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Unicharge: An Application For Smart Charging of
Electric Vehicles
MEVLÜDE SEZER
Management Engineering
Istanbul Technical University
Istanbul, Turkey
sezer19@itu.edu.tr
MERT ARPACIOĞLU
Nano Science and Engineering
Istanbul Technical University
Istanbul, Turkey
mert.arpacioglu@gmail.com
Abstract—Battery is the most important part of an electric vehicle since it cannot be driven over long distances without charging
the battery through existing technology. It can be charged at some charging points which are classified as home charging locations,
workplace charging locations and public charging locations. Home charging and workplace charging systems are designed according
to regulations of building control. Public charging points are inspected according to regulations of public reconstruction plans. Using
smart charging application provides time saving and efficient route planning to users. It is concluded that smart charging lengthens
battery life of electrical vehicles.
Keywords—smart charging, electric vehicles, battery, public charging.
I. INTRODUCTION
Electric Vehicle (EV) is basically a big battery on wheels. Smart charging connects an EV to a charging device through a
data connection, and the charging device to a charging operator through another data connection [1]. EVs offer a number of
benefits over conventional petrol or diesel models. Lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance bills, and zero or discounted car tax
while environmental impacts are also significantly reduced [2]. Renewables demand is expected to increase because of low
operating costs and preferential access to many power systems [3].
New business ideas are enabled and enhanced through grey areas in the European regulatory framework. These activities
include Managing metering data for small end customers, Monitoring grid and voltage related constraints as more renewable
sources connect to the distribution system, Infrastructure for EVs, Ownership/management of meters, Flexibility services – but
don’t inhibit market for aggregators [4].
This study has some goals associated with UN Sustainable Development Goals which are seen in “Fig. 1”. Number of new
digital solutions and new business models are increasing in the world. The study [5] compiles 40 sample companies and
summarizes their business models.
Fig. 1. The Goals of Unicharge Associated with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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II. ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND THEIR ECOSYSTEM
It is very crucial to understand EVs and their ecosystem before introducing our smart application for charging batteries. EV
connector types, charging types and common EV models and their ecosystem in Turkey will be clarified in this section.
A. EV Connector Types
There have been many connectors for EVs that have been introduced to the market, which differ in the aspect of the
manufacturer, charging speed, and charging type. Current the most prominent ones are[6]:
AC Connectors:
Type 1: Slow charger. Prominent in the US and Japan. Can support up to 7 kW. Only supports single phase.
Type 2: Slow charger. Prominent in Europe and the rest of the World. Can support up to 22 kW. Also supports three-phase.
DC Connectors:
CHAdeMO: Used mostly by Japanese manufacturers. Has 50 kW power rating.
CCS1: Combination of Type 1 charger with 2 pins on the bottom for faster DC charging. Is popular in North America as fast
chargers.
CCS2: Combination of Type 2 charger with 2 pins on the bottom for faster DC charging. Popular in Europe as fast chargers. Can
support up to 350 kW.
Tesla Supercharger: Proprietary Tesla supercharger. Can only be used with Tesla models at Tesla stations. Cannot be used for
other models even with an adaptor since it requires authentication of the vehicle to be a Tesla vehicle.
B. EV Charger Types
There are 3 main types of chargers are shown in “Fig. 2” [7]. They are Rapid Chargers, Fast Chargers and Slow Chargers.
Fig. 2. Main Charger Types of EVs
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• Rapid Chargers:
Rapid chargers are the fastest method of charging and allow for up to 350 kW charging for chargers already on the market
(Prototypes for 1.2 MW already exist). They can be AC or DC chargers. Depending on model, EVs can be recharged to 80% in
as little as 20 minutes, though an average new EV would take around an hour on a standard 50 kW rapid charge point. The
battery is charged to 80% for charging efficiency and to keep the battery healthy. These are divided into DC and AC charger
types:
Rapid DC chargers: Using DC, these have the fastest charging capacity, and can provide between 50 – 350 kW charging.
Rapid AC chargers: These are a bit slower and can support up to 43 kW charging with AC current. AC units are typically
able to charge an EV to 80% in 20-40 minutes depending the model’s battery capacity and starting state of charge [7].
