BMW latest major car company to join DTE’s Smart Charge program to integrate electric vehicle charging

In the second year of its Smart Charge program, a demand response program focused on reducing stress on the energy grid by optimizing electric vehicle (EV) charging, DTE Energy announced that BMW has joined the effort.

“We are excited to bring BMW into this collaborative pilot,” John Boladian, director of energy efficiency at DTE, said. “Its participation will help us further the DTE Smart Charge program by providing valuable data to ensure our grid can continue to meet the charging needs and electric demands of our customers now and into the future. It is all a part of our goal of providing reliable energy across our service territory while continuing to be a leader in clean energy.”

BMW adds another major car manufacturer to a program that already partners with Ford Motor Company and General Motors. In this, the companies will work with EV owners and DTE to reduce electricity use during periods of high demand. Automakers will connect onboard vehicle modules to their back office to schedule and optimize vehicle charging times, known as telematics.

Through the Smart Charge Program, DTE will monitor participants’ charging patterns and peak energy usage, temporarily pausing the charging of enrolled vehicles during peak energy times. Ideally, anyways – participants can still opt out of any such pauses they desire through their automakers’ apps. This will be possible through the Open Vehicle Grid Integrated Platform (OVGIP), which offers a single, universal interface for all.

“Our commitment to sustainability is the foundation to all aspects of our business,” Christian Voigt, e-mobility strategy manager at BMW of North America, said. “The collaboration with DTE allows us to bring ChargeForward to our customers in the Midwest and to further incentivize the use of clean energy across the country. By participating in the smart charging program with DTE, our customers play an active role in making the grid more reliable and more sustainable.”

Sign-ups for the program are handled through the respective automakers. Currently, DTE hopes to expand the program from 2021 levels of 370 EV owners up to 1,000. The initial phase of Smart Charge will run through May 2023, open to all Michigan residents with a qualifying EV who receive electric service from DTE.