PROJECT SUMMARY & BENEFITS
Project Plug-IN is a commercial scale pilot of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and smart grid technology working together to demonstrate an energy efficient transportation system solution. It aims to develop, deploy, demonstrate, market and evaluate a range of PEVs powered by an integrated charging infrastructure located at homes, businesses, and parking facilities. The pilot will span the service territories of two regulated utilities and include the development of a model regulatory framework and network architecture needed to take smart grid and plug-in systems to scale. Furthermore, the project has been structured to promote participation by commercially sold plug-in vehicles so that technical and consumer data on hundreds of vehicles is likely by the end of the project.
Project Plug-IN received strong support through federal grant funding. The project was awarded a total of $6.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars distributed through the State of Indiana, as well as partner contributions to support vehicle deployment, charging infrastructure and data collection and analysis.
Energy Systems Network's (ESN) Project Plug-IN is comprised of partnering companies and institutions with capabilities spanning the entire plug-in ecosystem from vehicles, to grids and in-between. ESN partners for this project include:
- AECOM
- Bright Automotive
- Delphi Corporation
- Duke Energy
- Eaton
- Ener1, Inc.
- Indiana Economic Development Corporation
- Indiana Office of Energy Development
- Indianapolis Power & Light
- ITOCHU Corporation
- MISO
- Purdue University
- Rocky Mountain Institute
- THINK
- Tom Wood Automotive Group
- Toshiba
ESN and its project partners aim to provide a systems solution to accelerate the development and implementation of a plug-in electric vehicle "ecosystem." Additionally, we aspire to make Indiana a leader in advanced vehicle technology and energy innovation. In order to address the technical, business, regulatory, and consumer challenges related to meeting this goal, ESN and its partners must take on an integrated approach in which EV's and related technologies can be combined in a real-world environment. No single company has the capacity to solve all the challenges to meeting this goal. Moreover, mass commercialization will require a range of companies and institutions representing industries and interests that must coordinate efforts to achieve successful systems integration.
A PHASED APPROACH
Project Plug-IN is being implemented in three phases which extend from the summer of 2009 through the end of 2013. As new phases are introduced, increased sales and adoption of EVs in the greater Indianapolis area should take place along with increased availability of charging stations and related infrastructure supporting the plug-in ecosystem.
DEPLOYMENT GOALS:
Phase 1: Q2 2009-Q1 2011
- Pilot deployment of EVs within Project Plug-IN organizations
- Establish Indianapolis region as model EV deployment community
- Initiate Level 2 grid charging at select home, fleet and public locations
- Advanced data collection and modeling systems developed
- Pilot "Smart Charge" customer offering with time of use (TOU) charge tariff
- Plug-IN Support internet portal for consumers and partners to exchange information
Phase 2: Q2 2011-Q3 2012
- Initial commercial sales of PEV products in Indianapolis region
- EV Corridors with Level 2 and DC Fast Charge linking Midwest cities
- Menu of smart charge offerings with integration of battery storage and renewables
- Robust modeling, integrated software, and data on transaction settlement
- Introduce new transportation electrification business models
- Establish partnerships in Europe and Asia
Phase 3: Q4 2012-Q4 2013
- Multiple commercial PEV products for sale across Midwest
- Greater penetration of Smart Grid and Smart Charge installations/adoption in Indianapolis
- Suite of systems applications developed to optimize Smart Grid, vehicle performance, and customer experience
- Plug-in ecosystem sustained by customer interest
PROJECT BENEFITS
Several benefits result from the implementation of this project, including positive outcomes for consumers, the "clean tech" field, the state of Indiana, and ESN's partners:
- The city of Indianapolis and surrounding communities have a "head start" in installing EV charging infrastructure and ESN's corporate and public sector partners have the chance to be early adopters in incorporating these vehicles into their fleets.
- The project will support Indiana's economic development efforts both by utilizing partners with facilities and products made in the state, as well as attracting new business to the area as a result of this innovative pilot project.
- Serves as an opportunity for ESN's partners to test new business models related to Project Plug-IN.
- Allows ESN's utility partners (Duke Energy and Indianapolis Power & Light) a unique opportunity to analyze the power usage requirements and impact on the electric grid based on "real world" commuting conditions.
- Provides business and technology development opportunities for ESN's partners as they are well-positioned to anticipate and solve the technical and practical challenges that emerge with the use of these vehicles in the field. Doing so allows them to be better prepared for the second generation EV.