Oslo-based smart energy firm Volue and the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association (Norsk Elbilforening) have announced a partnership aimed at rewarding electric vehicle (EV) owners who charge their vehicles at optimal times.

The initiative is available to members living in areas covered by grid company Norgesnett and offers discounts for charging in a grid friendly way. 

Many Norwegian homeowners have upgraded their homes with solar panels. They not only generate electricity for individual households but also contribute excess power to the grid. However, when surplus energy is produced during low-demand periods, it can create grid operational violations. 

Volue has developed a way to ensure surplus energy does not go to waste. When excess electricity is generated, nearby consumers can receive discounts on their electricity bills and network fees if they use the surplus energy to charge their EVs. Additionally, grid friendly charging reduces energy consumption during peak demand hours, easing the load on the power grid.

“Now it really pays to charge smartly,” said Sigrid Lønn from Volue (www.volue.com). “With the Electric Vehicle Association’s new smart charging service, members can receive an additional 1500 kroner per year in discounts. This is on top of traditional smart charging savings, ensuring consumers are compensated for contributing to a more intelligent and efficient power grid.”

Martin Fossum, head of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association’s Charging Club, added: “This marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration. We recognise the importance of maintaining a healthy power grid, and this ensures benefits for all involved. Local electricity use reduces strain on grid infrastructure, and cheaper power is a win for EV owners and households alike.”

This announcement follows the launch of eNabo last year through Volue’s partnership with Norgesnett (norgesnett.no), Norway’s first service allowing customers to be rewarded for using electricity in ways that support local grid efficiency. The collaboration is part of the Spark by Volue initiative, a growing network of partners committed to advancing sustainable energy.

With this latest initiative, Volue and the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association (elbil.no) continue to drive forward innovations that make energy consumption more efficient, sustainable and rewarding for consumers.

Kjetil Storset, head of Spark by Volue (www.voluespark.com), said: “Through grid friendly charging of EVs, we are transforming home EV charging from a grid capacity challenge into part of the solution. Together with the Norwegian EV Association, we are making it easier for EV drivers to charge smart, saving money while supporting a more stable power grid.”