Honda has launched its energy management service for electric vehicles (EVs), "e: PROGRESS," in the UK. This service aims to balance the use of renewable energy with reduced charging costs. It marks the first energy management service offered by an automaker in Europe and is available to owners of the "Honda e" EV.

Honda has been selling the "Honda e" EV in the UK since 2020. The company has now launched "e: PROGRESS," an energy management service for EVs, to help balance electricity demand and increase the use of renewable energy by charging EVs during off-peak hours when electricity demand is low and costs are reduced.

"e: PROGRESS" is offered in collaboration with Moixa, a specialist in "resource aggregation" that aims to optimize the balance of power supply and demand by connecting smart charging with power generators, and Octopus Energy, the UK's first energy company to offer variable electricity tariffs. British Gas handles the installation of chargers.

Customers simply input their required charging amount via a smartphone application. Once the Honda e is connected to a home charger, such as the "Honda Power Charger S+," Moixa's software sets the optimal charging schedule. By utilizing the variable electricity tariffs provided by Octopus Energy, charging can be done automatically during times of lower electricity cost.

By using this system, it is estimated that users can save up to £475 (approximately ¥71,000) per year on charging costs, compared to standard electricity rates, assuming an annual mileage of 8,000 miles (approximately 12,875 kilometers).