Automaker majors launch ChargeScape: A V2G-focused joint venture

BMW, Ford and Honda have begun operations of ChargeScape, a joint venture focused on the integration of EVs into the power grid in the US.

ChargeScape’s software technology wirelessly connects to EVs and, working with participating utilities, manages the flow of electrons in line with real-time grid conditions.

Primarily focused on shoring up grid stability, through its software, the solution will aim to temporarily reduce demand when the grid is constrained through smart charging (V1G) and send energy back into the power grid when needed (V2G).

According to the new company, EV drivers will 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 US utilities such as Duke Energy, Xcel Energy and Eversource Energy as clients.

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Executive appointments

The New York-based JV was formally announced last year and, with its launch, has appointed Joseph Vellone as its first CEO and Kalidindi Raju as its CTO.

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.

Before joining ev.energy, Vellone worked as a management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group, 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 recognised with honours from Congress and the White House.

Commented Vellone in a release: “The US 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.

“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.”

Kalidindi Raju has over 15 years of experience leading high-performing technology organisations and is a recognised 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).

Said Raju: “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 optimise EV charging securely and reliably.

“We plan to fully leverage this key advantage.”