0
0
CHARLOTTE, 29 AUGUST 2023: In a bid to steer North Carolina towards a greener and cleaner energy landscape, Duke Energy is joining forces with General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and BMW of North America to pioneer an innovative electric vehicle (EV) pilot program. This strategic collaboration aims to usher in a new era of certainty in EV charging costs, in line with the state’s ambitions for reduced greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable transportation solutions.
Empowering EV Charging at Home
Duke Energy is set to introduce the groundbreaking 12-month EV Complete Home Charging Plan pilot. This initiative empowers residential customers in North Carolina to charge their EVs at home, utilizing up to 800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month. Participants can enjoy this convenient service for a fixed monthly fee of USD 19.99 in the Duke Energy Carolinas service area and USD 24.99 in the Duke Energy Progress service area. Notably, the average daily EV usage is under 15 kWh, making the pilot exceptionally accommodating for the typical EV driver’s needs.
Seamless Enrollment Process
Qualifying EV owners or lessees will receive invitations from their respective automakers to enroll in the program, with enrollment commencing in September. The program is slated for launch on November 1, and comprehensive enrollment guidelines will be communicated to participants beforehand.
Environmental Commitment and Convenience
Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president, emphasized the alignment of this initiative with North Carolina’s pursuit of greenhouse gas emissions reduction. He asserted that transitioning towards EVs and minimizing reliance on conventional gas-powered vehicles is a significant step towards achieving carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability.
Empowering Drivers through Technology
The pilot program harnesses technology to empower EV drivers. Participants can input their preferred state of charge and desired departure time through an application provided by their automaker. This application then creates an optimized charging schedule that aligns with the individual’s preferences. Duke Energy’s collaboration with General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and BMW of North America through the Open Vehicle Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP) ensures a seamless and grid-friendly approach to managing EV charging.
Enhancing Convenience and Grid Stability
The pilot’s unique approach allows participants to customize their EV charging schedule while avoiding peak grid hours. This not only enhances convenience for EV owners but also contributes to grid stability. The optimization process aims to provide charged vehicles when needed while also supporting the overall stability of the electrical grid.
Balancing Demand and Flexibility
Duke Energy’s strategy extends beyond individual EV charging to address grid demand. The pilot incorporates up to three demand response events per month, enabling the balancing of grid demand. Participants will receive advance notifications from automakers about these events, allowing them to opt out up to four times during the pilot. This flexible approach aligns with Duke Energy’s commitment to grid readiness for the growing EV landscape.
A Future of Smarter Energy Choices
Harry Sideris, executive vice president of customer experience at Duke Energy, highlighted the value of EV charging flexibility in managing costs and mitigating peak demands. The company’s investments in grid enhancement and intelligent data-driven solutions position Duke Energy to empower customers with the information they need to make smart energy choices while contributing to the collective effort of a sustainable energy future.
Conclusion
Duke Energy’s trailblazing collaboration with prominent automakers paves the way for affordable and convenient EV charging, advancing North Carolina’s eco-friendly transportation objectives while offering participants a seamless and cost-effective EV charging experience.
