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Blockchain brings trust to EV charging systems

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Researchers from the University of Waterloo have designed an EV charging system that uses blockchain to engender trust between all stakeholders.

blockchain

The team collaborated with an EV charging service provider that works with property owners to install EV supply equipment, which is then accessed by EV owners for a fee. However, it was found that trust among the parties was low, with no way of knowing if all sides were acting in good faith and honouring agreed payment terms. According to the study, an open, decentralised blockchain platform could ensure that EV owners did not overpay for energy and that property owners were fairly compensated by charging service providers.

Q & A: What does blockchain actually mean for manufacturers?

New kids on the blockchain

"Energy services are increasingly being provided by entities that do not have well-established trust relationships with their customers and partners," said Christian Gorenflo, a PhD candidate in Waterloo's David R Cheriton School of Computer Science.

"In this context, blockchains are a promising approach for replacing a central trusted party, for example, making it possible to implement direct peer-to-peer energy trading."

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