SAE International has created a new standard for two-way communications between plug-in electric cars and the utility grid.
The new J2836/1 standard establishes use cases communication between the grid and recharging stations, including a set of requirements for load management and rate programs to be established by utility companies for the charging of plug-in electric cars.
The various utility programs will allow individuals to charge their vehicles at the lowest cost during off-peak hours, and helps the utilities reduce grid impacts by minimizing electric car charging during peak periods.
These programs will allow consumers to charge their electric cars during times of lowest cost, during off-peak hours.
It should also help utilities reduce impacts on the grid from electric cars charging during peak hours.
J2836/1 is the first in a series of five standards that are being developed by SAE International to address utility programs for plug-in electric cars.
“The biggest challenge for utilities is managing the grid during peak times, a time when energy is the most expensive and demand is greatest. As we add more plug-in electric vehicles to the grid, we’re increasing our need for on-peak power and infrastructure. This standard will help enable consumers to charge their vehicles at off-peak hours and help utilities better manage the grids during peak hours, thus minimizing cost and grid impacts,” comments Rich Scholer, chair of SAE International’s Hybrid Task Force and sponsor of the new standard, as well as HEV E/E systems engineer at Ford.