Customer Perks Through Multi-Automaker Pilot Program
BMW, Ford and General Motors collaborate to help customers save on utility costs, keep energy grid balanced
SACRAMENTO, CA (August 15, 2022)—Today, SMUD announced Managed Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Pilot, a new electric vehicle program with BMW of North America, Ford and General Motors. Managed EV Charging will make it easier for customers to switch to an EV. The pilot will help EV customers align their charging needs to the time of day when it is most affordable, which can also help keep the region’s energy grid stay in balance.
Building on earlier EV incentives, SMUD is now working with the three automakers to test how it can help Sacramento-area customers charge their electric vehicles at times of day that promote optimal energy load management. The pilot program supports SMUD’s goal to eliminate carbon emissions from the power supply by 2030 and accelerates the use of renewable energy for more sustainable communities.
“This pilot program and the lessons we’ll learn are important to help ensure that we chart a path forward that provides a seamless and easy customer experience while also balancing grid reliability and energy supply needs in a way that benefits all customers,” said Ed Hamzawi, the Director of Advanced Energy Solutions at SMUD. “We are thrilled to have GM, Ford and BMW as our partners for this project and look forward to our collaboration to further the growth and adoption of electric vehicles in a sustainable and equitable manner.”
Customers have already begun receiving communication from SMUD about the Managed EV Charging Pilot and its potential financial, sustainability and grid-supporting benefits. As part of the agreement, SMUD and participating automakers will allow for secure remote home charging management by conveniently integrating on-board communications and smart phone apps. Automakers will create customized charge requests for EV owners to provide an ideal charging schedule which can help ensure that a customer’s vehicle is ready when they need it and is charging at optimal times. Customers with EVs from participating automakers will receive incentives for enrolling, and quarterly incentives for participating in the pilot program.
“Our commitment to sustainability is the foundation to all aspects of our business,” said Christian Voigt, e-Mobility Strategy Manager, BMW of North America. “The collaboration with SMUD allows us to bring ChargeForward to more customers in California and to further incentivize the use of clean energy across the country. By participating in the smart charging program with SMUD, our customers play an active role in making the grid more reliable and more sustainable.”
"Championing our country’s transition to an EV lifestyle means making charging easy for customers while responsibly managing local energy supplies in the most sustainable way possible," said Matt Stover, Director, Charging and Energy Services, Ford Motor Company. "By collaborating across the automotive industry and working with leading utilities like SMUD, Ford and others will help accelerate EV adoption in the greater Sacramento region and beyond, while helping electric vehicle drivers save costs associated with home charging."
“As GM continues on its path towards a future with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion, we need to deliver charging solutions that provide a great customer experience, while supporting utility decarbonization goals and the needs of the grid,” says Ty Jagerson, V2X Lead, General Motors. “This pilot program represents an opportunity to explore the benefits of sustainable charging for both customers and our utility collaborators, and underscores GM’s commitment to an all-electric future and EVs for everyone.”
The pilot program is one of several initiatives that SMUD is working on as part of its sustainability vision to support Sacramento’s goal of getting 75,000 zero emission vehicles on the road by 2025. Smart charging efforts will be an essential element of the state’s executive order to end sales of internal combustion passenger vehicles by 2035.
Customers interested in learning more about SMUD’s pilot program can visit smud.org/DriveElectric or contact their local BMW, Ford or General Motors customer service channels.
Contacts:
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SMUD |
BMW |
Ford |
General Motors |
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Gamaliel Ortiz 916.732.5111 |
Esther Mansfield 201.571.5758 |
Emma Bergg 313.418.6590 |
Mark Lubin 313.348.1293 |
About SMUD
As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for more than 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. Today, SMUD’s power supply is on average about 50 percent carbon free, and SMUD has a goal to reach zero carbon in its electricity production by 2030. For more information on SMUD’s Zero Carbon Plan and its customer programs, visit smud.org.
About BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley, and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales
organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com.
About General Motors
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which powers everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at gm.com.