GridPoint’s Next-Generation Smart Charging Software to Support Largest U.S. Electric Vehicle Deployment, Fueled by $100 Million in Stimulus
Demonstrating Smart Charging 3.0 at Plug-In 2009 Conference
LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GridPoint, Inc., an established leader in smart grid software, announced today at the Plug-In 2009 Conference and Exposition that it will provide its next-generation electric vehicle management software, Smart Charging 3.0, to support the largest U.S. deployment of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. GridPoint is also providing demonstrations of the product, available to utility customers in September, in booth #409.
Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (eTec), a subsidiary of ECOtality (OTCBB: ETLY), was awarded nearly $100 million in stimulus funding last week to deploy charging infrastructure and advance the adoption of electric vehicles. GridPoint joins Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Nissan North America as strategic partners, as well as other project participants, which can be viewed here: Together with INL, GridPoint has been working for over a year with eTec on electric vehicle performance and fast-charge systems.
GridPoint will provide smart charging and data logging capabilities to utilities in strategic markets of the eTec program in Arizona, California, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington that will support the deployment of up to 5,000 Nissan LEAF vehicles and a network of up to 12,750 charging stations. GridPoint’s charging management software will give utilities the ability to deploy load shifting, load shaping, renewables integration and demand response strategies. Advanced smart charging capabilities, such as synchronization with the availability of renewable energy, may also be explored.
To date, utility-led smart charging trials have been limited by the availability of grid-connected vehicles. The size and scope of this project creates a unique and valuable opportunity to assess and qualify:
Effects of a mature plug-in electric vehicle environment, with and without smart charging, on multiple electrical grids;
Benefits of smart charging on grid reliability to inform utility, PUC and regulator decision making on vehicle-related rate schedules;
Customer satisfaction and perception of various smart charging scenarios; and
Incentive programs to ensure maximum participation in smart charging programs