BMW and Ford EVs join AI-based grid relief programme in New York
The programme aims to reduce strain on the power grid during summer months by enrolling more than 4,000 BMW EV drivers and 2,200 Ford EV drivers. ChargeScape’s proprietary software, EV AI, uses real-time data from PSEG Long Island to determine the optimal timing, duration, and intensity of charging, ensuring that electricity demand from EVs does not exceed local grid capacity at any given time or location.
ChargeScape is a joint venture between BMW, Honda, Ford, and Nissan. The first three carmakers formed the joint venture in 2023, while Nissan came on board about a year later. And according to ChargeScape, “additional automakers [are] set to join soon.”
The Texas-based software company wants to connect utilities, carmakers, and EV drivers through the above-mentioned platform. For PSEG Long Island, this marks the first time in the nine-year history of its Peak Load Reduction programme that EVs are enrolled to directly support grid reliability.
Participating EV owners will receive financial incentives for supporting grid stability through their at-home charging. These can include cash-backs and “other incentives.”
“The Peak Load Reduction programme is an excellent example of collaboration among automakers and power utilities to help keep the lights on while saving EV drivers money,” said Joseph Vellone, CEO of ChargeScape. And the automakers seem to agree.
Alexander Schleicher, Head of E-mobility at BMW of North America, said: “This programme not only empowers our customers to play a vital role in energy conservation but also reinforces our commitment to sustainable mobility and community support.”
“Enabling our customers to enjoy the benefits from utilities’ electric vehicle charging programmes is part of the core value of EV adoption and ownership.” added Dave McCreadie, Director of EV Grid Integration and Energy Services at Ford Motor Company. “Ford believes that ChargeScape will provide utilities like PSEG the best tool to help them manage their grid as EV adoption accelerates.”
Michael Voltz, PSEG Long Island’s Director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables, concluded: “We are pleased that these automakers recognise the importance of the Peak Load Reduction programme. The programme not only saves for those that participate but also reduces the amount of overall energy being used, which reduces the amount of electricity needed to be purchased for the following summer period. That translates into future savings for all customers.”
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