Fermata, BorgWarner Combine Software and Hardware To Elevate V2X Charging
The collaboration integrates bidirectional charging with dedicated management software.
One exciting benefit of electric vehicles (EVs) is the advanced technology onboard, which offers more functionality than just a means of transportation. Bidirectional EV charging can power homes and contribute to grid stability, energy storage, and other vital systems.
The idea of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity and charging has gained much traction in recent years. Fermata Energy and BorgWarner have joined forces to bring more powerful and effective V2X charging to the market. This article will examine V2X connectivity and charging and review the details of the collaboration.
Scientists study vehicle-to-grid charging. Image used courtesy of NREL
V2X Connectivity and Charging
Vehicle-to-everything connectivity is an innovative framework of automotive technology designed to elevate road safety, enhance traffic flow, and enrich the driving experience. V2X systems enable seamless communication between a vehicle and any entity that could influence its operation, encompassing vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure, vehicle-to-pedestrian, and vehicle-to-network interactions.
At the heart of V2X technology are communication protocols such as dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) and cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) networks. DSRC is specialized for automotive applications, offering quick connection times and the ability to transmit data directly without a cellular network. Conversely, C-V2X relies on existing cellular network infrastructure, providing broader coverage and the flexibility to facilitate a range of services through direct and network-based communications.
V2X charging. Image used courtesy of Shell
V2X extends to electric vehicles with the introduction of V2X charging. This concept allows EVs to receive power from the grid (i.e., through charging stations) and return stored energy to the grid for peak demand periods. This bidirectional charging capability transforms EVs into mobile energy sources, contributing to energy grid stability and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources.
V2X charging represents a pivotal advancement in smart energy management, offering a sustainable solution to balance demand and supply in the energy grid. V2X charging can alleviate grid stress during high-demand periods and reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based power plants for a more sustainable, resilient energy ecosystem by harnessing the stored energy in electric vehicles.
Fermata and BorgWarner Team Up
Fermata Energy, a leader in the development of intelligent bidirectional charging solutions, will collaborate with BorgWarner to enhance V2X charging capabilities, particularly for electric vehicle fleets, by integrating Fermata Energy's advanced V2X services platform with BorgWarner's bidirectional EV chargers.
Fermata describes its V2X services platform as an “end-to-end bidirectional charging platform for EVs.” The platform manages EV batteries' charging and discharging processes, optimizing energy use and providing economic benefits such as revenue generation and cost savings.
BorgWarner 60 kW and 125 kW bidirectional chargers. Image used courtesy of BorgWarner
On the other hand, BorgWarner specializes in advanced bidirectional EV chargers that complement Fermata Energy's V2X platform. Their lineup includes UL-certified 60 kW and 125 kW chargers, with the former capable of remote operation up to 600 feet.
Together, Fermata Energy's V2X platform and BorgWarner's bidirectional chargers represent a synergistic integration of software and hardware that enhances the capabilities of electric vehicles beyond mere transportation, turning them into key components of a more efficient energy ecosystem.
Improving EV Charging
Fermata Energy's software expertise and BorgWarner's robust hardware combine to impact how medium- and heavy-duty transportation sectors approach energy management. This partnership may accelerate the adoption of bidirectional charging technology, offering significant benefits for EV fleets by reducing the total cost of ownership and supporting the broader adoption of renewable energy sources.
