BMW, Ford and Honda Begin Operations of Vehicle-Grid Integration Joint Venture ChargeScape; Name Joseph Vellone CEO

Rhea-AI Summary

BMW, Ford, and Honda have launched ChargeScape, a joint venture focusing on vehicle-grid integration. The software platform aims to integrate electric vehicles (EVs) into the power grid, enhancing grid stability and reducing charging costs for drivers. ChargeScape's technology wirelessly connects to EVs and manages electricity flow based on real-time grid conditions, offering smart charging (V1G) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities.

The company has appointed Joseph Vellone as CEO and Kalidindi Raju as CTO. Vellone brings 15 years of experience in energy and climate sectors, while Raju has extensive expertise in cloud architecture, AI, and machine learning. ChargeScape builds on the automakers' previous work with the Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP) and aims to transform EVs from a liability into an asset for the power grid.

Positive

• Joint venture between major automakers BMW, Ford, and Honda demonstrates commitment to EV technology
• ChargeScape's technology could potentially reduce charging costs for EV owners
• The platform aims to improve grid stability by managing electricity flow based on real-time conditions
• Appointment of experienced leadership team with Joseph Vellone as CEO and Kalidindi Raju as CTO
• Direct access to vehicles through automaker partnerships gives ChargeScape a competitive advantage

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

ChargeScape's launch marks a significant step in Vehicle-Grid Integration (VGI) technology. This joint venture between BMW, Ford and Honda addresses two critical challenges: EV charging costs and grid stability. The platform's smart charging (V1G) and bidirectional charging (V2G) capabilities could revolutionize how EVs interact with power grids.

The appointment of Joseph Vellone as CEO, with his experience in cleantech startups, signals a strong focus on rapid scaling and market penetration. Kalidindi Raju's expertise in AI and cloud architecture as CTO suggests ChargeScape will leverage advanced technologies for optimal grid integration.

This venture could accelerate EV adoption by reducing ownership costs and potentially creating new revenue streams for EV owners. However, the success will largely depend on utility partnerships and consumer acceptance of dynamic charging schedules.

Energy Analyst

ChargeScape's launch is a game-changer for the energy sector. By managing the flow of electricity between EVs and the grid, it addresses the growing challenge of grid stability in the face of increasing EV adoption and renewable energy integration.

The platform's ability to reduce demand during grid constraints and even feed energy back to the grid (V2G) could significantly flatten the duck curve, a major issue for utilities dealing with solar power surpluses and evening demand spikes. This could lead to more efficient use of existing infrastructure and potentially defer costly grid upgrades.

For utilities, partnering with ChargeScape could provide valuable demand response resources and improve grid reliability. However, the success of this model will depend on creating attractive incentives for EV owners and ensuring seamless integration with various EV models and charging systems.

Automotive Industry Analyst

The formation of ChargeScape demonstrates a strategic shift in the automotive industry. By investing in VGI technology, BMW, Ford and Honda are positioning themselves not just as vehicle manufacturers, but as key players in the broader energy ecosystem.

This move could provide these automakers with a competitive advantage in the EV market by offering lower total cost of ownership through reduced charging costs and potential grid service revenues. It also shows their commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges that have been barriers to EV adoption.

However, the success of ChargeScape will depend on its ability to scale across different utility territories and integrate with various EV models. The appointment of experienced leaders in cleantech and cloud technology suggests a strong focus on rapid growth and technological advancement. This venture could set a new standard for automaker involvement in energy management solutions.

New Tech Firm Formed by Automakers to Help Manage Flow of Data, Energy Between EVs and Power Grid

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BMW, Ford and Honda have begun operations of the new joint venture that they announced last year and have appointed the first CEO and CTO. ChargeScape is a software platform that integrates electric vehicles (EVs) into the power grid, shoring up grid stability while saving drivers money on their charging.

The announcement underscores that automakers remain committed to EVs – including plug-in hybrids – and are focused on reducing the total cost of ownership for their customers.

As more Americans switch to EVs, cheaper fueling costs have become top-of-mind for drivers, particularly while charging at home where 80% of EV charging occurs according to U.S. Department of Energy estimates. At the same time, the nation's power grids have come under increasing strain due to electricity demand from data centers and the intermittent nature of renewables.

