From demand response to carshare: EV versatility on display in May
Electric vehicles (EVs) can give as much as they take from the electric grid (and people’s wallets) via bidirectional inverters and chargers. Here are some of the latest partnerships driving innovation in EV demand response and grid services, plus a completely unique carshare program.
EnergyHub and FLO
EnergyHub, a provider of grid-edge flexibility, and FLO, a North American EV charging network operator and a smart charging solutions provider, announced a collaboration in May to expand driver participation in EV managed charging programs.
FLO Home smart EV chargers have type 4X protection and are backed by a 5-year warranty. FLO’s chargers are built to support all connector types and includes versatile mounting options, and hassle-free cable management.
This marks the first integration of FLO’s new platform and next-generation chargers – including the FLO Home X3, X6 and X8 chargers – with an Edge Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) platform. EnergyHub is an independent subsidiary of Alarm.com.
How it works: EnergyHub’s managed charging solution assists utilities in maintaining a reliable and affordable grid through demand response and dynamic load shaping. Beyond managing load at the bulk-system level, EnergyHub’s Distribution Load Optimization solution helps utilities prevent local grid asset overloads and delay the need for infrastructure upgrades. Residential customers with FLO chargers can now enroll in EnergyHub programs and earn rewards for helping support the electrical grid at any of EnergyHub’s more than 80 utility clients.
Leap and ChargeScape team to build EV Virtual Power Plant
Leap is a platform for building and scaling virtual power plants (VPPs), and ChargeScape is the only automotive joint venture delivering vehicle-grid integration. The two announced a new partnership to accelerate EV participation in grid services programs. After launching in California, the companies plan to extend coverage to other geographies across the U.S.
ChargeScape details: ChargeScape provides a secure, unified EV charging platform that connects power grids with some of the largest automotive brands, including BMW, Ford, Honda, Nissan and Tesla.
“Joining forces with Leap will allow ChargeScape to offer new revenue streams to the automakers using our platform,” said Joseph Vellone, CEO of ChargeScape. “More than that, we’re delighted to be able to put money back in the pockets of EV drivers across America and do our part to make EV ownership more affordable and accessible for everyone.”
Leap details: Leap’s software-only solution offers fast, automated access to energy markets, making it easy for EVs and other distributed energy resources (DERs) to participate in a wide range of demand response and other grid services programs through a universal interface.
How it works: The partnership unlocks new revenue opportunities for EVs both through smart charging (V1G) – reducing demand during periods of high grid demand – and through bi-directional power export, including vehicle-to-grid (V2G). Through streamlined access to the California wholesale market, automakers on the ChargeScape platform can earn new revenue in Resource Adequacy and the Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP), in addition to the statewide Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) program.
City of Charlotte EV ride share
Why stop at sharing electricity? The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) joined the City of Charlotte for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch Carolina Carshare, a new electric vehicle (EV) carshare program. The initiative brings affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable transportation directly to residents in one of the city’s Corridors of Opportunity.
Peppertree Apartments, located in the Albemarle Road/Central Avenue Corridor of Opportunity, recently underwent $8 million in renovations to preserve affordability. The complex now features a fleet of shared EVs and charging infrastructure. Residents can reserve and use vehicles for daily errands, medical appointments, and commutes without the high cost of car ownership.
The development also provides apartment residents with access to convenient on-property charging stations to support EV ownership.
Carshare details: Charlotte is one of just 13 cities nationwide and the only city in the Southeast selected to receive grant funding through the national Community Car Share pilot Affordable Mobility Platform (AMP), a program developed and managed by Forth to increase transportation access for residents in affordable housing while reducing carbon emissions in underserved communities. With support from a coalition of national and local partners, including the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition, Ascent Housing, Envision Charlotte, and DreamKey Partners, the program will maintain, charge, and manage vehicles to ensure long-term usability and affordability.
How it works: Residents and community members can reserve the Chevy Bolt EVs through an app for $5 per hour or $50 per day, which is inclusive of insurance and 24/7 member support. Charging the EVs at the apartment complex is easy and convenient.
“Access to affordable, electric transportation shouldn’t be a luxury,” said Courtney Cucchissi, Forth Program Manager. “The Carolina Carshare program reduces pollution and helps lower the high costs of vehicle ownership for those who need it most. The Affordable Mobility Platform tackles two challenges at once – the high cost of car ownership and poor air quality in underserved areas – by bringing affordable electric vehicles to low-income communities.”
