Collaboration established between DTE Energy, electric vehicle manufacturers to optimize charging network

DTE Energy and electric vehicle manufacturers are cooperating through a new program called DTE Smart Charge, an effort to optimize EV charging, balance energy demand, and advance DTE’s net zero carbon emissions by 2050 goal.

“DTE is excited to play a leading role in this sustainability collaborative,” said John Boladian, director of Energy Efficiency at DTE. “We are working to ensure the energy grid can continue to facilitate the charging needs of EV users across our electric company’s service territory today and for years to come.”

Working with major automakers like General Motors and the Ford Motor Company, DTE will study EV charging and peak usage events. This demand response program will be based on 1,000 volunteer EV owners in Michigan who receive electric service from the company. As part of the Smart Charge program, DTE and automakers will occasionally temporarily pause charging to these volunteers’ vehicles to evaluate how participants and vehicles respond to the different times and lengths of these events.

DTE will then use this data to improve electric service reliability as EV use statewide ramps up.

“We know charging remains a barrier to mass electric vehicle adoption, and providing smart and seamless charging solutions will support a smooth transition to an EV lifestyle,” Matt Stover, global director of electric vehicle charging and energy services at Ford Motor Company, said. “Working with forward-thinking utilities such as DTE in Ford’s home state of Michigan will help customers save money and manage their charging impact on the grid, helping to stabilize energy availability for all.”

The Smart Charge program will utilize the Open Vehicle Grid Integrated Platform, an agnostic management system for EV charging, meaning that multiple automakers can be involved. It was jointly developed by the energy and automotive industries to research and advance electric vehicle technology through a single, collaborative interface.

Participants in this endeavor will have the potential to earn up to $100 in gift cards.