WeaveGrid and Wallbox have partnered to expand access to utility-managed charging programs to North American Wallbox users. The partnership will begin with Xcel Energy’s Charging Perks Program in Colorado, which currently serves about 1.3 million residential customers.
Wallbox charger owners in Colorado can now register to enroll in the Xcel Energy Charging Perks pilot program, which optimizes residential EV charging to align with times of high renewable energy availability. They can take advantage of the program’s other benefits, including a $100 sign-up incentive and an annual participation incentive at the end of every year.
This innovation provides ongoing managed charging that lets drivers save money by charging at low-cost times and at the ideal times for the electric grid while using renewable wind power.
Through the partnership, WeaveGrid and Wallbox plan to expand these capabilities to Wallbox charger owners around the country.
The future of charging
Power consumption is projected to triple by 2050 and the mix of renewables is likely to double in the next 15 years. As electricity demand increases, accommodating renewable sources that cannot be turned on and off like traditional energy sources will become more challenging.
WeaveGrid’s software optimizes EV charging to align with periods of high renewable energy availability or to ensure ongoing electric grid reliability, while keeping preferences and controls at a driver’s fingertips.
“We’re excited to announce our partnership with Wallbox in Xcel Energy’s Charging Perks program,” said Yakov Berenshteyn, director of automotive and charging partnerships at WeaveGrid. “Wallbox’s smart home chargers allow load-balancing, making them an ideal partner to expand access to utility managed charging programs. Our goal is to remove barriers to EV adoption, and this partnership helps make EV charging more affordable, reliable, and clean for Wallbox owners.”
Once enrolled in the Xcel Energy Charging Perks program, Wallbox owners will automatically receive the benefits of the Charging Perks program, including monetary incentives and ongoing charging at low cost times. EV drivers simply plug in their vehicle and WeaveGrid’s software will optimize when charging occurs to align with times of low grid stress and high renewable energy availability, helping to reduce the impact on the electric grid and the environment, while saving money.
“We are committed to making smart EV charging as easy and accessible as possible for our customers,” said Brett Graessle, VP of global partnerships and business development at Wallbox. “Our partnership with WeaveGrid is already making it easier for Colorado-based Pulsar Plus owners to save money on EV charging while helping support the grid through managed EV charging. We are excited for the ongoing benefits this partnership will give our customers.”
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