Multinational automobile manufacturer, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), and UK-born energy software platform, Kaluza, today announce partnering on the launch of Japan’s first telematics-based smart charging service to increase the affordability of electric vehicles (EVs) and maximise their value for a decarbonised energy system. The service builds on Kaluza’s wealth of global smart charging expertise following deployments in North America, Europe and Australia.
Smart charging technology enables EVs to charge at times of low demand, when energy is cheaper and greener, in order to avoid high electricity prices and alleviate network balancing challenges. Through this new service, Kaluza’s software will directly connect with MMC’s all-new Outlander (PHEV model) via telematics, removing the need for separate smart charging hardware. Kaluza will optimise charging to help customers reduce their EV costs and carbon emissions through a seamless digital experience. Vehicle owners will be able to schedule their charging through their mobile app so that their vehicle is always ready to drive when needed and they can easily track their charging savings.
Outlander owners in Japan will be eligible to participate in product trials this year.
The service is part of an agreement between MMC, Kaluza and Mitsubishi Corporation which brings together major transport and energy players. This cross-industry collaboration prioritises the development of customer-centric services, ensuring ease-of-use and clear financial rewards to help accelerate the adoption of EVs. Together, the partners will demonstrate the power of smart charging at scale and its potential to drive Japan’s progress towards becoming a carbon neutral society.
Neel Gulhar, CMO and Head of Flex at Kaluza commented:
“By turning electric vehicles into ‘batteries on wheels’ countries can build smarter, greener energy systems, centred around the customer. We look forward to combining Kaluza’s technical expertise and global smart charging experience with Mitsubishi Motors’ world-leading vehicles. Together we will prove how EVs can be made more affordable for customers and help solve Japan’s grid challenges.”
Kazuaki Iwamoto, Corporate Officer and Division GM of Mobility Business at MMC commented:
“The expansion of EVs and renewable energy is making a large impact on power grids and the need for supply and demand adjustment is increasing. MMC is tackling this issue by working with Kaluza to develop smart charging services that optimise EV charging and help stabilise power grids in Japan. Furthermore, MMC is looking forward to developing various advanced services using connected technologies like large-capacity EV batteries as ‘Balancing Energy’ and contributing to the realisation of a carbon neutral society.”
About Kaluza
Kaluza is the leading intelligent energy platform powering the future of energy. From revolutionising billing to smart electric vehicle charging, Kaluza’s technology is empowering some of the biggest energy suppliers to better serve millions of customers. Its real-time cloud platform transforms supplier operations, reducing cost to serve and boosting customer engagement. Powered by Kaluza, suppliers can invest in innovating for tomorrow’s customers and drive decarbonisation with smart, low carbon technologies that not only reduce energy bills, but lay the foundations for a more flexible energy system. www.kaluza.com
About Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) —a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan—, is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, mainland China, the Philippines, Vietnam and Russia. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification – launched the i-MiEV – the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV – the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. The company announced a three-year business plan in July 2020 to introduce more competitive and cutting-edge models, including the Eclipse Cross (PHEV model), the all-new Outlander and the all-new Triton/L200.
For more information on Mitsubishi Motors, please visit the company’s website at www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/
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