IBM

IBM has unveiled a new project, B2B Marketplace, to make electric vehicle (EV) charging and payment easier for consumers across Europe.

The new operational demonstration will enable energy providers, car manufacturers, as well as charging point owners to share and integrate services on a common IT platform.

B2B Marketplace also allows cross network communication between multiple charging stations and various utility companies, in any territory.

Creating a network of EV charging services that are compatible regionally in Europe, the new technology will help standardise management of payments across various charging networks and handling international currency conversions.

EV drivers can charge their vehicles through B2B Marketplace and even carry out payment transactions at any location across borders and geographies.

Part of the Green eMotion project and funded by the European Union, the IBM’s new initiative intends to set up a continent-wide infrastructure for EVs by 2015, as part of the broader European Recovery Plan to lessen C02 emissions by 60% by 2050.

Based on IBM software and IBM SmartCloud Enterprise, the new project creates a scalable open-standards environment that allows manufacturers and service providers to connect their services based on the consumer and industry needs.

"EV drivers can charge their vehicles through B2B Marketplace and even carry out payment transactions at any location across borders and geographies."

In addition to EV drivers, the IBM’s new initiative will benefit utilities as the IT platform reduces potential management issues with financial settlement and international conversion.

IBM global distributed energy resource manager Clay Luthy said that the goal of the project is to help add a new layer of intelligence to the electric vehicle market and a new level of convenience to the driver through the Green eMotion project.

"We believe the demonstration project will foster innovation and further transformation across a larger geographical footprint," Luthy added.

IBM is one of 43 partners in Europe involved in the Green eMotion project, which is a four-year EU programme to promote electromobility in Europe.


Image: In addition to EV drivers, the IBM’s new initiative will benefit utilities as the IT platform lessens potential management issues with financial settlement and international conversion. Photo: courtesy of PRNewsFoto/IBM Corporation.