Smart grid solutions for electric vehicles
August 11, 2011
General Motors and OnStar will launch the first real-world pilot of smart grid solutions for electric vehicles this year, paving the way for utilities to increase energy efficiency and offer lower charging costs to customers. Employees of regional utilities will drive leased Chevrolet Volts as their everyday vehicles and participate in the pilot.
Through this pilot General Motors will see real-time results on how intelligent energy management can maximize EV charging efficiency and minimize the electric bill for EV drivers.
Through the OnStar Advanced Telematics Operations Management System (ATOMS), a utility will be able to accurately monitor and manage the energy used by the vehicles. The data will give the utility insight into where and when EVs are charged and demand response, which allows the utility to reduce peak demand by shifting EV charging to non-peak hours.
Data Gathering:
With customer permission, OnStar will provide the utility with overall charge level as well as charging history, by time and location, without the vehicles having to connect to a charging station. This will give the utility better insight for forecasting demand, setting rates and determining the best location for charging infrastructure.
Demand response:
OnStar will allow the utility to actively manage EV charging for those who opt in to the service. The utility can then reduce peak loads by offering discounts or other incentives to encourage drivers to charge their EVs when overall electricity demand is lowest, typically in the early morning hours.