• Fast Chargers:
Fast chargers are usually AC (up to 22 kW), 7 kW is also common. Usually a 7kW charger will recharge a compatible EV
with a 40kWh battery in 4-6 hours, and a 22kW charger in 1-2 hours. Connectors are usually Type 1 and Type 2 [7].
• Slow Chargers:
Slow chargers are usually 3 kW – 6 kW. These are exclusively AC chargers. Connectors are dominantly the same as fast
chargers, i.e. Type 1 and Type 2 [7].
C. Common EV Models and Their Charging Types
Below is a list of select vehicles that are or might (or will) be relevant in the Turkish EV market. Understanding the charging
types and systems of these vehicles is crucial to come to a reasonable conclusion regarding our business model:
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Audi eTron:
Type 2: Slow & Fast
CCS: Rapid
Charging times:
Rapid 150kW (0-80%) 30 mins
Rapid 100kW (0-80%) 45 mins
Rapid 50kW (0-80%) 1.5 hours
Fast 22kW (0-100%) 4 hours
Fast 7kW (0-100%) 13.5 hours
Slow 3kW (0-100%) 31 hours [8]
BMW i3:
Type 2: Slow & Fast
CCS: Rapid
Charging times:
Rapid 50kW (0-80%) 35 mins
Fast 22kW (0-100%) 3 hours
Fast 7kW (0-100%) 13.5 hours
Slow 3kW (0-100%) 31 hours [9]
Tesla Model 3:
Type 2: Slow & Fast
CCS: Rapid
Charging times:
Rapid 120kW (0-80%) 20 mins
Rapid 100kW (0-80%) 30 mins
Rapid 50kW (0-80%) 1 hours
Fast 22kW (0-100%) 5.5 hours (probably ~3.5
hours)
Fast 7kW (0-100%) 8.5 hours
Slow 3kW (0-100%) 20 hours [10]
Tesla Model S:
Type 2: Slow & Fast
CCS: Rapid
Charging times:
Rapid 120kW (0-80%) 40 mins
Fast 22kW (0-100%) 3.5 hours (probably ~3.5
hours)
Fast 7kW (0-100%) 11 hours
Slow 3kW (0-100%) 25 hours [11]
Renault Zoe:
Type 2: Slow & Fast
CCS: Rapid
Charging times:
Rapid 50kW (0-80%) 45 mins
Fast 22kW (0-100%) 2.3 hours
Fast 7kW (0-100%) 7 hours
Slow 3kW (0-100%) 17 hours [12]
D. Determining the Highest-Selling EVs in the Turkish Market
We start by determining the highest-selling EVs in the Turkish market, we will try to determine which 3
EVs will be the most sold the following 5-to-10 years. It is researched which are the top sellers currently, and
currently the following models are the top sellers by far [13]:
• Renault Zoe
• BMW i3
Since most newly introduced EVs are high-segment and high-priced vehicles, and most reasonably-priced
vehicles like the Nissan Leaf are not sold in the Turkish market, it is reasonable to assume that these two models
will continue to be top sellers in the market. The date of introduction of the Turkish brand vehicles, TOGG, is not
set yet but they are expected to be in the market in around 4 years. It is reasonable to assume that, when they are
introduced to the market, they will be top EV sellers by far. I expect the pricing to be competitive compared to the
specifications that will be offered by the vehicles. So, I will be adding the TOGG vehicles to the list.
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E. Charging Times of EVs
All range figures were taken from official manufacturer values. Batteries will last much shorter at higher driving
speeds because of air drag and the fact that the car is not be able to use regenerative braking. For instance, on
Renault’s site we can see that the range reduces to 270km (167 mi) if the car travels at 100km/h, which can be
considered as the lowest limit for inter-city travel [14]. Furthermore, the range can further decrease from different
driving conditions, temperature and whether the cooling system, headlights, etc. are on., to be on the safe side.
Because of this, it is reasonable to make a 35% normalization from the given official max. range. For our case,
• Renault Zoe:
Official figure: 400 km, Normalized value: 260 km.
• BMW i3: BMW i3 has two battery options: 90 Ah and 120. We choose the 120 Ah for the current purpose:
Official figure: 246 km, Normalized value: 160 km.
