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Agenda

 
Below is the agenda from the January 2024 edition in Los Angeles. The lineup for July is currently in development. To submit a speaking proposal, click here.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

8:00 - 9:00 am
Welcome Coffee and Registration

9:00 - 9:30 am
State of the EV Charging Market in the US

This session delves into the comprehensive landscape of EV charging infrastructure in the US. It encompasses a forward-looking forecast by segment, providing insights into residential, workplace, and public charging. The presentation also examines the burgeoning growth of public charging networks, identifying leaders in charger deployments on year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter scales. It highlights the business models that have experienced the most substantial growth. Moreover, the analysis extends to state NEVI awards, revealing grant recipients categorized by charging network, site host, and EVSE hardware manufacturers. The session will offer insights into utility EV program budgets, identifying leading states' total funding allocation for EV initiatives. It distinguishes between utilities providing make-ready infrastructure versus incentive rebates and details funding distribution across charging segments.

Amaiya Khardenavis
Amaiya Khardenavis
Analyst, EV Charging Infrastructure
Wood Mackenzie
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9:30 - 10:00 am
Residential and Fleet EV Virtual Powerplants (VPP) to Orchestrate Grid Resources and Accelerate Transportation Electrification

Shishir Shekhar
Shishir Shekhar
Senior Director, Global Lead - Innovation and Technology Strategy
Landis+Gyr
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Terji Nielsen
Terji Nielsen
Head of R&D
SEV - Faroe Islands
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10:00 - 10:30 am
Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: Smart Load Management and Future Innovations to Propel Economic Advantages

To claim the impactful economic advantage of an EV's energy efficiency, it is crucial to continuously optimize power and load while running the charging infrastructure. Dynamic variables must be considered such as surplus charging, grid peak times, weather conditions and currently available distributed energy resource (DER) grid capacity. The EV infrastructure needs to be able to react to this dynamic influence by being "smart". In this session, we examine this challenge and provide an in-depth overview of state-of-the-art load management possibilities. We distinguish between local and cloud-based, as well as between static and dynamic load management, and tie these different solution preferences back to their ideal application. We support our concept with our own application, implementation and data of a photovoltaic-driven EV charging infrastructure, encompassing more than 20 of our own in-house manufactured charge points.

Key Takeaways:
  • Remarkable energy efficiency of EVs in comparison to ICE vehicles
  • Crucial role of dynamic load management within EV infrastructure
  • Future of EV infrastructure, including the integration of mobile, in-trunk chargers

Silke Kirchner
Silke Kirchner, Ph.D.
Product Manager USA
Webasto Charging Systems, Inc.
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10:30 - 11:00 am
Networking Coffee Break

11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Current State of Utility Managed Charging Programs and the Increased Connection to Grid Operations and Planning

Electric vehicle managed charging programs are continually evolving to meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation. These programs now offer a diverse range of options, allowing users to optimize their EV charging experience. From off-peak rate incentives and dynamic pricing to smart charging scheduling and grid integration, users can choose solutions that best align with their preferences and priorities. This evolution not only enhances convenience for EV owners but also plays a pivotal role in grid management and renewable energy integration, fostering a more efficient and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem. This panel brings multifaceted perspectives from a technology provider, auto OEM, and utility to share how software and program design are enabling more complex and valuable managed charging solutions to support the grid and customer needs.

Key Takeaways:
  • The changing landscape of capabilities to enable more dynamic managed charging solutions
  • Important benefits for grid operations and planning
  • Important roles of the OEM, utility, and solution provider
  • Where the technology could potentially go from here to unlock more value from EVs

Carolyn Weiner
Moderator:
Carolyn Weiner
Senior Manager, Transportation Electrification
West Monroe Partners
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Amy Costadone
Amy Costadone
Principal Product Manager, Vehicle-Grid Integration
PG&E
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Luna Ascha
Luna Ascha
Client Success Manager
WeaveGrid
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Vazken Kassakhian
Vazken Kassakhian
Utility Partnerships & Policy Manager
Ford Motor Company
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12:15 - 1:15 pm
Lunch

1:15 - 2:00 pm
Case Study: Multifamily Chargers, An Untapped Grid Asset

Managed charging and demand response are essential energy management tools to support widespread EV adoption. These solutions can help address the challenges posed by the increasing demand for EV charging, especially in older buildings with limited electric capacity. This session will feature EV charging solutions provider SWTCH Energy and leading DERMs provider Autogrid discussing their ?rst-of-its-kind demand response project integrating 250 multifamily EV chargers with a Canadian utility. They will outline the challenges of incorporating EV chargers into demand response and how DERMs can ensure grid stability. Their insights will enable other charging companies and utilities to collaborate with building owners to replicate this program at scale.

