A groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) charging pilot—ChargeWise California—has delivered compelling results, showcasing how dynamic price signals combined with smart automation can revolutionize EV charging across the state. The initiative, led by ev.energy in partnership with MCE and Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) and funded by the California Energy Commission’s REDWDS program, is positioning itself as a model for equitable and efficient grid management.
During its first phase, ChargeWise California demonstrated that dynamic pricing outperforms traditional Time-of-Use (TOU) rates, boosting grid stability, cutting energy costs, and increasing the use of solar and other renewables.
Key Findings:
- 98% of EV charging occurred off-peak under dynamic pricing, far exceeding the 60–70% seen with TOU rates alone and even surpassing the 90% with managed charging overlays.
- Customers saved an average of $10–$20 per month, while reducing pressure on the grid and improving clean energy utilization.
- Up to 30% of charging was shifted to solar-rich hours, enhancing the use of clean, renewable energy.
- Dynamic pricing avoided secondary peak surges often seen with fixed TOU schedules, helping smooth energy demand.
Equity and Access: A Core Focus
The pilot also tackled equity issues head-on. By using a submetering “type-of-use” solution, dynamic rates were applied specifically to EV charging, sparing customers without flexible technologies from unintended cost hikes. Over 1,000 participants enrolled within two months—more than half from disadvantaged communities.
“Enrolling in MCE Sync was incredibly easy, and it has made managing my EV charging so simple,” shared Franco Maynetto, a program participant. “I love tracking my savings and knowing I’m supporting clean energy.”
Broad Industry Support
The early results highlight just how impactful dynamic pricing can be in reshaping EV charging to support a cleaner, more flexible grid,” said Nick Woolley, CEO of ev.energy. “By aligning rates with real-time system signals, we can unlock over $1,000 in value per EV per year—without harming low-income users.
SVCE CEO Monica Padilla echoed the enthusiasm:
Helping our customers charge off-peak to lower bills and use the cleanest energy available benefits both our community and the California grid.”
MCE’s Vice President of Customer Programs, Alice Havenar-Daughton, emphasized the importance of continued innovation:
“This pilot proves that dynamic pricing paired with managed charging can shift peak loads and reduce costs, particularly for underserved residents and businesses.”
A Model for the Future
The pilot’s results make a strong case for wider deployment of dynamic, automated EV charging solutions that target flexible load and ensure equitable access. It also reinforces the role of collaboration between utilities, technology providers, and policymakers in building a more efficient, cleaner, and fair energy future.
As California advances its clean energy transition, ChargeWise California’s success serves as a beacon for how smart, customer-centric energy programs can benefit not just EV drivers, but the entire power ecosystem.
