Kaluza and Mitsubishi Motors Collaborate on Japan’s First Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Service

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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.”