Samuel Bordenave
Samuel Bordenave
Head of Finance and Strategy
SWTCH Energy
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Scott McGaraghan
Scott McGaraghan
Chief Revenue Officer
AutoGrid
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2:00 - 3:00 pm
Revolutionizing Sustainability through Partnership and Innovation

The Electric Vehicle Innovation Design Center (EVIDC) in Jacksonville, Florida, is a groundbreaking initiative in electric mobility and sustainability. It offers a unique platform for hands-on learning, testing, and data collection, contributing to innovation and environmental responsibility in the electric vehicle landscape. Equipped with Level 3 and Level 2 chargers, inductive charging, solar canopies, and battery storage, the EVIDC allows visitors to experience a wide array of EV solutions, making informed choices. Moreover, it provides real-time data-driven evidence, hands-on training, and transparent use-case data, empowering stakeholders in their journey towards sustainable transportation. EVIDC's impact extends beyond Jacksonville, reducing carbon emissions by 8,390 tons annually and serving as a model for other cities navigating the evolving world of electric mobility and environmental responsibility.

Kerri Stewart
Moderator:
Kerri Stewart
Chief Strategy Officer, Miller Electric Company
President, EV Solutions
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Todd Shock
Todd Shock
Channel Sales Manager
ABB E-Mobility
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Scott Howard
Scott Howard
Managing Executive Director
CBRE
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Denise Elliot
Denise Elliot Thompson
Electrical Markets Division
3M
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Mike Hall
Mike Hall
Director EV Solutions
Miller Electric Company
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3:00 - 3:30 pm
Networking Coffee Break

3:30 - 5:00 pm
EVs and Grid Harmonization

The electrification of the transportation industry will require substantial investments by the energy industry in new additional generation and delivery capacity. In addition V2X will require close communications and bring new use cases for utilities and electric vehicle owners and users. This panel will discuss the scale of these new investments and the challenges the utility industry has in meeting the requirements of the electrified transportation industry while maintaining reliability and resiliency of the grid.

Ross Malme
Moderator:
Ross Malme
President and CEO
Malme Energy Consulting, LLC
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Kristin Landry
Kristin Landry
Expert Product Manager
PG&E
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Beth Reid
Beth Reid
CEO
Olivine
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Dr. Alex Levran
Dr. Alex Levran
CEO
Electrical Grid Monitoring (EGM), Inc
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Jordan Smith, P.E.
Jordan Smith, P.E.
Consulting Engineer, Grid Technology Innovation
Southern California Edison
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5:00 - 7:00 pm
Drink Reception
 
Wednesday, January 31, 2024

8:00 - 9:00 am
Welcome Coffee

9:00 - 10:00 am
Driving the Transition to a Greener Transportation Future Through Equitable Deployment of EV Charging Infrastructure

As the adoption of electric vehicles increases, the charging infrastructure required will have a significant impact on municipal landscapes. Commercial property owners, public parking areas, roadways and downtown areas will be reshaped to accommodate EV charging facilities. This panel session will focus on the critical factors involved in ensuring that EVSEs are accessible to all, while also delivering a dependable and convenient charging experience. Key topics will include geographic distribution through an equity lense, strategies to promote equity and inclusivity, resilient charging technologies for public and fleet use, and a robust maintenance plan. Case studies will highlight success using State grant funding, community partnerships, and installation of resilient charging infrastructure. The panel will emphasize lessons learned to date and success strategies for cities looking to effectively make EV charging convenient, effective and accessible for all.

Michael Austin Moderator:
Michael Austin
Senior Research Analyst, EVs & Mobility
Guidehouse Insights
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Laura Iannaccone Laura Iannaccone
Manager, Clean Transportation and Energy Program
County of Los Angeles
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Evan Johnson Evan Johnson
Electrification Program Manager
City of Pasadena
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Chris Hutter Chris Hutter
Chief Executive Officer
National Power
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10:00 - 10:30 am
A Structured Response to Increased Demand for Electricity in EV Infrastructure Rollout

Although the reduction in emissions due to larger EV adoption seems genuine, the reality is that the source of the energy derived to charge EVs is still not as green as we think. Without having an accurate determination as to the amount of electricity produced and whether it is derived from renewable sources or fossil fuel. The average family electricity consumption during a 24hr period is in the region of 50-60 kWh. Conservatively, given a 50% adoption rate of EVs and electrically powered machinery over the next decade, utilities will need on average an increase in electricity generation of at least 15%. A thoughtful approach should be upgrading of residential electrical infrastructure that can accommodate increased current levels. Technology of residential renewable energy sources operating over a full 24hr period will add to grid capacity on a micro level.

