Spark Reply and Concept Reply have developed a prototype feature for BMW that encourages electric vehicle (EV) drivers to charge when grid electricity has a lower carbon intensity.
The “COOL” function in BMW’s 360° Mobility prototyping app analyzes real-time energy mix data and highlights the cleanest charging windows, addressing a growing interest in carbon-aware charging across the EV industry.
Charging when the grid is cleaner can meaningfully reduce EV-related emissions, yet many drivers are unaware of how carbon intensity fluctuates throughout the day. The prototype uses real-time data, forecasts, and simple behavior cues to help drivers shift charging to lower-carbon periods. Gamified elements and in-vehicle feedback were included to test whether users respond more consistently when guidance is visible and engaging.
A pilot in the Netherlands involved 355 BMW drivers and analyzed more than 13,000 charging sessions. Drivers showed a measurable willingness to adjust charging behavior when clean-energy windows were surfaced clearly in the app. This aligns with a broader EV industry trend toward managed charging and load shifting, which supports grid stability and reduces charging-related emissions.
Although the pilot was conducted in Europe, the concept has clear relevance for North America, where utilities and regulators are increasingly exploring carbon-optimized charging, flexible load management, and EV programs that align charging with renewable generation peaks.
As public and residential charging adoption grows, software-driven approaches like this can help integrate EV load more efficiently with local grid conditions. The project demonstrates how OEMs and technology partners can use digital tools to support lower-carbon charging and encourage drivers to participate in emerging grid-interactive charging strategies.
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News