We see our normalization ratio is pretty accurate since it is reported that the real range of i3 120Ah is 160 km
in cold weather and 215 km in mild weather while traveling on the highway [15]. These values could be even
further reduced when regular utilities like headlights, music, etc. are turned on. By the way, the calculation is
accurate and is on the safe side.
• TOGG:
Reported range is 500 km, for the moment we take this value to be true. Normalized value: 325 km.
As we see, the “weakest link” is the BMW i3, and if we want to have a journey plan that will accommodate all
the vehicles, we must be able to plan according to the needs of the i3. As a second option, we can also consider that
the sales will be dominated by TOGG and Zoe and make the travel plan accordingly. This plan would also
accommodate higher-price EV s like Tesla and vehicles of other premium German manufacturers (like the e-Tron
or EQC), since their ranges are much longer than the vehicles considered in our plan.
Power distribution and retail sectors are legally unbundled in Turkey. More detailed information about the
Turkish power sector can be found at [16]. Charging Locations in Turkey by Company and Travel on Proposed
Route (Istanbul-Ankara):
Zorlu Energy Systems: “Fig. 3” shows ZES Charging Stations [17]. A user that has membership with Zorlu
Energy Systems can travel from Istanbul to Ankara without any problems. There are two fast charging stations on
this route:
- Dilovası
- Bolu
Distance between Dilovası and Bolu: ~210 km
Distance between Bolu and Ankara: ~190 km
Zoe, TOGG, and other premium segment cars can traverse this road with ease.
.
Fig. 3. Map of ZES Charging Points
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Eşarj: “Fig. 4” demonstrates Eşarj Charging Stations [18]
A user that has membership with Eşarj can travel from Istanbul to Ankara without any problems. There are two
fast charging stations on this route:
-Kartepe
-Bolu
Distance between Kartepe and Bolu: ~160 km
Distance between Bolu and Ankara: ~190 km
Zoe, TOGG, and other premium segment cars can traverse this road with ease.
Fig. 4. Map of Eşarj Charging Points
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Sharz: “Fig. 5” shows Sharz Charging Stations [19]
It is not indicated on Sharz' website whether the charging stations are AC chargers of DC fast chargers. We
assume that these are AC chargers since if some of them were DC, the distinction would be made clear on the map.
We therefore conclude that it is not possible to travel from Istanbul to Ankara using Sharz' network.
Fig. 5. Map of Sharz Charging Points
III. ABOUT UNICHARGE
A. The Logo
We have set our company name to be “UniCharge”, which implies “uni”fying different “charge”ing companies. The prefix
“uni-“ comes from Latin “unus”, meaning the Number “1”, so our company aims to unify all different charging platforms and to
enable users to benefit from all charging stations through a single membership. Our logo is shown at Fig.1.
Fig. 6. The Logo of Unicharge Application
The different colored shapes represent plugs, which represent the different charging companies. We have imagined the 3
major players in the market to be represented by the different colors: Blue representing Eşarj, Red representing Zorlu Enerji, and
Green representing Schneider.
Their colors are represented in the “uni” part of the logo as well, implying “unifying” them within our business model. The
remaining color, orange , represents the company itself and the three plugs are connected to the orange circle in the logo, getting
their power from Unicharge, so to say. Orange was selected as the company’s color because it signifies and gives a sense of
dynamism, and we envision Unicharge will be an active and dynamic company to contribute to the EV Charging infrastructure.
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B. The Business Model
The Business Model of Unicharge App is shown in Fig.7. This model identifies key partners, key activities, key resources,
value proposition, customer relationships, channels and customer segments.
Fig. 7. The Business Model of Unicharge.
C. The Revenue Flow
Revenue and service flows of Unicharge and its stakeholders are shown in Fig.8. The red line indicates revenue flow and
black line shows service flow in the ecosystem.
Fig. 8. The Revenue Flow of Unicharge.
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IV. THE UNICHARGE APPLICATION
The Unicharge is a mobile application(app) which aims to facilitate smart charging and payment for EVs. The Unicharge app
runs the system and all settings. It provides the software connection between the electric vehicle and the charging station. By
means of this app, the user can charge an electric vehicle easily based on typical preferences or current needs. The app also
provides route planning service according to mode selection (Eco/Green). The app users are able to search GPS charging
locations with their specified filters and also use other useful functions, such as access to EV settings and location style. It is
known that intelligent battery charging lengthens battery life.
