Itron, Inc. announced the launch of its Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Optimizer solution, which enables EV charging assets to work in harmony with the grid, its maker claims. Available globally, the solution is charger- and vehicle-agnostic, cloud-based, and integrates EV-charging management and grid-management systems to provide comprehensive EV charging and energy management for utilities and EV charging operators.
Itron’s initial focus for the solution will be on the fleet segment, to address potential locational capacity constraints and the need for charging operators to optimize their energy consumption, they note. Itron says the solution can save end customers more than 35% on their energy costs through managed charging and can save utilities more than 20% annualized considering grid infrastructure investments and ongoing management. Early deployments for Itron’s EV charging solutions include two leading domestic and international utilities.
“In order for the electrification of transportation to accelerate, the barriers for EV-charging deployment need to be removed. As the new vehicle fuel, energy and power must be managed within an ecosystem of DERs to fully realize the economic benefits of electrification. Grid integration needs to be intelligently planned to ensure stakeholder needs are met for all parties. With EV Charging Optimizer, utilities and EV charging operators have access to comprehensive EV charging, energy management and turnkey solutions to help maintain grid reliability, resiliency and efficiency. This will allow utilities to optimize their grid investments in EV charging enablement and end customers to better manage their energy fuel costs,” said Don Reeves, senior vice president of outcomes at Itron.
