ChargeScape is a software platform that integrates EVs into the power grid, shoring up grid stability while saving drivers money on their charging.
As more Americans switch to EVs, cheaper fuelling costs have become top-of-mind for drivers, particularly while charging at home where 80% of EV charging occurs according to US Department of Energy estimates. At the same time, the nation's power grids have come under increasing strain due to electricity demand from data centres and the intermittent nature of renewables.
To meet these needs, ChargeScape's technology wirelessly connects to electric vehicles and, working with participating utilities, manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions, temporarily reducing demand when the grid is constrained through smart charging (V1G) 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 on the early success of these automakers' work on smart charging through the Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP), which counts multi-state 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.
Bringing 15 years of experience in the energy and climate sectors, Vellone was most recently part of the founding team at software start-up EV.Energy, where he launched and grew the company's North America business to include over a dozen utilities and 150,000 EVs.
"Joseph's leadership and track record operating cleantech start-ups is precisely what we need to make ChargeScape a success," said current ChargeScape board chairman Shaun Bugbee of BMW.
"The US 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," said Vellone. "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."
Newly appointed ChargeScape chief technology officer Kalidindi Raju has over 15 years of experience leading high-performing technology organisations and is a recognised leader in cloud architecture, artificial intelligence, machine learning, analytics, data engineering and product development. He previously held senior leadership positions at Amazon, OATI and other technology companies.
"Although the vehicle-grid integration market is expected to be highly competitive, our partnerships with the world's largest automakers gives us a significant edge. With direct access to the vehicles, we enable utilities to optimise EV charging securely and reliably," said Raju. "We plan to fully leverage this key advantage."
