Global legacy automakers Ford, BMW, and Honda have partnered to launch a new vehicle-to-grid (V2G) company named “ChargeScape.”
According to the press release, the new business unit aims to “unlock the full potential of electric vehicle (EV) technology through conveniently managed energy services never before possible with gasoline-powered vehicles.”
About ChargeScape
Ford, BMW, and Honda will have an equal stake in ChargeScape. This new company will focus on the development of a cost-effective platform that would establish a connection among automakers, utility firms, and electric vehicle owners.
“With automakers accelerating toward the electrified future, we must find solutions like ChargeScape that enable all stakeholders to work together for the good of our customers, society and our industry by enabling greater use of renewable energy for and from mobility.”
Jay Joseph, Honda North America’s Sustainability & Business Development VP
It will tap into the three major EV players’ expertise and resources to build an Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP).
The OVGIP will enable the company to eliminate the long process of independently communicating with each electric provider. Simply put, utility companies can access a global electricity pool through electric vehicle batteries.
Specifically, it will facilitate the effective use of EV batteries by accumulating energy data for electric utilities and operators, including the following:
- aggregated demand response
- alignment of charging and EV battery utilization with off-peak
- low-cost hours and the availability of highly renewable energy
“Electric vehicles are unlocking entirely new benefits for customers that can save them money while supporting grid resiliency and increase the use of clean, renewable energy. ChargeScape will help accelerate the true potential of the EV revolution by providing significant benefits to both utilities and EV customers through smart vehicle-to-grid services.”
Bill Crider, Ford’s global head of charging and energy services
Benefits
ChargeScape will substantially decarbonize the electrical grid by cutting EV owners’ C02 emissions by adopting renewable energy resources like wind and solar.
It will also enable EV owners to aid the electrical grid by returning their batteries’ excess energy during peak demand through V2G technology. It will significantly lessen the stress of the grid and enable it to efficiently support all electric-based technologies, especially the growing number of EVs.
Apart from that, it can also enable EV owners to gain and save money through various charging and energy-sharing services in “flexible” and managed schedules.
“Electric grid reliability and sustainability are the foundation for an EV powered future. ChargeScape aims to accelerate the expansion of smart charging and vehicle-to-everything solutions all over the country, while increasing customer benefits, supporting the stability of the grid and helping to maximize renewable energy usage. We’re proud to be a founding member of ChargeScape and are looking forward to the opportunities this collaboration will create.”
Thomas Ruemenapp, BMW North America’s Engineering VP
See Also:
- Users can earn up to $15,000 for EVs with a V2G charger
- Toyota and Oncor to explore EV technology with new V2G pilot program
- General Motors partners with PG&E to explore EV capabilities for V2H, V2G, and Virtual Power Plants
- Virta enters Australia with “superfast” chargers and V2G
- Kia partners with Wallbox to offer bidirectional charging tech for EV9 owners
ChargeScape’s formation is still subject to regulatory approvals. Nonetheless, the founding companies expect it to begin operations as early as 2024. The company’s goals of decarbonizing the grid and offering cost-effective services for owners can significantly make EV ownership more attractive and convenient.
