SAE Publishes J2836/1: New Standard for Communication between Plug-Ins and Utility Grid

SAE International has published the J2836/1 standard: Use Cases for Communication between Plug-In Vehicles and the Utility Grid. (Earlier post.) The standard establishes use cases for two-way communication between plug-in electric vehicles and the electric power grid, for energy transfer and other applications.

It also provides a set of communication requirements for use with various load management and rate programs that will be established by utility companies related to the charging of plug-in electric vehicles. The various utility programs will enable consumers to charge their vehicles at the lowest cost during off-peak hours, and helps the utilities reduce grid impacts by minimizing electric vehicle charging during peak periods.

The biggest challenge for utilities is managing the grid during peak times, a time when energy is the most expensive and demand is greatest. As we add more plug-in electric vehicles to the grid, we’re increasing our need for on-peak power and infrastructure. This standard will help enable consumers to charge their vehicles at off-peak hours and help utilities better manage the grids during peak hours, thus minimizing cost and grid impacts.

—Rich Scholer, HEV E/E Systems Engineer, Ford Motor Company

Scholer is chair of SAE International’s Hybrid Task Force and sponsor of the new standard.

J2836/1 is the first is a series of five standards that are being developed by SAE International to address utility programs for plug-in electric vehicles.