Shelby Tyne
Shelby Tyne
Loadbank Engineer
Hawthorne Caterpillar
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10:30 - 11:00 am
Networking Coffee Break

11:00 - 11:30 am
Cybersecurity Challenges in the Electric Vehicle Market

With the growing number of EVs and the reported security incidents in the past in the EV industry, there is an increased concern that the electric vehicle industry is not prepared to address emerging cyber threats to the industry. Emerging cybersecurity challenges to the EV industry include OEM security risks, network security, cloud security, iOT, Supply Chain risks, and charging methods and locations. It is important to understand the cybersecurity challenges and evaluate the preparedness of the EV market to prevent any significant chaos and disruption to the transportation system.

Key Takeaways:
  • How the methods involved in electric vehicle manufacturing and functioning can pose a security risk to the industry
  • Types of security events, risks and threats faced by the electric vehicle manufacturers and users
  • Causes of security risks and threats in the electric vehicle industry as well as electric vehicle infrastructure including charging stations and its integration with critical infrastructure
  • Gaps in the current security frameworks adopted in the electric vehicle industry and how best the gaps can be addressed

Patrick Terpening
Patrick Terpening
Cyber Security Consultant - Operational Technology
Burns & McDonnell
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11:30 - 12:00 pm
Case Studies of Managed Charging for Heavy Duty EV Fleets

Fleets that are electrifying often look to balance out high up-front equipment costs with a lower fuel cost per mile. For heavy duty trucking fleets that use DC fast chargers, charging at full power can result in unexpectedly high utility costs from time of use and demand charges. Charger management systems can help mitigate this, but there are many different ways those systems can be set up: per-charger schedules, per-site load management, peak shaving, and more. In this talk, we'll go over the different ways charging management can work, how to select the best one for your fleet, and how that will affect your electricity costs, using example real-world heavy duty EV deployments as case studies.

In this session, we will dive into several different charger management case studies, including accounts of how:
  • Significantly limiting the power of each charger overall during peak hours (for example, 4-9 PM in the Los Angeles area) saved a fleet $100s permonth while allowing opportunity charging to happen as quickly as needed during other hours of the day.
  • Slowing charging over the weekend and overnight saved a fleet $1000s per month, while still ensuring charging was successfully completed before the start of the morning shift.
  • Limiting power across one charging site ensured that the total energy output of the chargers is less than the power capacity of the site site, allowing more vehicles to charge at once. The charging management system can then distribute that power based on the scheduled departure time of the vehicles.
  • Automated prediction of charging times can provide visibility into when a vehicle won't be ready to depart on schedue, and allow fleet managers to increase the power delivered to that vehicle in real time.
This session will examine concrete examples of different fleets and the electricity cost savings resulting from each approach.

Sashko Stubailo
Sashko Stubailo
Chief Technology Officer
Flipturn

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12:00 - 1:00 pm
Lunch

1:00 - 1:30 pm
Developing a V2G Strategy: Standards, Charging Considerations & More

The idea that your car can do more than get you from point A to point B is still a novel concept. The fact that EV charge management can strengthen grid resilience through as well as fortify the economic and societal benefits are undeniable. Charging as well as discharging EVs, also known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) unlocks a range of benefits for drivers, utilities, as well as the broader community. This session will discuss:
  • Strategy for V2G
  • Trends in the bidirectional EV charging space
  • Integrations and interfaces with programs and providing grid support
  • Regulatory and market considerations

Frances Bell
Frances Bell
Co-Founder & CPO
Bidirectional Energy
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1:30 - 2:00 pm
Innovative Decentralized Wiring Strategies for Accommodating Multiple EV Chargers

Installers of public EV level 2 charging stations face numerous challenges for the connection of multiple charging units. Speed of installation at a low cost is of primary importance. Design flexibility that allows additional future EV Charging stations is also critical. A recent study that examined decentralized power distribution on a common power bus versus traditional power distribution methods demonstrated the many advantages of decentralized power. These advantages include optimized power usage, reduced material cost, faster installation, and increased EV charger unit up time. In addition, power distribution on a common bus allows the connection of multiple EV charges on one circuit resulting in cost savings and design simplification. Key takeaways include:
  • Innovative wiring practices beyond traditional pipe and wire
  • What a decentralized power bus system is and how it works
  • Core components of a decentralized power bus distribution system
  • How a decentralized power bus distribution system saves installation time
  • Basic initial power set-up for running multiple charge stations on one circuit

Jim Cahaly
Jim Cahaly
Business Development Manager, Power Distribution Systems
Wieland

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2:00 - 2:30 pm
Grid-Edge Dynamic Volt-VAr Control Solution to Mitigate System Impacts Caused by Vast EV Charging Infrastructure Integration

Electric vehicle (EV) sales are surging worldwide. The extensive integration of EV charging infrastructure into existing legacy distribution networks may lead to various system vulnerabilities, including system voltage drops. This presentation introduces Dynamic VAr Controllers (DVCs) as a cost-effective and non-wires alternative (NWA), serving as a distributed control solution to mitigate the impacts on system voltage. In this approach, single-phase DVCs are strategically deployed at the secondary side of service transformers, positioned in areas with the lowest voltages. Their role is to provide voltage support through dynamic VAr injection. To validate the effectiveness of DVCs in mitigation, a series of scenario-based time-series simulations are conducted using OpenDSS on real distribution networks. These simulations incorporate historical load and EV profiles, with the DVC controller being modeled using Python.

