Frankfurt show: Honda develops EV charging solution

HONDA has revealed its Power Management Concept at this week’s Frankfurt motor show, designed to distribute charge between an electric vehicle (EV), home and grid as a fully integrated energy transfer system.

According to Honda, the Power Manger will “intelligently balance demand and efficient storage of energy” and “while the EV is plugged in, the energy can be stored and used at home or sold back to the grid, potentially generating value for EV owners”.

In addition, the system will also be able to act as a generator of sorts and “stabilise the grid at times of either short or surplus supply”.

Unveiled alongside the Urban EV Concept and part of the brand’s plan to have two-thirds of its global sales consisting of electrified vehicles – either mild-hybrid, pure-electric or full-hybrid powertrains – by 2030 (European targets are set five years earlier at 2025), the Power Management will first be trialled in parts of France later this year.

However, Honda Australia public relations manager Neil McDonald would not be drawn on if, or when, the Power Management system could arrive Down Under.

"The Power Management System is a great initiative and shows Honda is continuing to challenge conventional thinking and develop holistic mobility systems that ensure the customer is at the centre of everything we do," he said.

"It's something we'll certainly keep an eye on but it's too early to speculate on any application in our market."Honda motor Europe senior vice president Philip Ross said the Power Management technology underlines the brand’s commitment to sustainable energy and a reduced-emissions future.

“The introduction of our Power Manager system supports and reinforces our commitment,” he said.

“It uses advanced technology to intelligently integrate the electric vehicle into the wider power network, so it is no longer just a consumer but also a contributor to the grid.

“It underlines our pledge to develop a more sustainable mobility model.”