IBM, Green eMotion Partners to simplify EV roaming payments

IBM yesterday announced a project that will simplify electric vehicle (EV) charging and payment for consumers, regardless of their location. The operational demonstration, called the B2B Marketplace will allow energy providers, car manufacturers, and charging point owners to share and integrate services on one common IT platform.

This will create a network of EV charging services that are compatible regionally in Europe.

In an effort to increase electric vehicle adoption, the B2B Marketplace demonstration allows drivers to charge their vehicle and pay in any location across national boundaries regardless of their energy provider – an approach similar to international roaming for mobile phones.

This project aims to allow cross network communication between multiple charging stations and various utility companies, in any territory. As a result, EV drivers can travel without the worry of being too far from an allocated charge post or one supported by their provider.

Utilities will also benefit, as the IT platform provides interoperable standards and payment support, reducing potential management issues with financial settlement and international conversion.

Part of the Green eMotion project, the initiative is funded by the European Union with the goal to establish a Europe-wide infrastructure for electric vehicles by 2015. This is part of the broader European Recovery Plan to reduce C02 emissions by 60 percent by the year 2050.