What's the big deal?

Utilities and electric vehicle (EV) chargers have been testing virtual smart meters for a while now. The idea is that the virtual meter can provide the utility with data about how much electricity the charger is using and when. This is important information for the utility, because it can help them to manage the grid and ensure that there is enough power for everyone. It can also help the utility to understand how electric vehicles are being used, and to plan for the future. But virtual meters are not just for utilities - they can also be used by EV charger manufacturers. By understanding how their chargers are being used, manufacturers can improve the design of their chargers and make them more efficient. Clippercreek and Itron are two companies that are working on virtual meter technology for EV chargers. They are testing their systems with real customers, and so far the results are very positive.

How does it work?

The virtual meter is essentially a software application that runs on the charger. It communicates with the charger, and also with the utility's smart grid. The meter keeps track of how much electricity is being used, and when. It also has a "demand response" feature that can be used to reduce the amount of power being used during times of high demand. This is important because it can help to prevent blackouts and brownouts. When the demand for power is high, the virtual meter will automatically reduce the amount of power being used by the charger. This can be done by reducing the charging rate, or by stopping the charging entirely. In some cases, the charger may even be able to sell power back to the grid. The virtual meter is a flexible and powerful tool that can be used to manage the power demand of electric vehicles. It is an important part of the future of electric vehicles, and Clippercreek and Itron are leading the way in its development.