Volvo and Kaluza partner in smart EV charging programme

In what they are calling a world first, energy software business Kaluza and automaker Volvo have partnered up in an EV smart charging programme with plans to integrate bidirectionality in the future.

Under the companies’ partnership, Volvo Cars drivers can sign up for OVO’s Charge Anytime and charge their car for 7p/kWh, a result of Kaluza’s software automatically shifting charging to cheaper and greener times. Additionally, Volvo drivers will also receive 2,700 miles of free EV charging for enrolling.

Commenting in a release was Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo Car UK managing director: “With this new partnership with OVO and Kaluza, we’re helping our customers maximise the benefits of electric car ownership, both in terms of their day-to-day running costs and by reducing their energy carbon footprint.

“The economic and environmental benefits of this initiative will add to the appeal of our award-winning models and encourage more people to make the move to EV ownership.”

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The announcement comes as research from OVO, cited by Kaluza, suggests drivers are increasingly financially motivated to switch to an EV. According to the company, over half (56%) of the UK say that the main factor that would influence their decision to switch to an EV is lower running costs, followed by government or tax incentives (40%).

Future plans for the partnership include the development of bi-directional V2X (vehicle to everything) services, which will allow Volvo Cars customers to charge for less and reward drivers for exporting surplus energy back to their homes and helping to balance the grid.

Said Neel Gulhar, chief product officer at Kaluza: “By 2030, 84% of auto sector revenue growth is expected to come from disruptive new offerings such as shared mobility, connectivity and electrification.

“We’re proud to partner with the world’s largest auto brands and forward-thinking utilities to accelerate the adoption of EVs within a smarter, greener energy system.”

Added Mat Moakes, chief commercial officer at OVO: “Together with Volvo Cars and Kaluza, we’re committed to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and rewarding customers for making the switch. This is another way we are helping our customers cut costs and carbon for a greener future.”