Payment and access methods in networks vary, but all public points should offer temporary access. Access to the contactless
debit card is becoming increasingly common, especially at fast charging points, without requiring prior registration or account
setup. Charging tariffs can include the cost per consumed energy (per kWh), but the price per charging time (per hour) or a set
rate for a charging session. With this app the payment process is shorten and payment is completed easily via bank card registered
in the system.
After downloading of the Unicharge app, you sign in and start to use it. Some screenshots of the Unicharge App are shown
in “Fig.9”. With the subscription of the app you should personalize it to use efficiently. Due to personalize your app there are
some settings in the menu:
✓ Add your EV model - to filter charge points that are compatible with your EV.
✓ Connector Types – to be able to find alternative connector types of your EV.
✓ Location types - to quickly locate related points save your optional location types (public/highway).
✓ Payment – register your debit card securely with 3Dsecure payment system..
After personalizing your app you are able to create a route planning now. In route planning menu you can use the app
according to your needs and take support for charging your EV efficiently.
✓ Quick Plan or Customised routes - Option to use system defaults or customise routes to your driving experience.
✓ Map based on your EV - Routes are calculated with estimates of real range and energy efficiency for particular
EVs, selected by you from all available models.
✓ Optional Mode- Quickly bring up optinal trips, with updated statuses as Eco mode or Green mode.
Fig.9. Some Screenshots of Unicharge Application
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V. REGULATIONS
There are two main regulation documents of EV charging ecosystem in Turkey. First one is about reconstruction of
buildings is named “PLANLI ALANLAR İMAR YÖNETMELİĞİ” was published on 3rd of July 2017 in Official Newspaper.
In article 35 of the Regulation under the 4th subheading is written “Elektrik enerjisi ile çalışan araçların şarj edilmeleri için,
ilgili elektrik kurumunun, olumlu görüşü ile otoparklar, akaryakıt istasyonları veya diğer uygun yerlerde elektrikli araç şarj yeri
yapılabilir.” which means electric vehicle charging place can be made in car parks for charging electric powered vehicles at
fuel stations or other suitable places with the positive opinion of the relevant electric institution.
The other regulation document is about public charging stations especially detailed in parking areas. It is named
“OTOPARK YÖNETMELİĞİ” was published on 22nd of February 2018 in Official Newspaper. In article 6 of the Regulation
under the 5th subheading is written “Bölge ve genel otoparklar ile AVM’lere ait otoparklarda, her 50 park yerinden en az biri
elektrikli araçlara uygun olarak (şarj ünitesi dâhil) düzenlenir. İhtiyaca göre elektrikli araç otopark yeri sayısının artırılması
hususunda idarelerce karar alınabilir.”. This rule provides a minimum parking area at shopping malls for EVs and can be
explained that at the regional and public car parks and in the car parks belonging to the shopping malls, at least one of every
50 parking spaces is arranged in accordance with the electric vehicles (including the charging unit) and it can be decided by the
administrations to increase the number of electric vehicle parking lots according to the need.
VI. CONCLUSIONS
When we compare the energy suppliers in Turkey we see some potentials in the battery charging ecosystem. These gaps can
be summarized in three ways those may be improved with the help of the Unicharge app.
• Many charging companies have their stations in similar locations, so a concentration of chargers exist in specific
locations and few or no chargers in other locations.
• Electric vehicles will not be able to have much success if there isn't a widespread network that can cover most of the
inhabited areas of the country: Many consumers in Turkey (and in the West as well), do not have the means to buy an
extra vehicle if they want an EV, most can afford only one vehicle and most probably, the EV will be the consumer's
only vehicle. If the country doesn't have an extensive charging network, this will deter most customers from opting for
an EV because it will be limiting them. Therefore, an extensive network is necessary that will enable users to also travel
long distances without worrying about range.
