PG&E trials V2X for public shutoff backup power
This article was originally posted by Smart Energy International on 4th March 2024.PG&E, Kaluza and Wallbox are partnering on an EV and V2X programme in California, which will use dynamic tariffs to reward customers for providing surplus power back to the grid during public safety power shutoff events.
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), the largest utility in California, is partnering up with energy software business Kaluza and EV charging company Wallbox to pilot the smart charging and Vehicle to Everything (V2X) technology.
Through $1.5 million in phase one funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC) REDWDS grant, the partners will develop new technologies to incorporate dynamic price signals for both one-way ‘V1G’ and bidirectional ‘V2X’ charging.
The project will allow drivers to ‘set and forget’ their EV charging: using Kaluza’s algorithms, a smart EV charger, driver preferences, live grid data and dynamic pricing structures, vehicles will charge optimally to reduce grid pressures during public safety power shutoff events.
The programme will comprise 330 vehicles, with a commitment to deploy at least 50% of these assets in low-income communities.
