eMotorWerks will provide charging stations for multistate electric utility Xcel Energy, which is conducting a two-year pilot program that aims to prepare the utility’s regional grids for the expected increased electric demand created by EV charging.
Unlike most utilities, Xcel Energy will own the charging units, which will be installed at residential customers’ homes. This gives the utility a more active role in EV charging management.
Participating customers will receive lower charging rates under a time-of-use rate plan. eMotorWerks’ JuiceNet cloud platform will provide the utility with a dynamic demand response management solution. The software features of JuiceNet allow grid operators to evaluate customer and network-wide EV charging responsiveness to participate in demand response events at times of peak energy demand.
“By 2025, there’s expected to be over 11 million EVs in North America alone, and utilities need to work fast to actively meet this growing demand,” said Val Miftakhov, Head of eMotorWerks. “Our solution is practical not only for drivers and grid operators, but utilities as well, as it saves costs and increases customer touch points.”
The program, which began on August 29th, is open to up to 100 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested Xcel Energy customers can apply to participate at www.xcelenergy.com/EVServicePilot.
Source: Xcel Energy