it's electric Receives $1.1M from the California Energy Commission to Launch Curbside V2G Charger

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Brooklyn-based EV charging company it's electric this week received $1.1 million from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to launch the industry's-first first curbside V2G charger.

The award was given as part of the Enabling Electric Vehicles as Distributed Energy Resources grant within California's Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Program. This program fosters innovative technologies that have the potential to bolster the state's energy grid and achieve its climate objectives. it's electric plans to introduce the technology to market by 2028, in concert with the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Delaware.

Visually the same as it's electric's current design, the curbside chargers are intended to broaden equitable access to V2G in low-income and disadvantaged communities, thereby accelerating EV adoption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the state's climate objectives.

The project will also develop a second innovative technology: the J3068 Active Cable, created with the University of Delaware. This cable integrates the SAE-standard untethered charging format with Delaware's Active Cable Communication Module, enabling bi-directional charging while associating driver account information with the cable for reliable compatibility across a range of charging systems.

"We have absolute conviction that bi-directional capability is a prerequisite for sustained long term public EV charging deployment," said Nathan King, Co-Founder and CEO of it's electric. "Seven million light duty vehicles are routinely parked on city streets in California. As these vehicles convert to electric, their batteries have enormous potential to help offset peak demand in critically overstrained electric utility service areas. And as a matter of equity, all EV drivers should have equal opportunity to participate in EV charging demand-response programs and V2G energy arbitrage opportunities."

"Vehicle electrification is about both cleaner transportation and a strong grid. This project helps unlock the full potential of EVs to provide load flexibility, support electric system reliability, and reduce peak demand," said Commissioner Andrew McCallister, who leads the Commission's Research and Development division. "These are exactly the kinds of innovations California needs to build a more resilient and sustainable energy system."

"Very pleased the California Energy Commission is funding innovations that will enable EV batteries to support our grid, power buildings and more," said Commissioner Nancy Skinner. "it's electric's impressive project will pilot EV chargers that can not only power a car but also help that car power our grid, demonstrating the economic and resiliency benefits of V2G technology."

Once deployed broadly, curbside vehicle-to-grid charging will enable parked cars at curbside to act as distributed energy resources, delivering benefits to both EV owners and the grid. By allowing for large-scale distributed energy storage, the technology can help reduce peak demand growth and lessen the requirement for expensive upgrades to the grid.

"The Energy, Controls, and Applications Laboratory (eCAL) team is excited to get to work on this project, and proud to be hosting deployment and testing of the world's first bidirectional curbside charger at UC Berkeley's Richmond Field Station," said Professor Scott Moura, Director of eCAL. "This project will advance our ability to leverage vehicle-to-grid capabilities for grid stability, helping to create more resilient and efficient infrastructure in California."

"The University of Delaware is proud of the role we have played to date in bringing vehicle-to-grid technologies to market," said Professor Willett Kempton. "We applaud the California Energy Commission for investing in this project, which will advance the ability of all communities to take advantage of V2G opportunities."

Source: it's electric | PRNewswire

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