The technology
mk-grid charging posts are made with quality workmanship and care and have the capacity to charge up to two vehicles at any one time. The charging posts offer 4 charging plugs: 2x Schuko, 1x 3P+N+PE (6h, 16A or 32A) and 1 socket of choice, e.g. the new Mennekes plug. Other plug combinations are also possible. The posts additionally feature 2 built-in electronic telemeters to measure the amount of electricity used per charge as well as the exact time and duration of charging.
User identification and billing
A highly extensive energy data management and billing system was developed to create the highest possible degree of flexibility and thus offer standardised billing and coverage across Europe. Key to this system is the clear identification of the customer at the charging post. mk-grid uses the Meter Point Administration Number to identify customers by the electricity supply point of their place of residence. This reference number is like a digital fingerprint and serves to uniquely identify the user.
A special iPhone application generates a barcode of the Meter Point Administration Number. The charging post is activated by holding the barcode in the direction of scan. Once the barcode has been successfully scanned, the amount of electricity used is uniquely assigned to the customer’s Meter Point Administration Number and charged to the regular electricity bill. One advantage of this system is that customers always charge their vehicles at the rates agreed with their electricity supplier. Customers of any electricity supplier can thus use mk-grid charging stations to charge their electric vehicles. The electricity used is simply charged to the customer’s electricity bill at the rates of the respective electricity supplier. Customers who do not own an iPhone can have the barcode printed on a special access card.
When charging is complete or has been interrupted manually, user identification is terminated automatically and the metered information is sent to the customer’s electricity supplier for billing. The amount of electricity used appears on the home electricity bill.
When customers switch electricity suppliers, the new electricity supplier is entered into our billing system automatically with no need for customers to report the change. Customers require a new barcode and a new access card if they move their place of residence. Access to the charging posts is blocked if the Meter Point Administration Number is blocked or if the residential meter is taken off the grid for any reason.
Extended iPhone application
mk-grid is currently working on extending the iPhone applications to include the following functions:
– Positioning
– Navigation to the nearest available charging post
System access
mk-grid is a distribution network operator and is committed to providing non-discriminatory access to all electricity suppliers.
System costs
As a distribution network operator, mk-grid charges the electricity suppliers for the use of our outfeed points. The fees for grid use are listed in the price sheets of the regional transmission system operators and have been approved by the German network regulator, the Federal Network Agency. The price sheets are available online on the websites of the individual transmission system operators.
Installation of an mk-grid charging post
mk-grid sees the installation of charging post infrastructure as an expansion of the electricity grid to which all system and network operators are obliged. Costs include the costs of network expansion as well grid use costs. mk-grid installs charging posts for a relatively low grid connection fee (also available in the price sheets of the regional transmission system operators) for local government and municipal utilities as well as energy utilities, car park operators, department store/grocery store chains and other businesses which offer vehicle parking. No fees are charged for the charging posts themselves, but the posts remain the property of mk-grid.
Nationwide in Germany or Europe-wide coverage
The mk-grid billing system has been designed for international use. Meter Point Administration Numbers are standardised across Europe and are unique. Modern data communication and infrastructure allow mk-grid to install and operate charging posts nationwide in Germany and beyond the German borders. Usage is billed through the customer’s electricity supplier at the usual prices.
Procurement
Before contacting mk-grid with their needs, representatives of local government, municipal utilities or commercial parking facilities should first carefully plan the right locations for charging posts in their area of responsibility.
www.mk-grid.eu
www.care-energy.de
www.care-mobility.eu