IBM announced on 1 October that it has teamed with the Irish power distributor ESB to implement a fully integrated smarter charging IT system that will help manage the EV public charging points which ESB Networks is rolling out across Ireland.
The ESB-IBM platform will connect ESB Networks with energy retailers and the charging points, allowing all three to communicate energy usage and financial data directly.
The project will create a payment transaction platform for utilities and consumers by combining financial, settlement, and management services. ESB Networks will be able to securely maintain customer and charge point data such as energy consumption, charging location, and settlement data. This information can then be used to calculate and reconcile the energy market. With this level of financial insight, industry participants can manage regular and interruptible tariffs and calculate the appropriate billing costs.
The IBM EV platform will enable EV drivers to select convenient payment options and access all charge-points using one ID card – a process that will aggregate usage costs and simplify billing. This smart charging capability allows consumers to charge anywhere at any time, regardless of their electricity provider and without the need to carry multiple access cards. Drivers will also have the option 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.
ESB Networks is responsible for the roll-out of EV infrastructure in Ireland and the operation of supporting IT/communications systems. With approximately 1,000 public charging points currently available, ESB Networks is on track to deliver one of the largest integrated and operational electric vehicle infrastructures in Europe. ESB Networks will use IBM’s cloud-based Intelligent Electric Vehicle Enablement Platform to provide the services needed to operate and manage the charging points.
Ireland’s energy policy includes a goal to produce 40% of the country’s current electricity consumption from renewable energy and have electric vehicles represent every tenth car on Irish roads.
