THE PROBLEM: An estimated two million electric vehicle (EV) charge stations are deployed today, and a significant portion of them are non-networked. This lack of network connectivity does not allow for monitoring and control of these charge sessions to optimize for cost or grid constraints. Networked electric vehicle charging stations overcome barriers associated with non-networked stations by enabling real-time monitoring, cost optimization, grid integration, improved user experience and remote maintenance and diagnostics.

THE SOLUTION: Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) developed hardware that fits onto the connector of non-networked EV charge stations, along with a companion mobile app. This plug-and-play adapter retrofits EV charge stations, enabling them to become smart, networked charge stations. This innovation extends the life of the roughly two million legacy EV charge stations, delaying the cost and waste of replacing them. For these EV charge station owners, smart charging makes powering their vehicles cheaper by optimizing power use and integrating their charging into the smart grid.

THE TECH TRANSFER MECHANISM: In 2014, ANL principal electrical engineer Jason Harper conceived the idea for the EV charger adapter and brought it to the DOE’s Lab-Corps (now Energy I-Corps) immersive training program. A grant from the DOE’s Technology Commercialization Fund and a partnership with engineers in Argonne’s Smart Grid Electric Vehicle Interoperability Center were key to the technology’s development. Harper also worked with Argonne’s Science and Technology Partnerships and Outreach (S&TPO) directorate to secure patents in the U.S. and European Union. In 2023, ANL licensed the technology to EVmatch, granting a 10-year right to commercialize and an innovative combination of select patent claims (exclusive) and copyrights (non-exclusive). The two parties also signed a Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) agreement to help ensure the transfer’s success.

THE TECH TRANSFER EXCELLENCE: This T2 effort showcases a series of innovative strategies. The lead inventor actively engaged in DOE's Lab-Corps program to assess the commercial potential of the initial idea. The team skillfully used DOE Technology Commercialization Fund support to propel early-stage development. Through extensive market research, they identified and pre-vetted over 25 potential partners, engaged prospects through direct marketing, employed a competitive partner selection process, and devised a license that builds in both flexibility for Argonne and market impact through exclusive patent claims and non-exclusive copyrights. In selecting EVmatch, ANL gained a partner that aligns with its organizational goals.

THE OUTCOMES: The technology transfer of the EVmatch Adapter brings sizable benefits on multiple fronts. EVmatch helps owners and operators save money in the short and long term: The smart adapter technology reduces energy costs by charging when electricity rates are low, and improves overall charging station efficiency by enabling real-time monitoring, grid-friendly scheduling, and remote maintenance, thereby transforming non-networked stations into intelligent and cost-effective components of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This transfer can help accelerate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, which will be critical to our ability to reduce carbon emissions in the coming years; importantly, this aligns with ANL’s and DOE’s missions for sustainable transportation and clean-energy technology advancement.