Toyota Collaborates with Oncor to Accelerate EV Charging Ecosystem
Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) has recently entered into an agreement with Oncor Electric Delivery (Oncor), a renowned electric transmission and distribution company based in Texas. The collaboration is centered around the development of a pilot project focused on vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This innovative technology enables vehicles to transfer energy from their battery back to the electric grid. The initiative is spearheaded by Toyota’s Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions (EVCS) team and signifies Toyota’s first venture with a public utility in the U.S. in the realm of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
The research findings from this pioneering pilot project will equip both Toyota and Oncor with the essential tools to bolster the broader Electric Vehicle (EV) charging ecosystem in the United States. Additionally, these concerted efforts will enable Toyota to take the customer experience to new heights for its Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) clients. The collaboration also aligns with Toyota’s commitment towards promoting carbon neutrality, and in the process, it is anticipated to facilitate advancements in business opportunities. These progressive steps underscore the potential of V2G technology in reshaping the face of sustainable mobility for a greener future.
“We envision a future where Toyota BEVs provide a best-in-class mobility experience, but also can be utilized by our customer to power their homes, their communities or even power back the electric grid in times of need,” said Christopher Yang, group vice president of Toyota Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions team. “Our collaboration with Oncor is an important step for us to understand the needs of utilities, as we plan to work closely with them to ensure every community can embrace Toyota’s shift to electrified vehicles.”
“Electrification is coming, and it’s Oncor’s job to build a safer, smarter, more reliable electric grid that can enable the needs of our customers, the state of Texas and the ERCOT market. This project marks the first collaboration of its kind between Oncor and an OEM manufacturer, and we are excited to work with a world-class technology leader like Toyota to better understand how the electric grid can enable V2G transactions across the Oncor service territory,” said Jim Greer, Oncor Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “We appreciate Toyota’s collaboration in pursuing innovative energy solutions through this endeavor, and we look forward to someday implementing the lessons learned from this pilot project in benefit of the many communities we serve.”
Initially, Toyota and Oncor have decided to kick off their collaboration with a research project utilizing Oncor’s research and testing microgrid at its System Operating Services Facility (SOSF) nestled in south Dallas, a stone’s throw from Toyota’s national headquarters. The SOSF microgrid is a sophisticated and versatile system comprising four interconnected microgrids. These microgrids can function independently, in parallel, in tandem, or coupled into one larger system, offering a diverse range of operational modalities. Notably, the microgrid and its subsystems incorporate a “V2G” charger, solar panels, and battery storage, all of which are integral components for thorough testing and evaluation. In a bid to gain deeper insights into the intricate interplay between Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and utilities, Toyota and Oncor intend to integrate a BEV with this system.
Beyond this initial phase, a second phase of the project slated for 2023 will incorporate a V2G pilot, an ambitious initiative that will extend testing to BEVs connected at homes or businesses within Oncor’s service territory. This progression will ensure a real-world application and holistic evaluation of V2G technology in diverse, authentic scenarios. It should be noted that this phase will strictly adhere to all standard interconnection processes and agreements, ensuring a seamless integration and operation of connected BEVs. This phase aims to further enhance our understanding of V2G’s role in managing load demand, optimizing energy usage, and improving grid resilience. By extending the scope from a controlled microgrid environment to residential and commercial settings, the project aims to identify potential challenges, propose efficient solutions, and ultimately, accelerate the transition towards sustainable, smarter mobility.
The collaboration between Oncor and Toyota promises to yield valuable insights into both current and future customer needs, particularly as they pertain to the rapid expansion of electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure necessary to support them. It will offer Oncor an unprecedented opportunity to better comprehend the infrastructure requirements for facilitating the swift growth of electric vehicles. Moreover, this joint venture will allow Oncor to delve deeper into understanding the influence of V2G technology on the electric grid. This knowledge will be instrumental in planning and implementing strategies to meet increased demand and ensure the resilience and efficiency of the future electric grid system.
Toyota’s first mass-market BEV, the bZ4X, went on sale this past year in the U.S. and Canada. The first Lexus BEV, the RZ 450e, is scheduled to go on sale in early 2023.
