#United States #Brooklyn #it's electric #Vehicle-to-Grid #CEC Grant

It's Electric Secures $1.1 Million for Pioneering Vehicle-to-Grid EV Charger

In an exciting development for the electric vehicle (EV) market, Brooklyn-based company It's Electric has received a substantial grant of $1.1 million from the California Energy Commission (CEC). This funding is aimed at advancing the development, certification, and commercialization of a revolutionary curbside vehicle-to-grid (V2G) EV charger. Set to debut by 2028 in collaboration with the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Delaware, this initiative aims to empower electric vehicles to act as valuable assets to the energy grid.

Traditionally, EV chargers function merely as a one-way portal for electricity, pulling power from the grid to charge vehicles. However, It’s Electric is set to transform this dynamic. Their innovative charger will enable electric vehicles to not only draw electricity for charging but also return surplus energy back to the grid. This bi-directional technology represents a groundbreaking leap, particularly for curbside charging where countless vehicles are parked idly every day.

California is stepping up as a leader in fostering bi-directional curbside EV charging, and the CEC's funding is a vital step toward achieving this goal. The new chargers, while visually similar to It's Electric’s award-winning designs, are positioned to create equitable access for residents in underprivileged communities, ultimately encouraging broader adoption of electric vehicles and reducing emissions in alignment with the state’s climate policies.

The project also encompasses the development of the innovative J3068 Active Cable, a pioneering technology crafted in partnership with the University of Delaware. This high-tech cable integrates the SAE-standard untethered charging format with an Active Cable Communication Module, allowing for bi-directional charging and ensuring reliable compatibility across a diverse array of charging systems.

Nathan King, Co-Founder and CEO of It's Electric, expressed strong belief in the importance of bi-directional capabilities for the sustainable growth of public EV charging infrastructure. He highlighted that in California, approximately seven million light-duty vehicles are parked on city streets, presenting a massive opportunity for their batteries to assist in easing peak electricity demand in overburdened utility areas. King emphasized the need for all EV drivers to have equal participation in demand-response programs and energy arbitrage opportunities associated with V2G technology.

Further supporting this initiative, Commissioner Andrew McCallister of the CEC emphasized that vehicle electrification isn't solely about promoting cleaner transportation but also about reinforcing the electric grid. He noted that this project is instrumental in maximizing the potential of electric vehicles to enhance load flexibility, ensure electric system reliability, and minimize peak demand.

Commissioner Nancy Skinner praised the CEC for supporting innovations that allow EV batteries to bolster the grid's resilience, affirming the necessity of devices that not only recharge vehicles but also supply power to the grid. The scalability of curbside V2G chargers is projected to turn street-parked cars into distributed energy resources, offering advantages for both EV owners and electric grid managers. This technology could significantly alleviate peak demand pressures and decrease the requirement for extensive grid overhaul investments.

The Energy, Controls, and Applications Laboratory (eCAL) team at UC Berkeley is gearing up to initiate deployment and testing of the world's first curbside bi-directional charger at its Richmond Field Station. Professor Scott Moura, director of eCAL, expressed excitement about advancing the application of vehicle-to-grid technology for enhanced grid stability and infrastructure efficiency in California.

Furthermore, the University of Delaware is proud of its contributions to the development of vehicle-to-grid solutions and commended the CEC’s investment as a means to enable all communities to benefit from V2G prospects.

With the CEC's backing, It's Electric and its partners are paving the way for a revolutionary phase in EV charging infrastructure. This project illustrates how rapid curbside implementation coupled with advanced vehicle-to-grid technology can quickly and equitably invigorate communities. The anticipated curbside V2G chargers not only promise to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles but also fortify California's energy resilience, setting a precedent for cities worldwide in their journey towards a cleaner, more reliable, and cost-effective energy future.

About It's Electric

Recognizing that many drivers don't have access to home or private garages, It's Electric is committed to facilitating the transition to electric vehicles by offering simple and scalable curbside charging solutions, ensuring every neighborhood can access sustainable transportation options. Interested building owners and drivers can join It's Electric's waitlist to advocate for local charging stations.

For more details, visit It's Electric.

About the California Energy Commission

The California Energy Commission leads the state toward a fully clean energy future, focusing on renewable energy development, transportation transformation, increasing energy efficiency, and fostering energy innovation, among other responsibilities. Discover more at CEC.