This alliance aims to provide financial benefits to electric vehicle (EV) drivers through managed charging and vehicle-to-grid export incentives. ChargeScape’s headquarters is in New York, extending services like smart charging and vehicle-grid integration across several states including California and Texas.
Nissan completed its investment making it a 25% investor alongside the founding members – BMW, Ford, and Honda. ChargeScape was initially launched last month by these three automakers. Nissan’s investment announcement emphasizes its commitment towards innovations in bidirectional charging capabilities which can significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
Nissan's incorporation into the ChargeScape alliance is of particular significance given its sales of over 650,000 LEAF models in the U.S., one of the first EVs with the capability to export power back to the grid.
The core technology behind this initiative is sophisticated software that connects wirelessly with EVs, managing the flow of electrons based on grid conditions. It either reduces demand or feeds energy back to the grid as necessary. This strategic approach helps avoid utilizing high-carbon "peaker" plants thus reducing the risk of grid overload during peak times.
Financial incentives are also being offered where EV drivers can benefit from pausing charging during high-demand periods or even sell excess energy back to the grid through these virtual power plants being developed in strategic locations.
"We are delighted to welcome Nissan to the ChargeScape joint venture," said Joseph Vellone, ChargeScape CEO. "Nissan's decision to join us underscores their commitment to helping customers charge more cheaply and sustainably and highlights ChargeScape's central position in the vehicle-grid integration space."
Source: Nissan
