BMW, Ford & Honda Begin Operations of EV-Grid Integration Joint Venture ChargeScape

BMW, Ford and Honda have begun operations of the new joint venture (JV) - ChargeScape- that focuses on optimisng electric vehicle (EV) grid services. They have also appointed its first CEO.

ChargeScape is a software platform that integrates EVs into the power grid, shoring up grid stability while saving drivers money on their charging.

Working with participating utilities, the software manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions, temporarily reducing demand when the grid is constrained through smart charging and even sending energy back into the power grid when needed (V2G).

EV drivers have the potential to be rewarded financially for their flexibility and always have their vehicle charged by the time they specify.

ChargeScape builds off of the early success of these automakers' work on smart charging through the Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP), which counts multi-state US utilities such as Duke Energy, Xcel Energy and Eversource Energy as clients.

Following the official launch of the joint venture, BMW, Ford and Honda announced the appointment of ChargeScape's first CEO, Joseph Vellone.

Veltone says: "The U.S. has set ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment and EV adoption, and ChargeScape is here to bridge that gap between supply and demand of electricity. We want to transform EVs from a liability into an asset for the power grid and help deliver a clean transportation future for our country."

ChargeScape Board Chairman Shaun Bugbee of BMW., adds: "Joseph's leadership and track record operating cleantech start-ups is precisely what we need to make ChargeScape a success."

BMW, Ford and Honda remain committed to EVs – including plug-in hybrids – and are focused on reducing the total cost of ownership for their customers.