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California Department of General Services Launches Electric Vehicle Trial


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ARLINGTON, Va.--GridPoint, Inc., an established leader in smart energy solutions, today announced that the California Department of General Services (DGS), with funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC), will launch a two-year plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) demonstration project utilizing GridPoint’s data logging solution.

“This robust PHEV demonstration project is another example of California’s leadership in the adoption of clean energy technologies”

Deploying 50 converted Toyota Priuses and capturing critical performance data with GridPoint’s proven solution, California’s DGS will analyze potential efficiencies gained through the use of electric vehicles and evaluate their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Gaining a deeper understanding of PHEV performance across a wide range of terrain, climate and drivers is of particular interest. The Priuses will be deployed throughout California, from Sacramento to San Diego, as state fleet vehicles.

“With the rich information gathered during this trial, DGS will be well positioned to make solid recommendations for reducing greenhouse emissions and reliance on petroleum-based fuels across the state’s fleet of more than 50,000 vehicles,” said Kathy Hicks, Chief of the Office of Fleet and Asset Management for the California DGS. “The information captured with GridPoint’s data logging solution will be of tremendous help to California as it works to meet its emissions and fossil fuels reduction goals. The DGS is sharing the data from this project with the CEC, the California Air Resources Board, the University of California, Davis, and the Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL), who all share an interest of the potential benefits that emerging vehicle and battery technologies have for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particulate emissions, and petroleum consumption.”

GridPoint’s data logging solution automatically captures and securely uploads performance data from electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. The data is aggregated, analyzed and presented in an intuitive Web-based interface. Performance reports enable real-time understanding of fuel economy, carbon emissions, travel distance, charging location, charging duration and more. Individual vehicle reports and fleet comparisons will allow the DGS staff to quickly and easily monitor vehicle activity across the state.

“This robust PHEV demonstration project is another example of California’s leadership in the adoption of clean energy technologies,” said Michael J. Carlson, Executive Vice President, GridPoint. “GridPoint is proud to supply the software and advanced analytics that will inform and advance California’s adoption of electric transportation.”

GridPoint’s data logging solution is installed in plug-in vehicles across North America and is used in advanced performance evaluation by the Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), UC Davis’ Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Research Center, as well as by leading utilities including Duke Energy, Progress Energy, Florida Power & Light, Reliant Energy, Madison Gas & Electric, Buckeye Power, Austin Energy and dozens of others.

Additionally, the data logging solution easily extends to provide smart charging capabilities – allowing utilities to manage the impact of charging vehicles on the grid. Through GridPoint software, utilities are able to manage the timing and pace of electricity flowing to grid-connected vehicles, successfully balancing drivers’ needs for fuel with real-time grid conditions. GridPoint’s smart charging software supports PHEV demonstration projects with BC Hydro, Baltimore Gas and Electric, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Advanced Energy and others.

About the California Department of General Services

The Department of General Services (DGS) serves as business manager for the State of California, with more than 4,000 employees and a budget in excess of one billion dollars. The DGS helps to better serve the public by providing a variety of services to state agencies through innovative procurement and acquisition solutions, creative real estate management and design, state-of-the-art telecommunications, environmentally friendly transportation, and funding for the construction of safe schools.

About GridPoint

GridPoint, Inc., an established leader in smart grid software and services, enables energy producers and consumers to manage the transformation to a smart grid. The company’s software applications integrate, aggregate and manage distributed sources of load, storage and generation. Utilities use GridPoint’s solutions to efficiently balance supply and demand, improve grid reliability and empower consumers with user-friendly software to manage energy consumption. Enterprise customers use GridPoint’s intelligent energy management and revenue-grade sub-metering systems to increase their facilities’ efficiency. GridPoint’s innovative portal connects residential and enterprise customers to the smart grid – providing them with energy information and engaging them in a variety of utility programs, including demand response, solar, storage, sub-metering or even smart charging programs for plug-in vehicles. With GridPoint’s interoperable platform, utility and enterprise customers realize the benefits of energy intelligence. The result is a practical path to developing a clean, efficient 21st century grid. On the Net: www.gridpoint.com