Honda Trials Smart Vehicle Charging in UK
Honda will begin a pilot of what it claims to be Europe’s most sophisticated home smart charging system for plug-in electrified powertrains in the UK.
The system called e:Progress is a connected charger and advanced intelligent software suite developed by specialist, Moixa. The software sets a charging schedule to ensure the car is always adequately charged when it’s needed based on the requirements of the owner, while focused on the use of low-price clean energy. Customers can change their charging requirements at any time through a dedicated app.
Electricity is provided by Octopus Energy employing a combined tariff for both the plug-in vehicle and the home which allows customers access to lower prices during renewable-heavy, off-peak periods. He system’s software selects the most cost-effective times to charge, for example, a Honda e based on the tariff, which changes price as often as every 30 minutes in response to fluctuations in wholesale energy prices. Honda claims this gives customers an estimated annual saving in charging costs of up to £475 ($652) per year compared to a standard flat tariff, while Octopus Energy guarantees that 100% of its electricity comes from renewable sources.
Jørgen Pluym, general manager of Honda’s Energy Solutions division said: “This unique and innovative service, our first energy solution for Europe, gives Honda e customers a highly-advanced intelligent charging solution offering considerable cost savings, while our partner Octopus Energy guarantees that 100% of its electricity comes from renewable sources.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
