BMW, Ford and Honda to establish ChargeScape | Aim to optimise EV grid services in US and Canada

BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. have agreed to establish ChargeScape, LLC. This new venture, equally owned by the three companies, aims to develop an efficient platform connecting electric utilities, automakers, and interested EV customers.

Operating in both the U.S. and Canada, ChargeScape seeks to unlock fresh opportunities for EVs within the electric grid, enabling EV owners to gain financial benefits through managed charging and energy-sharing services. The formalization of this agreement and the subsequent launch of ChargeScape is contingent on regulatory approvals, with the company anticipated to commence operations early next year.

This collaborative effort builds upon years of cross-industry research around the Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP). By creating a unified platform, individual integrations between automotive brands and electric utilities will be eliminated. This will grant electric utilities access to EV battery energy from a diverse pool of vehicles. Participating EV customers can benefit by earning financial rewards through flexible and managed charging schedules, and eventually, by sharing stored energy with the grid during peak demand via vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications.

ChargeScape focuses on providing energy management services, grid resilience and eco-friendly practices through renewable energy. It enables efficient use of plugged-in EV batteries by securely sharing data with utilities and operators. This aids in coordinated response, aligning charging with cost-effective off-peak low-cost hours, and maximizing renewable energy use – said an official statement.

The company’s initiatives will involve using electricity from easily accessible renewable sources like wind or solar power. It’s important to note that while smooth coordination between EV users and utilities is essential for effective energy management, participating EV owners will retain control over their charging and energy usage choices.

On commenting about this new venture, Thomas Ruemenapp, Vice President, Engineering, BMW of North America, LLC., said, “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.”

Bill Crider, global head of charging and energy services, Ford Motor Company commented, “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.”

Jay Joseph, vice president of Sustainability & Business Development, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. said, “We are counting on this platform to create new value for our customers by connecting EVs to electric utilities and strengthening grid resources. 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.”

ChargeScape, in partnership with Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP), expands managed charging benefits for more EV users, reducing outreach costs for utilities. BMW, Ford, and Honda have direct communication with their EV owners, addressing a common utility challenge. ChargeScape plans to use automaker telematics for managed charging without Wi-Fi-enabled stations, benefiting EV owners without “smart” chargers.

Other automakers can join and tap into ChargeScape’s grid services once operational.

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