Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is to trial a new smart charging system that could cut grid demand and reduce bills for customers of its new Fiat 500 EV without the need for a smart charge point.

The Kaluza platform will be used to develop direct-to-car smart charging for the new Fiat 500 EV

The electric city car – the first fully-electric vehicle from FCA – opens for orders next month and FCA is already working on a range of charging solutions.

This includes its tie-up with intelligent energy platform Kaluza, which will be used to develop direct-to-car smart charging for the Fiat 500 EV in the first phase of the partnership.

Announced just hours after the UK Prime Minister confirmed that new petrol and diesel car sales will end from 2030, the firms’ work could help integrate EVs in a way that balances demand on the grid and benefits consumers.

The technology will draw upon live data from local grid operators to shift car charging to times when carbon intensity is lowest and energy is cheapest, without the need for a separate smart charge point, bringing multiple benefits.

A select group of Fiat 500 EV customers in the UK will be invited to trial the smart charging service during the first half of 2021, and provide ongoing feedback through dedicated forums.

Roberto Di Stefano, head of e-Mobility for the EMEA Region at FCA, commented: “The agreement with Kaluza to explore smart charging technologies represents an excellent opportunity to reduce vehicles’ charging costs and subsequently the total cost of ownership. Furthermore, this innovation will allow our Fiat 500 EV customers to experience the benefits without the need to install specific charging equipment.”