Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Kaluza, a UK-based energy software platform, have announced a partnership to launch Japan’s first telematics-based smart charging service. The collaboration aims to increase the affordability of electric vehicles (EVs) and maximize their value for a decarbonized energy system. The new service builds on Kaluza’s global smart charging expertise, following deployments in North America, Europe, and Australia.
Smart charging technology enables EVs to charge during times of low demand, when energy is cheaper and greener. The technology also helps avoid high electricity prices and alleviate network balancing challenges. Through the new service, Kaluza’s software will directly connect with MMC’s all-new Outlander (PHEV model) via telematics, eliminating the need for separate smart charging hardware.
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Kaluza will optimize charging to help customers reduce their EV costs and carbon emissions through a seamless digital experience. Vehicle owners will be able to schedule their charging through their mobile app, ensuring that their vehicle is always ready to drive when needed, and they can easily track their charging savings.
The service is part of an agreement between MMC, Kaluza, and Mitsubishi Corporation, which brings together major transport and energy players. This cross-industry collaboration prioritizes the development of customer-centric services, ensuring ease-of-use and clear financial rewards to help accelerate the adoption of EVs. Together, the partners will demonstrate the power of smart charging at scale and its potential to drive Japan’s progress towards becoming a carbon-neutral society.
Neel Gulhar, CMO, and Head of Flex at Kaluza, said that by turning electric vehicles into “batteries on wheels,” countries can build smarter, greener energy systems centered around the customer. He added that combining Kaluza’s technical expertise and global smart charging experience with Mitsubishi Motors’ world-leading vehicles will help prove how EVs can be made more affordable for customers and solve Japan’s grid challenges.
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Kazuaki Iwamoto, Corporate Officer, and Division GM of Mobility Business at MMC, said the expansion of EVs and renewable energy is making a large impact on power grids, and the need for supply and demand adjustment is increasing. He added that MMC is tackling this issue by working with Kaluza to develop smart charging services that optimize EV charging and help stabilize power grids in Japan. He also expressed his enthusiasm for developing various advanced services using connected technologies like large-capacity EV batteries as “Balancing Energy” and contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
