Con Edison and its partner Geotab Energy have introduced technology that makes it easier for Tesla drivers to enroll in SmartCharge New York, an off-peak charging program, and earn rewards.
The advancement enables Tesla owners to participate in the program by connecting their myTesla account to their Smart-Charge Rewards account, eliminating
the need for additional hardware in their vehicles. SmartCharge New York, which Con Edison and Geotab introduced in 2017, provides electric vehicle drivers with rewards for charging their vehicles in New York City and ;Westchester County between midnight and 8 a.m. when the demand for power is low.
To date, more than 5,800 electric vehicle drivers who applied to SmartCharge New York received a free cellular-enabled device that plugs into the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic port. This allows Con Edison to collect EV charging data, like time and energy consumed during a charging session, and to pay cash rewards
based on this information.
With the new technology, Tesla’s on-board telematics can share the charging data, eliminating the need to plug in a device. “This technology makes it easier and more convenient for Tesla owners to participate in SmartCharge New York, the successful off-peak charging incentive program we offer to electric vehicle drivers,” said Joseph Morreale, Con Edison’s section manager of EV Demo Projects and Managed Charging. “It is another step we are taking to encourage
the adoption of EVs. Replacing gasoline- and diesel-powered cars and trucks with EVs reduces carbon emissions and helps boost the fight against
climate change.”
“As EV adoption continues to rise, programs like Smart-Charge New York play an important role in maintaining the health and reliability of the electrical grid,” said Eric Mallia, vice president of Geotab Energy. “By encouraging EV owners to charge during offpeak hours we can help make EVs more accessible, convenient and affordable.”
Con Edison and its customers benefit when EV drivers avoid charging during times of peak demand for power. Managing the demand on the grid at those peak times helps Con Edison maintain its industry-leading reliability.
Tesla owners who charge in Con Edison’s service area can join SmartCharge New York and earn $150 for each vehicle they enroll after their first charge.
Once enrolled, Tesla owners earn monthly rewards for grid-friendly charging. For example, EV owners can earn up to 10 cents per kilowatt hour for charging during off-peak hours. Some EV drivers earn more than $1,000 per year.
For more information about connecting a Tesla to the SmartCharge New York program, visit www.smartchargerewards.com/smartchargenewyork
Supporting the transition to EVs is a key part of Con Edison’s Clean Energy Commitment. The company is working with the New York City Department of Transportation to place 100 publicly available charging plugs at curbsides.
Con Edison is also providing incentives for about 19,000 charging plugs across New York City and Westchester County by the end of 2025. Those will include more than 18,500 Level 2 chargers and 450 direct-current fast chargers.
(Submitted)
