IBM has partnered with electric cars and vehicles charging infrastructure company ESB ecars to develop an integrated electric vehicle smart charging IT system that will manage electric vehicle public charge points in Ireland.
Under the partnership, ESB Networks will use IBM's Intelligent Electric Vehicle Enablement Platform to operate and manage the charge-points installed throughout Ireland.
With IBM EV platform, EV drivers can select suitable payment options and access all charge-points using one ID card, allowing consumers to charge anywhere at anytime, regardless of their electricity provider and without the need to carry multiple access cards.
The platform is a cloud delivered service and it enables operators such as ESB Networks to add charge-points, incorporate new functionality and support more electric vehicles as the market grows.
In addition, the platform will also give drivers the choice to use a mobile device or browser to locate the nearest charge post, check its availability and make a reservation if the post is available.
The IBM EV platform will connect ESB Networks with the energy retailers and the charge-points, allowing all three to communicate energy usage and financial data directly.
It will also help in forecasting and balancing the load on the power grid as well as helps ESB Networks in monitoring the charge-points to ensure service reliability.
According to the company, the new project will enable utilities to access energy usage data that improves smart grid operations, reduces power strain during peak charging times and ensures reliable energy distribution to customers.
ESB chief executive Pat O'Doherty said the company is introducing a new smart recharging network nationwide that will offer a service beneficial for consumer, electricity retailer as well as the electricity grid.
"This project has the potential to significantly improve efficiencies in EV charging, streamline management services and contribute to the overall reduction of CO2 emissions," O'Doherty said.
