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WeaveGrid, a leading software company for smart electric vehicle (EV) charging, has announced a new in-app experience for Toyota EV drivers. This first-of-its-kind integration allows drivers to enroll in and participate in Baltimore Gas and Electric Company’s (BGE) Smart Charge Management program directly through the Toyota App. The collaboration aims to simplify access to grid-supporting programs, offering a more seamless experience for EV owners.
Key Highlights
- A new feature allows Toyota EV drivers to join BGE’s Smart Charge Management program using their existing Toyota App.
- The integration simplifies the enrollment process, provides in-app notifications, and increases the accessibility of utility programs.
- The collaboration between WeaveGrid, Toyota, and BGE aims to improve the EV owner experience while supporting grid resilience.
- A study found BGE’s program provides significant financial benefits, valued at up to $300 per vehicle annually, by reducing costly infrastructure upgrades.
- BGE plans to expand the program to 30,000 devices by the end of 2027 to manage the growing demand on the electrical grid.
Streamlining the Driver Experience
This initiative significantly lowers the barrier for entry into utility programs by embedding the enrollment process within a familiar platform. According to Yakov Berenshteyn, Senior Director of Partner Growth at WeaveGrid, meeting drivers in their vehicle app eliminates key friction points and is a crucial innovation for scaling the adoption of smart charging.
Drivers in the BGE service area can now engage with the Smart Charge Management program without needing to navigate separate websites or applications. This streamlined approach allows them to receive in-app notifications and updates, keeping them informed about the benefits and opportunities related to their vehicle’s charging.
Supporting Grid Stability and Growth
Utility providers are increasingly focused on managing the electrical demands of a growing EV market. Smart charging programs are essential tools that help defer costly infrastructure upgrades and improve overall grid resilience. Divesh Gupta, Director of Clean Energy Solutions at BGE, stated that the in-app integration makes the benefits of managed charging more intuitive and accessible to drivers.
The effectiveness of BGE’s program is backed by significant data. A study by Argonne National Lab highlighted the program’s success in reducing coincident peak demand, which creates substantial value for the distribution grid. Recognizing these benefits, the Maryland Public Service Commission recently approved BGE’s proposal to significantly expand the program.
A Collaborative Step Forward
The partnership represents a major advancement in making EV ownership more seamless for customers. Kody Arai, General Manager of Enterprise Strategy Solutions at Toyota Motor North America, noted that the integration simplifies the user’s charging experience by bringing program management directly to drivers, which helps support overall grid reliability. This initiative between WeaveGrid, Toyota, and BGE showcases how software and cross-industry collaboration can accelerate the benefits of transportation electrification.
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