EnergyHub Acquires Bridge To Renewables To Expand Managed EV Charging

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EnergyHub, a leading provider of grid-edge flexibility solutions, recently acquired Bridge to Renewables (BTR), the EV-telematics platform connected to over 500,000 electric vehicles.

One of the persistent electric vehicle myths is that they are just like gas cars, but they are not. Electric vehicles are much more ‘batteries on wheels’ and their batteries can have a purpose greater than only providing electricity for propulsion, electronics, and climate controls. If the supporting technology is available, EV batteries can collectively be used as virtual power plants, meaning their electricity can be used for purposes to support electrical grids too. Gas vehicles don’t have this same capability.

In some cases, virtual power plants can be used to distribute electricity more efficiently. “One study found that deploying 60 gigawatts (GW) of VPP capacity nationwide could directly save ratepayers between $15 billion and $35 billion in infrastructure costs over the next 10 years. Additionally, VPPs help keep costs down during periods of peak demand. This past January, the Department of Energy projected that a new 400-megawatt (MW) VPP would have a net cost of $43 per kilowatt-year, while a gas peaker plant would cost $99 per kilowatt-year. During a 2025 heat wave in Vermont, 275,000 customers collectively saved about $3 million thanks to Green Mountain Power’s VPP more efficiently calling on available energy resources.”

So there are tangible benefits to having more electric vehicles that go beyond what people typically think about owning one electric vehicle or two from themselves personally.

Seth Frader-Thompson, President, EnergyHub and Jack Barrow, Co-founder/CEO, Bridge to Renewables (BTR), answered some questions for CleanTechnica.

What does EnergyHub’s technology allow utilities to do?

EnergyHub’s technology empowers utilities to manage distributed energy resources (DERs) like EVs, thermostats, batteries, and other connected devices via a single Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform. This allows utilities to unlock grid-edge flexibility that helps alleviate grid challenges like peak load reduction, local (distribution grid) congestion, and more.

Unlike traditional power plants, which only send power to the bulk system and operate from a single location, VPPs are  made up of distributed energy resources. This distributed nature allows VPPs to support both the bulk system and the local distribution grid, unlocking additional grid value. EnergyHub is working with utility clients to develop new VPP capabilities that use AI-driven optimizations to enable VPPs to  precisely shape load curves. These enhancements enable VPPs to deliver a smooth and flat load shed curve- minimizing snapback – and ultimately support any load shape the utility needs. The result is demand response (DR) resources that behave more like a power plant. 

EVs, with their large batteries and power demands, are a key part of the picture. By managing multiple types of DER in one platform, utilities can tap into the complementary characteristics of each device type to deliver more grid and customer value than would be possible with a single technology alone. Last summer we helped National Grid dynamically shape load using a combination of 20,000 thermostats and 2,400 residential batteries. During this four-hour event, we delivered a consistent load shape and minimal snapback to ensure load shed during coincident peak hours. Utilities are also leveraging EnergyHub’s platform to ensure that EV charging does not overload distribution grid assets. EnergyHub’s optimizations have been proven to extend grid asset lifespan and lower infrastructure upgrade expenses. 

Ultimately, VPPs allow utilities to deliver reliable, affordable electricity service for every customer — whether or not they participate in a flexibility program. By reducing exposure to peak wholesale energy prices and helping squeeze more capacity out of existing grid infrastructure, VPPs bolster system-wide reliability and keep costs down.

How is the EV-telematics platform connected to 500,000+ EVs across 12 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)?

Through its acquisition of Bridge to Renewables (BTR), EnergyHub gains access to direct integrations with 12 leading EV OEMs. BTR’s platform connects with over 500,000 vehicles using embedded telematics to enable participation in Low Carbon Fuel Standards programs today. Increasingly, those same EV OEMs are using their existing integration with BTR to enable participation in utility EV managed charging programs. 

BTR’s technology is key to delivering a seamless driver experience that enables low friction program enrollment, charging optimization for cost and carbon intensity, and rewards tracking, all via drivers’ trusted OEM mobile apps. 

How will the acquisitions allow utilities to manage EVs that use their electricity?

The acquisition accelerates utilities’ ability to integrate EVs into managed charging programs by leveraging BTR’s existing OEM partnerships and telematics integrations. Utilities can more quickly bring participating vehicles into their programs, offering EV drivers app-based experiences that optimize charging for cost and emissions, while enabling grid-responsive behavior that supports grid reliability.

Why are utilities interested in using EVs for virtual power plants?

Utilities view EVs as a critical resource for VPPs due to their growing presence on the grid and flexible charging patterns. Managed EV charging can help shift demand away from peak periods, lower infrastructure upgrade and capacity costs, prevent the overloading of grid assets, and balance intermittent renewable generation. By incorporating EVs into cross-DER VPPs, utilities can reduce operational and supply costs, improve grid stability, and meet decarbonization goals more effectively.

Do utility customers benefit from EV VPPs, and if so, how do they benefit?

Yes, utility customers benefit in multiple ways. EV drivers can optimize charging for lower costs and reduced emissions, often with incentives for participation. Through seamless mobile app experiences enabled by OEM integration, customers gain visibility into their energy impact. More broadly, all customers benefit from enhanced grid reliability and affordability driven by the efficient use of flexible demand.

Can EV managed charging be used to protect distribution hardware? If so, how?

Yes, EV managed charging can help protect distribution infrastructure by smoothing out charging loads and preventing localized stress on transformers and other grid components. By coordinating when and how EVs draw power, utilities can avoid spikes in demand that lead to accelerated wear, outages, or the need for costly upgrades. This proactive load management supports long-term asset health and system reliability.