EV Charging Vision System: Convenient Parking and Charging of Electric Cars Through Vision Application

Bringing vision-enabled smart charging to privately operated charging stations: Simplify charging experience – embedded vision for electric vehicle charging ➡️ EV² charging

The market for electric vehicles is growing steadily, and so the right infrastructure is needed to charge them. The vast majority of charging stations are privately owned – only ten percent of all stations are public. Private charging also includes other non-publicly accessible chargers, such as chargers reserved for the employees, fleets, or customers of certain establishments (1). Our demonstrator shows that convenient, functionally safe, and hassle-free charging of electric vehicles is possible using automatic license plate recognition, the open-source software and firmware stack EVerest from Pionix, and the Pionix BelayBox charging reference platform. The advantages of our vision-enabled charging system include enhanced safety, flexibility, and universality, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Our demonstrator autonomously recognizes license plates through an embedded vision module and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) algorithms within a defined area. This information is compared with a whitelist of pre-registered number plates: If the license plate matches, the vehicle can be charged. If not, charging can be prevented. The system uses a vision-enabled charger that brings the charger directly to the vehicle, increasing convenience and automation.

We implemented the demo on the basis of LF Energy project EVerest (2), an open-source software and firmware stack for EV charging stations.  EVerest, initiated by PIONIX (3) in 2021, is a modular microservice and middleware architecture that supports all relevant EV charging communication protocols. For testing and developing purposes, PIONIX offers a reference platform, the BelayBox (4). It comes with EVerest pre-installed and pre-configured and is the perfect basis for implementing exciting ideas and projects, such as our demonstrator. The charging process requires precise alignment with the charging port, ensuring compatibility with various types and configurations of charging ports found on different electric vehicles.

The principle of park & charge leveraging embedded vision technology and ANPR also works in large, public parking lots with charging stations and can be used to make charging interaction-free and, therefore, convenient and functionally safe. If authorized vehicles are parked, they are charged. In the case of unauthorized vehicles, not only can the charging process be suspended, but warnings can also be issued to indicate whether a car has been parked without authorization.

The central point of interaction is the BelayBox from our partner Pionix. In private environments such as company parking spaces the BelayBox communicates with a server backend from which it can be controlled. This gives charge point operators (CPO) full control and a profound overview of the charging stations. In private home environments server and backend can be spared and all information can be stored on the BelayBox. This makes our architecture an ideal starting point for building charging stations that benefit greatly from convenience functions and automation. The team is committed to developing secure, efficient, and reliable mobility solutions. The demonstrator was developed to showcase advanced vision-enabled EV charging infrastructure.

With such a system, fully automated charging processes for electric vehicles will be even easier in the future and will help to drive the electric vehicle revolution forward. Vision technology, embedded or otherwise, in combination with latest AI algorithms can also enable use cases beyond plug & charge: Monitoring and analytics, personalized advertising or insurance policy designs to name a few. The system is compatible with various devices involved in the charging process, ensuring adaptability and safety.

We offer the full embedded vision module. Our architecture provides flexibility to handle different electric vehicle models and charging setups, making it highly adaptable for diverse environments. Talk to us and our partner Pionix to learn more about the EVerest CV module and the full capabilities of vision technology.

Vision technology and AI are at the core of our solution. The system’s focus is on safety and reliability during the charging process. AI-driven safety protocols provide advanced protection features for individuals, vehicles, and equipment.

The demonstrator operates using a robot with human-like manipulation capabilities to automate the connection of the charging plug, ensuring efficient and safe operation.

The BelayBox and EVerest platform utilize high speed and precision control systems to optimize the charging process and automation.

Our solution is designed for adaptability and can accommodate various electric vehicle makes and models, supporting a wide range of user needs.

The demonstrator was presented at the VISION 2024 trade fair in Stuttgart, Germany.

Learn more about our solutions and capabilities and contact us: Custom Imaging & Custom Vision System | FRAMOS

Introduction to Vision-Enabled Charging

Vision-enabled charging is ushering in a new era for electric vehicle charging infrastructure by making the charging process more seamless and secure. By integrating automatic license plate recognition (ANPR) and advanced vision technologies, EV charging stations can now automatically identify and authenticate vehicles as soon as they enter a parking space. This not only streamlines the charging process but also enhances the overall EV experience by eliminating the need for manual intervention or authentication. For vehicle owners, this means a more convenient and reliable charging experience, especially in private or semi-private environments where access control is essential. As more EVs hit the road, vision-enabled charging is becoming a key technology for building efficient, user-friendly, and secure charging stations that support the future of electric mobility.

Charging Infrastructure Development

The rapid growth of electric vehicles is driving an urgent need for robust and scalable charging infrastructure. Charge point operators (CPOs) are at the forefront of this development, investing in the deployment of EV charging stations across both public and private parking spaces. However, expanding charging infrastructure comes with challenges, including high costs and the complexity of managing multiple charging points. To address these issues, the industry is turning to innovative solutions such as automated charging systems and advanced control technologies. By utilizing three-phase power and intelligent management systems, these solutions enable more efficient use of resources, allowing multiple vehicles to be charged simultaneously while optimizing energy distribution. This not only supports the increasing number of EVs but also helps businesses and communities manage their charging infrastructure more efficiently, paving the way for a more sustainable and accessible EV charging network.

Charge Point Operators and Their Role

Charge point operators (CPOs) are essential players in the electric vehicle ecosystem, responsible for ensuring that EV charging stations are always available, safe, and efficient. Their role extends beyond simply installing and maintaining charging stations—they must also manage the entire charging process, monitor energy consumption, and provide reliable customer support. CPOs face a complex landscape of technical and regulatory requirements, but by leveraging advanced technologies such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, they can optimize station performance and enhance the charging experience for vehicle owners. Effective monitoring and management allow CPOs to deliver convenient, reliable charging services, support the growth of the EV market, and ensure that charging infrastructure keeps pace with the increasing demand for electric vehicles.

Automated Charging Solutions

Automated charging solutions are transforming the way electric vehicles are charged by making the process faster, safer, and more convenient. These systems use robots or automated mechanisms to connect and disconnect charging cables, eliminating the need for manual handling and reducing the risk of damage to charging equipment. Automated charging not only improves safety and reliability but also enhances the efficiency of charging infrastructure by optimizing energy usage and minimizing downtime. As the number of EVs continues to rise, automated charging solutions are becoming increasingly important for supporting large-scale charging operations, reducing operational costs, and ensuring a smooth charging experience for vehicle owners. By integrating these advanced solutions, the industry can better manage grid resources, support future energy needs, and deliver a superior charging experience.

Designing Efficient Charging Stations

Creating efficient charging stations is crucial for meeting the growing demand for electric vehicles and ensuring a positive user experience. An efficient charging station is designed to handle multiple vehicles at once, deliver fast and reliable charging, and minimize energy waste. Key considerations include the number and type of charging points, the use of high-capacity power systems, and the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage solutions. Incorporating vision-enabled and automated charging technologies further optimizes the charging process, reduces operational costs, and enhances safety. By focusing on smart design and advanced technology, charging stations can support more EVs, reduce strain on the grid, and provide a convenient, efficient solution for both users and operators—helping to accelerate the transition to a sustainable transportation future.