The programme, announced at the DistribuTECH conference in San Diego, starts this summer and will gather data from a fleet of leased Chevrolet Volt cars. OnStar’s Advanced Telematics Operations Management System (ATOMS) will then monitor and manage the data, providing information that will help reduce the cost and environmental impact of charging EVs.

Customers opting into the programme will allow ATOMS to view charge level and history from each car, forecasting peak demand and providing data about the best locations for charging points. Off-peak charging will be incentivised to discourage drivers plugging in during less energy-efficient periods.

‘In contrast to other OEMs who are only talking about smart grid technology, we’re moving beyond research and development projects to a program in the real world,’ said Nick Pudar, OnStar vice president of planning and business development.

‘Through this pilot we will see real-time results on how intelligent energy management can maximize EV charging efficiency and minimize the electric bill for EV drivers.’