Mitsubishi launches PoC for 'smart charging' service in Japan

KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi has joined hands with MC Retail Energy, Kaluza, a subsidiary of the UK-based innovative energy service provider OVO Group, to introduce a smart charging service for EVs in Japan. 

Recently, it launched a proof of concept (PoC) that seeks to verify the feasibility of the proposed system, which leverages EV-connected technologies and aims to lower the charging costs and create a more appealing charging environment. The data collected during PoC will be used in the future development of smart charging technology.

The PoC will offer Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV customers a convenient smartphone app-based service. Through this app, users can schedule their vehicle charging times. The service will integrate users' home charging stations with Kaluza's EV charging-control platform. This platform will autonomously optimise charging, ensuring it occurs before the users' selected charge-by times and during periods of lowest energy-market prices. 

During the PoC phase, customers will subscribe to a customised charging plan developed exclusively by MC Retail Energy for this service. It will enable users to reduce their charging expenses based on data collected by the control system. Notably, this innovative service will allow direct EV charging control from Kaluza's platform via Mitsubishi Motors' connected systems, eliminating the need for specialised "smart" charging devices or additional equipment.

“We have been working on energy management projects since the world's first mass-produced EVs and PHEVs were launched, and have been carrying out the functional verifications needed for our electrified vehicles. Through this PoC, we'll hopefully make good progress in developing a smart service that optimises EV charging, thereby helping to lower our customers’ electricity costs and CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions. By doing so, we will also be making a meaningful contribution to society's push to decarbonize,” Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Mobility Business Division General Manager Kazuaki Iwamoto stated.

“We’re thrilled to be working with innovative partners like Mitsubishi Motors, MC Retail Energy, and MC to pioneer an EV smart-charging service in Japan. As EV adoption increases, smart charging will play a critical role in managing grid load and simplifying the customer experience. We look forward to building on our work with our partners in Japan to unlock unique EV propositions for existing and future customers and accelerate the country's net-zero targets,” noted Kaluza Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott Neuman.

Also read: Mitsubishi Xforce set to arrive in Vietnam and Philippines; what about Malaysia?