To meet these needs, ChargeScape's technology wirelessly connects to electric vehicles and, working with participating utilities, manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions, temporarily reducing demand when the grid is constrained through smart charging (V1G) and even sending energy back into the power grid when needed (V2G). EV drivers have the potential to be rewarded financially for their flexibility and always have their vehicle charged by the time they specify.

ChargeScape builds off of the early success of these automakers' work on smart charging through the Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP), which counts multi-state utilities such as Duke Energy, Xcel Energy and Eversource Energy as clients.

Board Names Two Key Leadership Appointments

Following the official launch of the joint venture, BMW, Ford and Honda announced the appointment of ChargeScape's first CEO, Joseph Vellone.

Bringing 15 years of experience in the energy and climate sectors, Vellone was most recently part of the founding team at software start-up ev.energy, where he launched and grew the company's North America business to include over a dozen utilities and 150,000 EVs.

"Joseph's leadership and track record operating cleantech start-ups is precisely what we need to make ChargeScape a success," said current ChargeScape Board Chairman Shaun Bugbee of BMW.

Before joining ev.energy, Vellone worked as a management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he was part of the firm's energy and environment practice. He is a graduate of Princeton University and the London School of Economics. While in high school, his student research on hydrogen fuel cells was recognized with honors from Congress and the White House.

"The U.S. has set ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment and EV adoption, and ChargeScape is here to bridge that gap between supply and demand of electricity," said Vellone. "We want to transform EVs from a liability into an asset for the power grid and help deliver a clean transportation future for our country."

Newly appointed ChargeScape Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Kalidindi Raju has over 15 years of experience leading high-performing technology organizations and is a recognized leader in cloud architecture, artificial intelligence, machine learning, analytics, data engineering and product development. He previously held senior leadership positions at Amazon, OATI and other technology companies.

Raju holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M International and a bachelor's degree in computer science and engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela (India).

"Although the vehicle-grid integration market is expected to be highly competitive, our partnerships with the world's largest automakers gives us a significant edge. With direct access to the vehicles, we enable utilities to optimize EV charging securely and reliably," said Raju. "We plan to fully leverage this key advantage."

About ChargeScape

ChargeScape is a technology company that connects electric utilities, automakers and electric vehicle drivers using software. From its offices in New York, ChargeScape helps stabilize electrical grids by optimizing the flow of electrons into and out of EV batteries and helps EV drivers save money on their charging through cash-back and other incentives. The company counts BMW, Ford and Honda as investors, with additional automakers set to join in the coming months.

BMW Group in America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley, and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company's Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 175,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Honda's Commitment to the Environment

Honda is working toward its global goal of zero environmental impact by 2050 through its "Triple Action to Zero" approach, including achieving carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities, 100% utilization of renewable energy, and resource circulation, utilizing 100% sustainable materials by reprocessing products back to raw materials and reusing those materials in the creation of new products. Toward this goal, Honda will strive to make battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of auto sales in the U.S. and globally by 2040.

To reduce the environmental impact of its business operations, Honda also is offsetting CO2 emissions from its North American manufacturing operations through long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for renewable wind and solar power that seek to cover more than 60% of the electricity Honda uses in North America. Honda also promotes environmentally responsible business practices with its suppliers and retail dealer partners across North America. Learn more at https://csr.honda.com/environment/na-environmental-report/.

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SOURCE ChargeScape

FAQ

What is ChargeScape and who are its founding companies?

ChargeScape is a vehicle-grid integration joint venture founded by BMW, Ford, and Honda. It's a software platform that integrates electric vehicles into the power grid to improve grid stability and reduce charging costs for EV owners.

Who has been appointed as the CEO of ChargeScape?

Joseph Vellone has been appointed as the CEO of ChargeScape. He brings 15 years of experience in the energy and climate sectors and was previously part of the founding team at ev.energy.

What are the main features of ChargeScape's technology?

ChargeScape's technology wirelessly connects to electric vehicles and manages electricity flow based on real-time grid conditions. It offers smart charging (V1G) capabilities and can even send energy back to the grid when needed (V2G).

How does ChargeScape aim to benefit EV owners?

ChargeScape aims to benefit EV owners by potentially reducing charging costs and offering financial rewards for their flexibility in charging. The system ensures that vehicles are charged by the time specified by the owner.

What competitive advantage does ChargeScape have in the vehicle-grid integration market?

ChargeScape has a significant competitive advantage due to its partnerships with major automakers BMW, Ford, and Honda. This provides direct access to vehicles, enabling secure and reliable optimization of EV charging for utilities.