EV Telematics Can Improve Grid Management

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to increase, many electric cooperatives are faced with the need to efficiently manage demand for EV charging infrastructure. One possible solution gaining traction in the industry is the implementation of EV-telematics programs. These programs leverage advanced data analytics and communication technologies to optimize charging operations, enhance grid management and possibly pave the way for increased member engagement.

“EV telematics provides real-time data and insights into a vehicle’s performance and charging habits,” CFC Director of Utility Research & Policy Brian Sloboda said. “It offers visibility into optimal charging times where the owner and the cooperative can both achieve benefits. Through demand-response integration, owners can contribute to grid stability while potentially benefiting from lower electricity rates. Overall, EV telematics enhances the ownership experience by offering personalized, data-driven solutions for efficient and sustainable electric vehicle use.”

Telematics provide insights into user behavior, allowing utilities to develop rates that are designed to be applied only to the vehicle. 

“Some members may be hesitant to sign up for a whole-house time-of-use rate,” Sloboda said. “But they may be receptive to enrolling just their vehicle in such a program.” 

“Telematics is a consumer-centric path to achieving high levels of participation in EV load management programs,” Milton Geiger, NRTC Vice President of Smart Grid Solutions emphasized. “The approach shows promise to keep engagement costs low, allowing for scalable growth of programs.” 

Utility-based EV telematics programs generally use the service of a third-party vendor that develops the integration for each EV model. This requires EV manufacturers to allow their owners to share data with third parties. Manufacturers such as Nissan and Volvo do not allow for third-party sharing. In most cases the car must be able to communicate with a cloud service. Currently, companies such as Ford and GM require owners to pay a monthly subscription. This may cut into savings from participating in a program.   

“EV telematics programs facilitate seamless integration with demand-response initiatives,” Sloboda said. “By leveraging real-time data, utilities can incentivize EV owners to shift their charging activities to off-peak hours, aligning with periods of lower energy demand. This not only supports grid stability but also may help reduce overall electricity costs.”

Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association (PVREA) serves nearly 55,000 members and covers 2,000 square miles in northern Colorado. The cooperative implemented an EV telematics program at the beginning of 2023, branded DrivEV. Using a targeted approach to recruit participants, Poudre Valley REA has enrolled around 80 members in its pilot. EVs in the pilot represent 11 manufacturers and 18 different models. Tesla has been  the most popular vehicle in the pilot to date.  

The cooperative contracted with FlexCharging for integration with members’ vehicles. Members participate in the pilot by allowing the FlexCharging app to record charging sessions. Members then receive a discount of 2 cents per kWh for charging between midnight and 3 p.m. Members are allowed to charge during the 3 p.m. to midnight timeframe, however, they lose the 2-cent discount during that charge session. Members also receive a $50 sign-up bonus. The cooperative has integrated the FlexCharging system with NISC, which allows participants to see savings from the program on their monthly bill. 

The cooperative aims to increase member engagement and provide flexibility in developing an EV program. “While many utilities are focusing on hardware solutions such as smart chargers,” Poudre Valley Vice President of Technology and Energy Resources Joshua Noel said. “we focused on creating an accessible, member centric, program to allow flexibility for more EV owners to participate.”  

The pilot has exposed some areas for program improvement. When EVs perform software updates, the data connection to the EV may be lost. This requires a vendor, like Flexcharging, to update the connection to those models. One area of concern is continued access to the vehicles’ charging data. At any moment the manufacturer could decide to cut third-party access and potentially reduce the impact and effectiveness of the program. The cooperative is exploring other options for members who purchase an EV where that manufacturer does not allow third-party sharing. 

“EV telematics programs open up new avenues for member engagement,” Sloboda said. “Cooperatives can provide users with personalized insights into their charging habits, helping them make better-informed decisions about when and where to charge their vehicles. Moreover, educational resources can be integrated into the platform, empowering users with knowledge about sustainable driving practices and the benefits of EV ownership.”