South Korean automaker Hyundai has selected London-based energy intelligence company Kaluza as its global technology partner to power electric vehicle (EV) smart charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services.
Hyundai and Kaluza will integrate smart charging controls into the Kia App and Hyundai’s digital platforms, laying the groundwork for more advanced capabilities down the road, including V2G services which are planned for some time next year.
“This partnership is about more than smart charging,” said Stephen Fitzpatrick, CEO at Kaluza.
“Kaluza and Hyundai Motor Group are building the new industry standard for how electric vehicles integrate with the energy system, starting in the UK and Australia. The market will follow. That’s what this kind of co-development is for.
“It’s also a critical first step in building the foundation for vehicle-to-grid services that can reduce energy costs and support the energy transition for years to come.”
The partnership will begin with Hyundai and sister company Kia (both of which are owned by Hyundai Motor Group) in the UK before launching in Australia.
In the UK, energy supplier OVO will be the first energy retailer to offer smart charging through the Kia App, allowing EV owners to manage charging through their phone and offering them a seamless way to charge at times that minimise cost and carbon emissions.
“EV drivers shouldn’t have to think about when to charge, the app should do it for them,” said Alex Thwaites, Director of EV at OVO.
“Working directly with Kaluza and Hyundai Motor Group means smart charging now sits where Kia drivers already are, on a connection that’s far more reliable than anything the market has offered so far. Our customers will charge at the cheapest, greenest times without lifting a finger.”
Kaluza made no mention of the partnership’s plans for Australia, though with OVO already boasting a presence in Australia, the pathway seems clear for the three companies to continue working together as they expand integration.
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