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Kaluza, an energy software company, and Wallbox, an EVSE provider, have initiated a pilot program for smart electric vehicle (EV) charging and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology in Northern and Central California. This program, aimed at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers, utilizes dynamic tariffs to promote accessibility, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The California Energy Commission (CEC) supports this initiative with $1.5 million in phase one funding under the competitive REDWDS grant.
The partnership focuses on deploying managed charging solutions that enable drivers to charge their EVs using cheaper and greener energy. Furthermore, it introduces new technologies for dynamic pricing in both one-way ‘V1G’ and bidirectional ‘V2X’ charging. This approach allows drivers to benefit financially by providing surplus power back to the grid.
Kaluza’s software leverages advanced algorithms to automate the charging process, considering the driver’s preferences, live grid data, and dynamic pricing. This ensures that charging is done sustainably and helps mitigate grid pressures during emergencies. The program will involve 330 vehicles, with at least 50% deployed in low-income communities, highlighting a significant commitment to supporting disadvantaged groups.
The project showcases the potential of EVs in providing emergency backup power through Wallbox’s bidirectional charger, Quasar 2. This technology can supply power back to homes during grid outages, with EV batteries capable of sustaining an average home for three days.
Highlighting the challenges of high initial costs and dependency on vehicles for work in low-income communities, the program aims to reduce the barriers to EV adoption. It demonstrates the effectiveness of managed charging in making EV charging affordable and ensuring vehicles are always ready for use.
If successful, the initiative could receive up to $4 million in additional CEC funding for further expansion in California. Kaluza brings over five years of experience in optimizing residential distributed energy resources (DER) globally, managing over 26,000 connected EVs, including 330 with V2X capabilities.
In the UK, Kaluza’s ‘OVO Charge Anytime’ plan has already saved customers over $6.9 million by offering low-rate charging at any time. The partnership between Kaluza and Wallbox marks a critical step towards global adoption of V1G and V2G charging technologies.
Jonathan Levy, US Managing Director at Kaluza, emphasized the project’s alignment with California’s clean energy goals, noting the potential for managed charging to benefit drivers, utilities, and the environment. Brett Graessle, VP of Business Development at Wallbox, highlighted the growing need for smart charging solutions to balance the grid and save money.
PG&E’s active role in promoting EV adoption through various programs and the involvement of other key partners, such as Sonoma Clean Power and Valley Clean Air Now (CAN), underscores the collaborative effort to accelerate EV adoption and make it more affordable, especially for low-income communities.
The three-year pilot project is set to commence this year, with customer enrollment expected by the end of 2024 and data collection continuing through September 2026, promising to advance EV charging solutions and support California’s clean energy ambitions.
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