BMW and PG&E Partner for EV Grid Readiness

BMW and PG&E Advance EV Grid Integration Pilot

The BMW Group and Pacific Gas & Electric, a California-based utility, are initiating the subsequent stage of a pilot program designed to assess and refine how electric vehicles (EVs) can bolster the incorporation of renewable energy sources into the electrical grid.

ChargeForward Program Expansion

The ChargeForward program is now entering its third phase and is accessible to PG&E customers who operate a BMW electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Approximately 3,000 drivers are eligible to enroll and voluntarily permit their vehicles to undergo “smart charging” during periods of diminished electricity demand and heightened renewable energy production.

Participants will receive incentives for their involvement, including a $150 sign-up bonus and an additional $250 annually.

A Long-Standing Collaboration

This program represents one of the most enduring partnerships between an electric utility and an automotive manufacturer. The initial two phases involved 100 and 400 participants, respectively, making this latest iteration a substantial expansion of the collaborative effort.

This alliance is strategically aligned for two industries preparing for the anticipated decrease in sales of vehicles with internal combustion engines. For electric utilities, this necessitates planning for a significant surge in customer demand on a grid increasingly reliant on renewable resources like solar and wind.

Image Credits: BMW

How Smart Charging Works

“Consider a scenario where an individual connects their vehicle at home on a Saturday at 9 a.m., intending to depart at 4 p.m.,” explains Adam Langton, BMW’s Energy Services manager overseeing the ChargeForward program. “The ChargeForward software interacts with the vehicle, determining that it is already more than half charged and requires two hours to reach full capacity.”

“The system then analyzes the homeowner’s electricity rate, the availability of renewable energy, and grid congestion in their area. If there is no congestion and solar energy production is expected to peak in the afternoon, the system will initiate charging at 1 p.m., completing it by 3 p.m., ensuring a full charge before departure.”

Addressing the “Duck Curve”

Electricity demand typically follows a “duck curve” pattern, with a peak occurring in the early evening as people return home – coinciding with the decline of solar energy generation. Furthermore, EV charging often happens overnight.

To satisfy this demand, resources that emit greenhouse gases, such as natural gas, are often activated. This leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

The Impact of Charging Time

A study published in “Environmental Science and Technology” by MIT researchers revealed that in California, overnight EV charging generates approximately 74% more GHGs compared to midday charging. (It’s important to note that grid composition influences these figures; in regions with substantial wind energy, like parts of the Midwest or Texas, overnight charging may be more advantageous due to increased overnight wind generation.)

The ChargeForward program seeks to capitalize on the abundant renewable energy available during daylight hours and, consequently, reduce GHG emissions.

Program Participation and Data Utilization

Participating customers will input their charging preferences and departure times via a BMW ChargeForward mobile application. BMW will receive real-time grid data, including renewable energy availability relative to customer location.

This data will be used to calculate an optimal charging window and automatically transmit it to the vehicle. Customers retain the ability to opt-out of charging adjustments at any time through the app.

California’s Clean Energy Goals

California is recognized for its ambitious clean energy objectives, including a legally mandated goal of achieving 100% renewable and zero-carbon electricity by 2045. The state also aims to have 5 million EVs on the road by 2030.

This ambition is justified, as transportation is the primary contributor to GHG emissions within the state.

Exploring Vehicle-to-Grid Technology

BMW and PG&E will also engage in collaborative laboratory research to investigate vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies. These technologies would allow EVs to discharge electricity back into the power grid.

Such bidirectional capabilities could enable EVs to function as substantial backup power sources during emergencies or as distributed nano power plants to assist in grid stabilization.