Honda Pilots “SmartCharge” Program for EV Owners

Honda Motor Co. is launching a “SmartCharge” pilot program that allows customers to coordinate charging times for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid for non-peak grid times.

Honda is working with Enel X’s eMotorWerks subsidiary on the program, which initially will be limited to California owners of the carmaker’s Fit electric vehicle. The carmaker touts the program as an industry first.

Using the vehicle telematics system and eMotorWerks' JuiceNet software platform, Honda’s system computes the best time to charge a vehicle. The program takes into account a motorists’ daily schedule and preferred recharging times, the amount of energy being generated by the grid (plus corresponding carbon dioxide emissions generated by power plants) and real-time electricity costs.

Owners are able to monitor a vehicle’s charging progress and receive notifications to remind them to plug in. Customers can earn signup and usage rewards based on participation rates over two-month periods.

Honda plans to expand the program to other electrified vehicles and regions following the beta test. The carmaker previously has said it expects electrified vehicles to comprise two-thirds of its global car sales by 2030.