BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, and American Honda Motor Co. are teaming up to create a new company – ChargeScape, LLC. ChargeScape is an equally owned company focused on optimizing electric vehicle grid services by creating a platform to connect electric utilities, automakers, and EV customers in the U.S. and Canada.
Expected to be operational in early 2024, ChargeScape will feature a single platform, eliminating the need for individual integration between automakers and electric utilities. This platform is positioned to provide numerous benefits, both for EV customers and utilities.
"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," said Bill Crider, Global Head of Charging and Energy Services at Ford. "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."
For utilities, the platform will provide access to EV battery energy, as well as specific energy data, such as:
- Aggregated demand response.
- Alignment of charging and EV battery utilization during off-peak, low-cost hours.
- The availability of high renewable energy.
For EV customers, ChargeScape will potentially offer financial benefits to encourage charging during “grid-friendly” times. Customers will also have the opportunity to share their EV battery’s stored energy with the grid during peak demand through a flexible schedule.
ChargeScape also plans to leverage automaker telematics to provide managed charge scheduling through vehicle connectivity without requiring Wi-Fi-enabled charging stations. This will support EV customers who currently do not utilize a “smart” charger at home and would otherwise be unreachable for grid services.
"Electric grid reliability and sustainability are the foundation for an EV powered future," said Thomas Ruemenapp, Vice President, Engineering, BMW of North America, LLC. "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."
