Hawaiian Electric partners with ev.energy on Smart Charge Hawaii electric vehicle incentive pilot

Hawaiian Electric is testing out a new means of incentivization for electric vehicle (EV) drivers alongside global electric vehicle software provider ev.energy with the launch of the Smart Charge Hawaii program.

This pilot offers a chance for customers of Hawaiian Electric to enroll to receive either $150 in cash or 10,000 HawaiianMiles from Hawaiian Airlines’ frequent flyer program. In return, up to 2,000 customers will gain access to ev.energy’s mobile app to track their EV charging costs and consumption. It will also provide smart charging features, such as automated low carbon charging for those with rooftop solar access.

“For me and other EV owners Smart Charge Hawaii gives us a tool to manage our charging so we remember to power our cars when the sun is shining,” Aki Marceau, Hawaiian Electric’s director of electrification of transportation, said. “It also helps Hawaiian Electric understand how to better serve current and future customers with electric vehicles. We hope to create a system that allows for our communities to easily take advantage of all the renewable energy on Hawaiian Electric’s grid, a critical step to meeting Hawaii’s 2045 zero emissions goals.”

The program was approved by regulators and received funding support from the private organization Ulupono Initiative, which focuses on improving Hawaiian sustainability, transportation and freshwater resources, among others. Smart Charge Hawaii will be open to residential customers with EVs on Oahu, Hawaii Island and in Maui County. According to Hawaiian Electric, charging analytics collected from the effort will help inform development of future charging programs and EV-specific rate options.

“Hawaii is a global leader on net zero and beneficial electrification,” Joseph Vellone, head of North America for ev.energy, said. “We’re proud to partner with Hawaiian Electric on Smart Charge Hawaii, which is a key building block toward a future of clean, affordable transportation for everyone.”