DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Siemens introduces VersiCharge Smartgrid (SG), the first Wi-Fi enabled electric vehicle (EV) charging station that allows residential owners to monitor and control usage remotely through a mobile or web app. With this new technology an EV owner can automatically turn charging on or off, schedule charging when rates are lowest, and view past power consumption data including usage and cost for the first time in a graphical form. The cloud-based charging station also interacts with utilities, receiving demand response and pricing signals so consumer can better shape and shift their charging experience. Utilities can offer programs that help manage the time and level of EV charging across the grid to increase grid reliability and efficiency while minimizing peak demand. This level of interaction will enable utilities to better understand the impact EVs have on power consumption market and will result in lower charging costs for the consumer.
“The VersiCharge SG solves two of the longest-lasting challenges associated with EV ownership—the uncertainty around the actual power being consumed and the ability to easily control energy consumption,” said Barry Powell, head of Siemens Low Voltage & Products. “Consumers can now have flexible charging options that can target either the cheapest energy rates or instant convenience and utility partners can better understand the growing network of EVs and their impact on the power grid.”
By accessing the Siemens cloud, utilities can offer rate programs to EV owners to allow the consumer to charge at highly attractive rates while simultaneously allowing the utility to manage the loads on the grid. By shifting each EV charging event slightly in time or rate at which kilowatt hours are supplied to the EV, utilities can potentially reduce the peak demand on the grid, which in turn helps to reduce the total amount of generation needed. When the demand response functionality is enabled in the VersiCharge SG unit via the mobile or web-based app, utilities and energy aggregators have new opportunities to use EV technology as a valuable part of a distributed energy management strategy.
The VersiCharge SG can be installed for indoor or outdoor use via a plug-in option or hardwire installation. Siemens also offers an accessory pedestal that allows users to install units in locations where a wall mount is not possible.
The VersiCharge SG is part of Siemens VersiCharge electric vehicle charging portfolio and offers the functionality that has been incorporated into the VersiCharge line of level 2 electric vehicle chargers since 2012: 30 Amps of charge at up to 7.2 kW charging rate with the standard J1772 connector interoperable with most EVs, the highest degree of safety with UL certification, best in class outdoor rating (NEMA 4), and best-in-class 5mA CCID ground fault protection.
The VersiCharge SG will be available for purchase later this year. To learn more about VersiCharge SG, please visit Siemens Booth #426 at SAE World Congress in Detroit.
This press release and a press picture / press pictures/ further material is available at http://news.usa.siemens.biz/.
For further information on Siemens electric vehicle charging, please see www.usa.siemens.com/versicharge.
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of combined cycle turbines for power generation, a leading provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions and automation and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading supplier of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2013, which ended on September 30, 2013, revenue from continuing operations totaled €75.9 billion and income from continuing operations €4.2 billion. At the end of September 2013, Siemens had around 362,000 employees worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.
Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. With 343,000 employees in more than 200 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of approximately $98 billion in fiscal 2014. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $22.2 billion, including $5.2 billion in exports, and employs approximately 46,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.