• Many cities in Turkey currently have a very small number of fast chargers, and as mentioned, each company's chargers
are concentrated in specific areas. Unicharge's services enables users to benefit from a much larger area of service,
therefore increasing the chance that a user will choose to purchase an EV. It can be used to guide and direct charging
companies to establish a more optimal network, in which the companies will have the chance to build a charging station
at a new location if another company already has a charging station at one location; increasing the distribution of total
chargers throughout the country, which will increase the likelihood that users will prefer EVs, and in return, which will
benefit the charging companies in the end. This will provide an incentive for charging companies to use Unicharge's
services.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We are very thankful to our instructor, Sinan Küfeoğlu, for his support and guidance with this project. We have learnt the
challenges of start-ups and made acquainted with successful entrepreneurs in this period thanks to our instructor. Above all we
are grateful to our families and friends.
REFERENCES
[1] What is smart charging, Available online: https://www.virta.global/blog/what-is-smart-charging, Accessed 5th of May 2020.
[2] EV Benefits, Available online: https://www.zap-map.com/electric-vehicles/ev-benefits/, Accessed 5th of May 2020.
[3] Global Energy Review, Available online: https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-review-2020, Accessed 9th of May 2020.
[4] S. Küfeoğlu, M. Pollitt, K. Anaya, “Electric Power Distribution in the World: Today and Tomorrow”, Cambridge Working Papers i n Economics 1846,
Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge, 2018.
[5] S. Küfeoğlu, G. Liu, K. Anaya, M. Pollitt, “Digitalisation and New Business Models in Energy Sector”, Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 1956,
Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge, 2019.
[6] EV Connector Types, Available online: https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/connectors-speeds/ Accessed 10th May 2020.
[7] All You Need to Know About EV Charging, Avilable online: https://drivetribe.com/p/all-you-need-to-know-about-ev-charging-
BstbZ1fZTk68T61njeQeRQ?iid=ZSXKHOLpT6e7OYK6pATD7w, Accessed 10th May 2020.
[8] Audi e-tron charging guide, Available online: https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/audi-e-tron-charging-guide/, Accessed 17th May 2020.
[9] BMW i3 charging guide, Available online: https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/bmw-i3-charging-guide/, Accessed 17th May 2020.
[10] Tesla Model 3 charging guide, Available online: https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/tesla-model-3-charging-guide/, Accessed 17th May 2020.
[11] Tesla Model S charging guide, Available online: https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/tesla-model-s-charging-guide/, Accessed 17th May 2020.
[12] Renault Zoe charging guide, Available online: https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/renault-zoe-charging-guide/, Accessed 17th May 2020.
[13] En Uygun Fiyatlı Elektrikli Araba Modelleri, Available online: https://www.arabam.com/blog/genel/en-uygun-fiyatli-elektrikli-araba-
modelleri/#:~:text=T%C3%BCrkiye'de%20en%20%C3%A7ok%20hangi,ve%20Renault%20Zoe%20tercih%20edilmi%C5%9Ftir, Accessed 14th June 2020.
[14] Driving range, battery & charging, New Renault ZOE, Available online: https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/zoe/battery.html, Accessed 31st
May 2020
[15] BMW i3 120 Ah, Available online: https://ev-database.org/car/1145/BMW-i3-120-Ah, Accessed 14th June 2020.
[16] S. Küfeoğlu, S.W. Kim, Y.G. Jin, “History of electric power sector restructuring in South Korea and Turkey”, The Electricity Jou rnal, vol. 32, no.10,
pp.106666, 2019.
[17] Elektrikli Araç Şarj Istasyonu Noktaları Haritası, Available online: https://zes.net/sarj-noktalari.html, Accessed 15th June 2020.
[18] Istasyon Haritası, Available online: https://esarj.com/harita, Accessed 15th June 2020.
[19] Nerelerdeyiz?, Available online: https://www.sharz.net/nerelerdeyiz/, Accessed 15th June 2020.
FIGURES
Fig.1. The Goals of Unicharge Associated with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Fig.2. Main Charger Types of EVs
Fig.3. Map of ZES Charging Points
Fig.4. Map of Eşarj Charging Points
Fig.5. Map of Sharz Charging Points
Fig.6. The Logo of Unicharge Application
Fig.7. The Business Model of Unicharge
Fig.8. The Revenue Flow of Unicharge.
Fig.9. Some Screenshots of Unicharge Application
