Mitsubishi is pioneering an electric vehicle smart charging in Japan in a partnership with energy software platform Kaluza and MC Retail Energy (MCRE).

The new EV charging service is designed to optimise charging for the cheapest and greenest times of the day while simplifying the charging experience for customers.

The new move is the first of its kind in Japan, with Kaluza connecting directly to the Mitsubishi Motors Outlander plug-in hybrid vehicle via telematics, removing the need for separate smart charging hardware.

By analysing real-time market signals, the system intelligently manages charging when costs and carbon emissions are lowest while ensuring customer preferences are met.

This program marks the first commercial proposition launch enabled by Kaluza Japan – a joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Kaluza to deliver Kaluza’s leading energy software platform to energy retailers and auto companies in the Japanese market.

“In Japan today, renewable energy is becoming more a part of our energy mix toward the realisation of a carbon-neutral society,” MC Division COO Masanori Kohama says.

“Optimising EV charging plays an important role in absorbing fluctuations in renewable energy generation and stabilising the supply-demand balance in the grid.

“The optimised charging service we have first commercialised in Japan encourages PHEV owners to contribute to carbon neutrality without hassles, and we are pleased to realise this innovative approach through collaboration with Kaluza, Mitsubishi Motors and MC Retail Energy.”

The joint venture demonstrates the power of Kaluza to innovate at the intersection of energy and EVs in Japan, leveraging the long-established expertise of Mitsubishi Corporation.

Drivers will be able to see the rewards of smart charging directly through their Mitsubishi Motors smart charging app – providing them with greater control over their bills and the confidence that they are contributing to a cleaner energy system.

The service will be made available through subscriptions to MC Retail Energy’s EV smart-charging plans for households.

This is Kaluza’s latest EV charging program to launch globally, building on the success of Charge Anytime in the UK which has saved customers over £10 million (AUD$19 million) and nearly 600 tonnes of CO2, showcasing the incredible impact smart charging services can have on people and the planet when an energy retailer and software provider work together.

“Automakers around the world are stepping up to accelerate EV adoption while energy companies are seeking new ways to make the energy transition seamless and affordable for their customers,” Kaluza US and Japan Managing Director Jonathan Levy says.

“Our partnership with Mitsubishi Motors and MCRE is another example of how Kaluza has partnered with household car brands and global energy players to develop EV propositions that create value for customers, energy systems and the planet.

“We’re delighted to be launching this latest offering in Japan through a tight-knit collaboration with partners equally committed to fast-tracking the country’s transition to a sustainable future.”