Siemens and ConnectDER have linked up to provide a more accessible, cheaper, less timely EV connection for your at-home chargers. If these companies can do everything they are focused on, this could be a complete game changer for the future installations of chargers for the average consumer. As I have many questions, I’m sure you do too. But, to understand why this could be ground-breaking for these companies, we must understand who they are and how they work.
Who is Siemens?
Their website describes them as “ a global innovator focusing on digitalization, electrification and automation for the process and manufacturing industries, and is a leader in power generation and distribution, intelligent infrastructure, and distributed energy systems.” This company is shaping the current market for the now and the future. A quote from the connectDER website explains it better than most: "SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet.”
What is ConnectDER, and how does it work?
Their website explains that “ConnectDER unlocks the massive potential of DERs by turning the meter socket into the utility’s all-in-one plug-in point for solar, storage, EVs, and beyond.” In addition, ConnectDER produces meter collars that allow the electrician to install directly between your meter and meter socket to give you a single plug-and-play access for DER installation.
Siemens and ConnectDER collaborate exclusively to enable electricians to quickly establish a home charging system for an electric car without upgrading their existing electrical box and/or panel. Instead, your EV charging station is wired directly into your home’s electrical meter, making the installation instantaneous.
What’s the advantage of using this technology?
First, it decreases overall costs by eliminating additional work by an estimated 60-80% and reduces components, upgrades, and installation time from hours to minutes to your existing system. Secondly, connectDER offers enhanced safety by having that standardized interconnection. Lastly, it removes the obstacles and overcomes the challenges faced by the likelihood of outdated electrical panels due to the age of your home, which can be a significant roadblock, especially for low to middle-class homeowners.
Senior Vice President of strategic partnerships at Siemens, Chris King, says, "While the EV industry continues to show explosive growth, to meet critical net-zero carbon emission goals like we have at Siemens, we must remove obstacles to broader adoption. ConnectDER’s innovative solution to simplify home EV charging helps overcome these challenges and we are excited to work with its team to rapidly roll out this product.” A spokesperson for the company shared that these adapters will likely hit the market in early 2023 through various sources.
We are working towards a cleaner, less polluted environment, but will this genuinely serve as a save-all, end-all? Will this provide continued savings and no hassle installations as consumers turn to EVs over time?
