Electric vehicle charging software specialist WeaveGrid has launched a pilot programme in Central and Northern California to optimise electric vehicle charging and improve grid resilience in communities with vulnerable power supply. The programme is the largest EV smart charging programme in the United States. WeaveGrid is implementing the pilot programme on behalf of Pacific Gas and Electric Company as part of the latter’s effort to improve grid resiliency.

evPulse optimises EV charging and helps increase EV driver preparedness in communities that experience power outages due to weather, wildfire risk, or other emergencies, a high risk in the areas of Central and North California that the pilot is running in.

The evPulse pilot programme is focused on improving grid resiliency and enabling customers to save money by opting into automated EV charging during “smart times” — when electricity costs are lowest and when energy from renewable resources is often more abundant. As a member of Elemental Excelerator’s Cohort X, WeaveGrid received funding to support this pilot programme. 

The evPulse pilot programme aims to enrol 8,000 – 16,000 eligible EV drivers and is expected to be the largest programme of its kind in the United States. WeaveGrid will employ vehicle telematics to automate charging schedules, incorporating factors such as customer preferences, utility rates, and electricity grid needs. Customer participation in the programme will help the grid become more reliable and resilient and play a key role in shaping the future of EV charging.

“WeaveGrid is thrilled to be supporting this groundbreaking, innovative pilot programme focused on grid resilience and smart EV charging. We believe our technology can enhance the relationship between the utility and their customers by creating an excellent experience for EV drivers,” Apoorv Bhargava, Co-Founder & CEO of WeaveGrid