BMW, Ford, and Honda have started a collaboration called ChargeScape to combine efforts on grid services for electric vehicles. Through conveniently managed energy services to benefit EV customers, utilities, and automakers, ChargeScape will leverage research around the Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP). The aim is to seamlessly connect EV owners, electric utilities, and automakers.
ChargeScape will utilize vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications to provide energy data to utilities and system operators to align charging and grid use with demand. Simultaneously, vehicles capable of returning power to the grid or a home can be utilized to maximize energy usage and costs for the EV owner. The goal is to be cost-efficient while maximizing the grid.
“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, Vice President, Engineering, BMW of North America, LLC
“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, global head of charging and energy services, Ford Motor Company
“As Honda seeks to achieve our global goal of carbon neutrality, we are counting on this platform to create new value for our customers by connecting EVs to electric utilities, strengthening grid resources and reducing CO2 emissions. 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, vice president of Sustainability & Business Development, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.