Key learning points:
  • Vvoltage impact on urban and rural distribution circuits caused by the integration of EVs
  • Distinct charging profiles for residential EVs, commercial EV charging stations, and fleet EV charging stations
  • Operational concepts behind the Grid Edge Dynamic VAR Controller
  • How the Grid Edge DVC mitigates voltage drops and voltage imbalances resulting from the integration of EV charging infrastructure

Mir Mousavi
Mir Mousavi
Head of Advanced Analytics and Applications
Sentient Energy

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Alex Guo
Alex Guo
Electrical Engineer
Sentient Energy

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2:30 - 3:00 pm
Networking Coffee Break

3:00 - 3:30 pm
How Partnering with a Supply Chain Partner can Accelerate Your Transportation Electrification Program

Implementing a transportation electrification (TE) program can be challenging, and at times difficult to understand how to get started. A supply chain partner can help to develop, source, and implement TE programs by leveraging a multi-supplier network enhanced with utility focused services, customized for any size project. Supply chain partners are uniquely set up to bring together the services, products and experts needed from every field of the TE ecosystem, from a one-off workplace charger installation to large-scale Electric Vehicle (EV) banks, Microgrid / Substation projects.

Key learning points:
  • How to simplify the complexity of launching a TE program, from a single charger installation to large-scale, multi-jurisdiction projects
  • How to streamline multiple material suppliers and create a "best fit" approach and not a "make fit" solution
  • Leverage expertise to include community outreach, such as customer presentations, marketing, and maintenance and support
  • Align to move project work from OPEX to CAPEX and deliver on diversity spend goals

Jessica Fosson
Jessica Fosson
Vice President, Technology
Wesco

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3:30 - 4:00 pm
Unlocking Microgrid Capabilities for EV Charging Using Energy Storage

Battery storage systems serve as an alternative to traditional infrastructure upgrades for EV fast charging. Through a real-world deployment of a battery-energy storage system with Landmark, a commercial property developer, learn how battery technologies can unlock microgrid capabilities for EV charging, optimizing energy management independent of the grid while providing energy infrastructure resilience. From the case study, see how battery storage works as a reliable power amplifier for EV fast charging, showcasing its ability to avoid utility expenses, enhance the charging experience for customers at a cost-efficient operational capacity, and yield a compelling ROI for site hosts. Lastly, attendees will examine energy storage as a future-proof microgrid solution independent of EV charging in integrating with clean energy and acting as an energy hub, providing energy to reshape the future of power consumption, storage and distribution independent from the grid.

Key learning points:
  • Microgrid capabilities of an energy storage system
  • How battery storage works for EV charging (power amplification)
  • Cost-Effectiveness of the technology
  • How the system extends beyond EV charging

Brian Bradford
Brian Bradford
Chief Commercial Officer
Jule Power

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4:00 - 4:30 pm
Cutting the Nighttime Cord: Leveraging Onsite PV Solar Generation to Drive Dayme EV Charging Habits

The rapid proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) demonstrates consumers' desire to be environmentally conscious; however, most EV owners charge their cars at night, compromising EVs' green aspect. Recent research by Stanford University reveals that if EVs achieve their projected market share and consumers continue their nighttime charging patterns, America's peak electricity demand could surge by up to 25% within a decade, causing strain on the electrical grid that necessitates using fossil-fuel-based energy sources to meet the increased requirements rather than relying on renewable sources such as solar and wind, which peak during the daytime.

This session will examine the impact of EV growth on utilities and explore potential solutions for alleviating the stress caused by the electrification of transportation. One promising approach involves supporting the deployment of a comprehensive network of conveniently located, on-site solar-powered DC-coupled chargers. These chargers would enable consumers to shift their charging habits to daytime hours.

Key Takeaways:
  • Factors driving EV growth and why it necessitates a shift to daytime charging
  • Utilities' role in creating an ecosystem that facilitates daytime charging
  • Technology solutions that make charging for EV drivers during the day more accessible

Sean Burke
Sean Burke
CEO and Co-Founder
Enteligent
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