National Grid launches 'SmartCharge Rhode Island' to study EV owners charging experience
National Grid Rhode Island recently launched an electric vehicle (EV) pilot initiative to gain greater insight on EV charging patterns across the state. “SmartCharge Rhode Island” is a two-year study to provide National Grid with more information to help prepare for the future adoption of electric vehicles. The program is being offered in partnership with FleetCarma, a division of Geotab Inc. and a connected car technology provider, specializing in plug-in electric vehicle applications.
National Grid is looking to recruit five hundred EV owners in Rhode Island to participate in the program. EV owners who volunteer for the effort will receive exclusive access to advanced telematics technology. The FleetCarma C2, a device used to monitor vehicle, charging, and battery use is sent to each participant upon acceptance into the study. The FleetCarma SmartCharge RewardsTM portal provides an online gateway to advanced vehicle data and statistics, information which is typically reserved for large corporate fleets.
In addition to being able to track their usage, participants will also receive SmartCharge RewardsTM which can be redeemed for cash deposits into a PayPal account. Participants are eligible to earn $50 for getting started and an additional $50 for every year after. Participants are encouraged to sign up by August 15, 2019 to maximize their reward earnings. An application to join the program can be submitted online.
As part of the program, anonymized data, such as where, when and for how long EVs charge, as well as battery ‘state-of-charge’ will be assessed. National Grid will use this information to gain insights on how EVs impact its’ electric delivery system and how reward strategies could be used to encourage EV owners to charge their EVs at certain times of the day or year to reduce peaking electrical demand.
“Transforming the transportation sector is a key component to making sure we can meet the region’s clean energy goals,” said John Isberg, Vice President of Customer Solutions at National Grid. “As more and more Rhode Islanders recognize the benefits and importance EV’s play in the clean energy transition, we also need to ensure we are prepared for their increased adoption. This program will be a key tool in that planning and we hope current EV users will be excited to join our effort.” Findings from the program will reveal important information which can be used to forecast and plan network demand with a high degree of accuracy. This is important to ensure that National Grid Rhode Island stays ahead of the needs of all customers in the state.
About National Grid:
National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. We are the largest distributor of natural gas in the Northeast. National Grid also operates the systems that deliver gas and electricity across Great Britain.
National Grid is transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Our Northeast 80×50 Pathway is an industry leading analysis for how to reach that goal in the states we serve, focusing on the power generation, heat, and transportation sectors.
Read more about National Grid’s vision to accelerate the transition to a decarbonized economy and rebuild opportunity for America’s working families in The Clean Energy Promise, an eBook written by National Grid’s U.S. President, Dean Seavers.
For more information please visit our website. You can also follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook, find our photos on Instagram.
About FleetCarma: FleetCarma, a division of Geotab Inc. is an award-winning Cleantech Information and Communications Technology company with products and services that are enabling the global transition to the adoption clean transportation policies and practices. FleetCarma clients make use of vehicle monitoring devices and patented powertrain modelling software to implement initiatives that increase and improve plug-in electric vehicle adoption. For more information visit www.fleetcarma.com.
Program Contact Information: 1-800-975-2434 or smartchargerhodeisland@fleetcarma.com.
