Partnership to propel EV charging solution into the US

ChargeIQ, a smart-grid-friendly electric vehicle charging solution, has been developed over three years by Australian technology company DiUS Computing. DiUS has now established a partnership, through its commercialisation subsidiary Percepscion, with Global Network Resources - a Silicon Valley-based technology supplier.

The partnership will allow ChargeIQ to make its debut in the North American market by the end of 2013. It establishes the beginnings of an international sales and distribution channel for not only this product but others in Percepscion’s smart-energy portfolio as well.

ChargeIQ is the world’s first Zigbee-certified electric vehicle charging solution with intelligent smart-grid integration that allows electricity utilities to communicate directly with users to manage charging loads. The product features a web interface and smartphone application, enabling utilities and users to cooperate in real time to shift electricity demand.

In conjunction with United Energy and the University of Melbourne, DiUS recently prepared a report for the Victorian Government which found that ChargeIQ was able to halve electricity charging costs for drivers. DiUS Computing co-director Clency Coutet said these charging costs are saved “without effort or inconvenience.”

He added that the sales and distribution agreement recognises ChargeIQ’s appeal to the growing number of plug-in vehicle drivers globally, noting, “In many parts of the US, a plug-in vehicle is now cheaper than its petrol counterpart.”

The President and Founder of Global Network Resources, Kurt Miyatake, said the company is “delighted” to bring ChargeIQ to North America. “Electric cars are taking off in California and we see huge potential for this innovative product here and elsewhere around the world,” he said.

With the worldwide electric vehicle charging infrastructure market estimated to exceed $3.8 billion by 2020, it is expected that the potential of ChargeIQ will continue to be recognised. The product was earlier this year ranked one of Australia’s most innovative products for 2013 by Anthill Magazine. It was also named as a semifinalist in the prestigious Australian Cleantech Competition, with the winner to be announced on 2 October.