BMW and PG$E think electric vehicles could stabilize California grid
In California’s fire season, the blackout has become more common, utility PG&E is looking at electric vehicles as one potential backup plan for the state’s stressed-out grid. It’s been working with carmaker BMW to test whether electric vehicles could provide power when there’s an outage or not enough energy to meet demand.
Theoretically, a network of EV batteries could one day provide a backup source of energy for communities called a ”virtual power plant .” But first, automakers and utilities will need to see if it’s worth it to work with each other. Then they’ll need to get their customers on board, too. BMW and PG&E’s partnership is a sort of test run for that.
In 2015 the two companies started working together. Until now, the pair has mostly focused on increasing the amount of renewable energy used to charge EV batteries. It’s a strategy called ”smart- charging ” that encourages EV owners to charge their cars during times of the day when there is less electricity demand and more available renewable energy, likes solar power.
Starting this week, they’re expanding the program, and PG&E customers who drive electric or hybrid BMWs can apply for 24- month ”smart-charging ” pilot program and earn cash incentives when they charge their cars during recommended hours.
