GridPoint, a provider of smart energy products, has said that Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) has launched a multiyear plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) demonstration project using GridPoint’s smart charging software.
Vehicle Connectivity Modules (VCMs) will be installed in each vehicle to establish two-way communication with the grid and log critical performance data.
GridPoint said that its smart charging software can be used to manage the flow of electricity to charging vehicles, balancing driver needs and real-time grid conditions. During peak periods, the flow of energy can be delayed or slowed to shift the charging load off-peak – minimizing localized grid stress and ensuring service reliability. When wind or solar power is available, the charging rate can be increased to expand the use of renewable energy in the grid.
John Murach, director of business planning and corporate performance at BGE, said: “We recognize many Maryland consumers are looking forward to buying plug-in vehicles and we want to ensure we’re ready to meet their need for smart charging options. GridPoint’s proven smart charging software allows us to understand the impact charging vehicles will have on our grid and provides the tools we need to seamlessly support wide-scale adoption of electric transportation.”
Fielding five converted Toyota Priuses and a Ford Escape, and deploying electric vehicle management technology from GridPoint, BGE said thad that it will investigate when and where drivers will charge their vehicles, what effect charging may have on BGE’s peak load periods, and how that load can be managed to provide cost-efficient energy to customers. BGE will also evaluate the impact a PHEV fleet has on the company’s carbon footprint.
Michael Carlson, executive vice president of GridPoint, said: “We applaud BGE for proactively planning for the availability of plug-in vehicles and look forward to collaborating with them on this smart grid initiative.
“The application of our smart charging solution for vehicle and charging infrastructure provides the advanced visibility and management required to ensure the successful, wide-scale adoption of plug-in vehicles. We are excited to partner with BGE in deploying it to their customers.”