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Oct 15, 2024

Japan's First Direct EV Smart Charging Launch - The EV Report

Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news ! Kaluza, Mitsubishi Motors, and MC Retail Energy have launched Japan’s first direct-to-vehicle EV smart charging program ,

Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!

Kaluza, Mitsubishi Motors, and MC Retail Energy have launched Japan’s first direct-to-vehicle EV smart charging program, optimizing electric vehicle charging for cost efficiency and environmental impact. This pioneering service, designed to simplify the charging experience, connects directly to Mitsubishi Motors’ Outlander plug-in hybrid via telematics, eliminating the need for additional smart charging hardware.

Key Highlights:

The service, launched in partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors, and MC Retail Energy, will enable direct connection to the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid using telematics. This first-of-its-kind approach aims to maximize charging during periods of lowest cost and carbon emissions, while also aligning with driver preferences. Customers can control and monitor their energy use via a dedicated app, allowing them to reduce costs and support cleaner energy initiatives.

This program represents the first commercial rollout from Kaluza Japan, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Kaluza. The venture leverages Mitsubishi Corporation’s longstanding expertise to drive innovation at the intersection of energy and electric vehicles in Japan. By working with established energy companies and auto manufacturers, Kaluza is reinforcing its commitment to transforming the energy landscape.

The service will be available through MC Retail Energy’s subscription-based EV smart charging plans for households, providing a seamless experience for those adopting electric vehicles in Japan. This collaboration underscores Kaluza’s dedication to advancing Japan’s energy transition.

The partnership builds on Kaluza’s success with the Charge Anytime program in the UK, which demonstrated significant cost and carbon savings, exemplifying the benefits of integrated energy and EV solutions. Jonathan Levy, Managing Director of Kaluza Japan and US, emphasized the value of such partnerships, stating that they create opportunities for customers, energy systems, and the planet.

The joint venture aims to facilitate the transition to a carbon-neutral society in Japan by integrating renewable energy into the grid and ensuring that electric vehicles can serve as flexible energy assets. According to Masanori Kohama, MC Division COO, Utility Retail Division, Power Solution Group, the program will help stabilize supply-demand balances in the grid while promoting carbon neutrality. The goal is to make contributing to sustainability hassle-free for PHEV owners.

Kaluza’s real-time cloud platform is powering the future of energy through innovations in smart EV charging, billing solutions, and grid stability. As a certified B Corp, Kaluza remains committed to decarbonization and customer empowerment, supporting millions of customers globally through its technology and partnerships.

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