ECOtality said the agreement will allow it to offer products to utility companies all over the world, enabling smart charging options such as scheduling off-peak usage to manage load on the grid. In turn this provides the most efficient charging, as well as improving reliability and reducing the risk of blackouts.

Jonathan Read, chief executive officer of ECOtality, said: ‘By partnering with Silver Spring, we are demonstrating that Blink continues to evolve as the most agile and intelligent charging station solution in the industry. We will continue to support strategic connections to the Blink Network, which offers local incentive programs, reservation systems, and remote monitoring of charge status.’

Matt Smith, senior director of the demand side management business at Silver Spring, added: ‘We are proud to be providing solutions that help increase global EV adoption, one of the smart grid-enabled offerings customers are most excited about. This integration with ECOtality will enable consumers and utilities to adopt electric vehicles with confidence, by providing the ability to manage energy costs and maintain grid reliability.’