Electric Cars

Empowering the Grid: California's Vision for Bi-directional EV Charging

California's Pivotal Investment in Next-Gen EV Charging

The state of California has recently allocated a considerable sum of $1.1 million to 'it's electric,' an innovative EV charging firm based in Brooklyn. This funding is designated for the creation of what promises to be the world's inaugural curbside V2G electric vehicle charger. This significant grant is part of the California Energy Commission's forward-thinking 'Enabling Electric Vehicles as Distributed Energy Resources' program, which falls under the broader 'Electric Program Investment Charge' (EPIC) initiative.

Collaborative Innovation: Bringing V2G to Market by 2028

Working in close partnership with esteemed academic institutions, namely UC Berkeley and the University of Delaware, 'it's electric' has set an ambitious target to finalize and launch this groundbreaking technology for commercial use by the year 2028. This collaboration underscores a commitment to research and development, ensuring that the V2G solution is robust, efficient, and ready for widespread adoption, promising a transformative impact on urban energy landscapes.

Redefining EV Charging: Beyond Simple Power Consumption

Unlike conventional EV chargers that solely draw power from the electricity grid to recharge vehicles, this new V2G charger will possess the remarkable capability to operate bidirectionally. This means electric vehicles connected to these chargers will not only receive electricity but also be able to dispatch surplus energy back into the grid. This innovative feature, particularly in a curbside application where countless vehicles are routinely parked, represents a monumental leap in energy management and grid resilience.

Equitable Access and Emission Reduction Through Advanced Hardware

The aesthetic design of the new V2G hardware will mirror 'it's electric's' existing charging infrastructure. However, its true innovation lies in its ability to introduce bi-directional charging capabilities to urban streets, with a strong focus on underserved and economically disadvantaged communities. This strategic deployment is designed to ensure fair access to advanced V2G technology, thereby accelerating the uptake of electric vehicles and significantly contributing to California's overarching climate objectives by reducing emissions.

Pioneering Connectivity: The J3068 Active Cable's Role

A crucial component of this project involves the joint development of the J3068 Active Cable with the University of Delaware. This specialized cable ingeniously integrates the SAE-standard untethered charging format with Delaware's proprietary Active Cable Communication Module. This synergy facilitates seamless bi-directional charging while simultaneously linking crucial driver account information directly to the cable, establishing a highly reliable and universally compatible system across diverse charging environments.

Unlocking the Potential of Parked Vehicles for Grid Support

Nathan King, cofounder and CEO of 'it's electric,' highlighted the immense potential of this initiative, noting that California's city streets are routinely home to seven million parked light-duty vehicles. He emphasized that as these vehicles transition to electric, their integrated batteries offer an unparalleled opportunity to alleviate peak demand on often-overburdened electric utility service areas. King passionately advocated for all EV drivers to have equal opportunities to participate in demand-response and V2G programs, ensuring broad engagement and benefit.

Transforming Vehicles into Dynamic Power Sources

Commissioner Nancy Skinner lauded the project, emphasizing its potential to expand the utility of cars beyond mere transportation. She remarked that 'it's electric's' impressive undertaking will pioneer EV chargers that not only power vehicles but also enable them to supply energy to the grid. This demonstrates the profound economic and resilience advantages inherent in V2G technology, setting a new benchmark for vehicle functionality.

Scalable Solutions for Enhanced Grid Resilience and Driver Benefits

When implemented on a large scale, curbside V2G chargers could empower vehicles parked in urban settings to function as distributed energy resources, offering mutual benefits to both drivers and grid operators. By transforming electric vehicles into mobile battery units, this advanced technology promises to mitigate stress on the electrical grid and potentially avert the need for costly infrastructure upgrades, fostering a more resilient and efficient energy system.

Academic Leadership in Advancing Bi-directional Charging

Professor Scott Moura from UC Berkeley expressed his team's enthusiasm, stating their excitement to commence work on this project and their pride in hosting the deployment and testing of the world's first bi-directional curbside charger. Their involvement underscores the academic rigor and innovation driving this project.

Recognizing a Milestone in V2G Evolution

University of Delaware professor Willett Kempton, a distinguished pioneer in V2G technology, lauded the investment as a significant advancement. He commended the California Energy Commission for its commitment to this project, which he believes will significantly enhance the capacity of all communities to leverage the numerous benefits and opportunities presented by V2G technology, moving closer to a decentralized and responsive energy grid.

Tesla has reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from a fatal collision involving its Autopilot system, thereby preventing the case from proceeding to trial later this year. This resolution marks another instance in a series of legal challenges against the automaker concerning its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), namely Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised), often referred to as FSD. These systems, despite their names, are classified as Level 2 driver assistance technologies, necessitating constant driver vigilance.

Historically, Tesla has frequently succeeded in having such cases dismissed by attributing fault primarily to the driver. However, this trend has begun to change significantly in the past year. Last year, Tesla settled a wrongful death lawsuit related to a 2018 Autopilot crash, and more recently, the company experienced its first trial loss concerning a 2019 incident in Florida. In that landmark case, a jury determined that Tesla bore one-third of the responsibility for the crash, awarding the plaintiffs $243 million. This verdict has been viewed as a potential catalyst, opening the 'floodgates' for numerous other lawsuits against Tesla, with many cases now leveraging the information and precedent established by this trial.

One such case, Maldonado v. Tesla, also a wrongful death lawsuit involving Autopilot, was slated for trial in Alameda State Superior Court. This case centers on a collision where a Tesla operating on Autopilot struck a pickup truck, resulting in the death of 15-year-old Jovani Maldonado. Court filings now indicate that both parties have requested approval for a confidential settlement. The growing number of fatalities linked to Tesla's ADAS products, reportedly exceeding 50, suggests a substantial financial liability for the company if a 'going rate' of approximately $50 million per death is applied, potentially amounting to billions. This situation raises questions about the long-term sustainability of Tesla's strategy of settling these cases, especially as the company continues to market and profit from these advanced features.

The continuous development of autonomous driving technologies presents complex challenges and responsibilities for automotive manufacturers. While innovation is crucial, ensuring the safety and reliability of these systems must remain paramount. Companies have a moral and ethical obligation to deploy technologies that are thoroughly tested and transparently communicated to consumers, preventing tragic incidents and fostering public trust. The ongoing legal battles highlight the critical need for robust regulatory frameworks and a steadfast commitment to safety over expediency, ultimately driving progress towards a future where advanced driving systems enhance, rather than endanger, human lives.