

The software also allows every customer to manage account information, to search for the closest charging station, to keep track of charging activities, and even to pay bills. There is also a 24/7 customer service hotline to provide convenience for the customer. Future developments will include a Smartphone app. 

Anuj Jain is Managing Director at Bosch Software Innovations, a Bosch Group Company. Bosch Software Innovations is a leader in providing integrated solutions for Internet of Things and Services. Bosch was selected by Singapore authorities to implement the EV test bed project recently launched in Singapore. Bosch's 'eMobility Solution' – electric vehicle charging platform - was also recognized with the prestigious Merlin award by The German American Chamber of Commerce in best innovator category for 2011.