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CALIFORNIA, 14 September 2023: In a groundbreaking collaboration, BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, and American Honda Motor Co Inc. have announced the formation of ChargeScape LLC. This equally-owned venture aims to transform the landscape of electric vehicle (EV) technology by seamlessly connecting electric utilities, automakers, and EV enthusiasts. ChargeScape promises to unlock unprecedented value for the electric grid while enabling EV owners to enjoy financial benefits and contribute to grid resiliency and decarbonization.
ChargeScape’s Mission
ChargeScape’s primary goal is to harness the full potential of EV technology through innovative energy management services that were previously unavailable to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. By eliminating the need for individual integrations between automotive brands and electric utilities, ChargeScape streamlines the process, benefitting both electric utilities and EV customers in the United States and Canada.
Simplifying Energy Management
Drawing on years of collaborative research in the Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP), ChargeScape’s platform provides electric utilities access to EV battery energy across a diverse pool of EVs. Participating EV owners can enjoy financial benefits by charging their vehicles during “grid-friendly” times through flexible and managed schedules. Additionally, EV owners will soon have the opportunity to make a more significant impact by sharing stored energy with the grid during peak demand periods through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications.
Grid Resiliency and Green Energy
ChargeScape is well-timed as the electric vehicle market experiences rapid growth, increasing electricity demand for charging. This initiative aims to support grid resiliency while embracing the future potential of V2G capabilities, benefiting both electric utilities and EV owners. Moreover, ChargeScape plays a pivotal role in decarbonizing the grid. By utilizing electricity from readily available renewable sources like wind and solar, EV owners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
Empowering EV Customers
While seamless integration between EV owners and utilities is crucial for successful energy management, EV owners will always maintain control over their charging and energy decisions. This empowerment ensures that EV owners can actively participate in sustainable energy practices while enjoying the financial benefits.
The Visionaries Behind ChargeScape
Leaders from BMW, Ford, and Honda share their excitement about this collaborative venture. Thomas Ruemenapp, Vice President of Engineering at BMW of North America, LLC, emphasizes the importance of smart charging and vehicle-to-everything solutions in advancing electric mobility. Bill Crider, Global Head of Charging and Energy Services at Ford Motor Company, highlights the potential of ChargeScape to accelerate the EV revolution, benefiting utilities and EV customers alike. Jay Joseph, Vice President of Sustainability & Business Development at American Honda, sees ChargeScape as a means to achieve carbon neutrality, connecting EVs to electric utilities and enhancing grid resources.
Benefits of Collaboration
ChargeScape, built upon the foundation of OVGIP, extends managed charging benefits to a broader range of EV customers. It eliminates marketing and outreach costs for utilities and offers direct communication channels with automakers. Leveraging automaker telematics, ChargeScape plans to provide managed charge scheduling through vehicle connectivity, even without Wi-Fi-enabled charging stations. This inclusive approach ensures that EV owners without “smart” chargers at home can actively contribute to grid services.
An Invitation to Collaborate
The founding members of ChargeScape extend an invitation to other automakers to join this transformative initiative once the company is fully operational. Together, they aim to unlock the full potential of ChargeScape’s grid service offerings and revolutionize the electric vehicle landscape.
