Leap and ChargeScape partner to build EV-based virtual power plant in US
Joseph Vellone, CEO of ChargeScape. Image courtesy Honda.
Virtual power plant platform Leap and ChargeScape, an automotive joint venture for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) tech integration, have partnered to build an EV-based VPP in the US to provide urgently-needed capacity for electric grids.
According to the partners in a release, the partnership unlocks new revenue opportunities for EVs through smart charging (V1G) and bi-directional power export, including V2G.
Through streamlined access to the California wholesale market, automakers on the ChargeScape platform can earn new revenue in Resource Adequacy and the Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP), in addition to the statewide Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) programme.
ChargeScape provides an EV charging platform that connects power grids with automotive brands, including BMW, Ford, Honda, Nissan and Tesla. Leap, on the other hand, offers a software solution with automated access to energy markets, which they say makes it easy for EVs and other distributed energy resources (DERs) to participate in a wide range of demand response and other grid services programmes.
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Commenting in a release was Joseph Vellone, CEO of ChargeScape: “Joining forces with Leap will allow ChargeScape to offer new revenue streams to the automakers using our platform.
“More than that, we’re delighted to be able to put money back in the pockets of EV drivers across America and do our part to make EV ownership more affordable and accessible for everyone.”
“Partnering with ChargeScape expands Leap’s network of automakers and enhances our ability to tap into previously inaccessible EV assets,” said Jason Michaels, CEO of Leap.
“By combining Leap’s market automation platform with ChargeScape’s direct automaker integration capabilities, we’re accelerating EV participation in VPPs at a time when the grid needs it most.”
After launching in California, the companies plan to extend coverage to other geographies across the US.
Together, Leap and ChargeScape expect to expand the availability of grid services revenue opportunities, strengthen US grid resiliency, and enable broader EV participation in virtual power plants.
