In September, BMW, Ford and Honda agreed to form an equally owned company named ChargeScape to create a platform connecting electric utilities, automakers and interested EV customers. It is expected to be operational early in 2024.
ChargeScape is designed to increase the value EVs can provide to the electric grid and to enable EV customers to earn financial rewards through managed charging and energy-sharing services.
ChargeScape’s single platform builds on years of cross-industry collaboration on the open vehicle-grid integration platform. It is designed to eliminate the need for individual integrations between each automotive brand and each electric utility, and to give electric utilities access to EV battery power across a broad range of EVs.
The platform will provide energy data to electric utilities and system operators, and EV customers will be able to financially benefit by charging at grid-friendly times and to share energy with the grid during times of peak demand through vehicle-to-grid applications.
“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,” said Thomas Ruemenapp, VP Engineering, BMW of North America.
Source: Honda