Kaluza & BMW Unveil UK EV Smart Charging to Accelerate Net-Zero

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Net Zero News can reveal that on 18 November 2025, Kaluza and BMW Group announced a collaboration to deliver smarter electric vehicle charging through a direct API integration between BMW’s Remote Charging Control and Kaluza’s advanced optimisation platform. The agreement, disclosed via an online statement, brings together BMW’s vehicle software capabilities with Kaluza’s real-time energy management tools.

The partnership will leverage Kaluza’s machine-learning algorithms to optimise charging times, costs and carbon intensity for BMW drivers. Kaluza’s platform dynamically adjusts charging schedules by analysing electricity prices and grid demand, while BMW’s Remote Charging Control enables customers to set preferred charging windows and maximum charge levels from within the My BMW app. Together, these systems will automatically manage charge sessions to align with periods of lower emissions or reduced network congestion.

This integration marks a further step in the automotive and energy sectors’ efforts to accommodate growing numbers of electric vehicles on Britain’s roads. The UK has committed to phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Meeting these targets will require not only a surge in EV adoption but also intelligent charging solutions that support grid stability and harness renewable generation.

In a significant step towards the UK’s net-zero goals, this collaboration promises to reduce peak power demand by shifting charging away from periods of high network stress. By encouraging charging when low-carbon generation is abundant, it will lower CO₂ emissions associated with running EVs. Net Zero News understands this forms part of a wider trend among automakers and energy technology firms to integrate data-driven platforms for cleaner transport.

No public funding has been reported for the initiative, with both Kaluza and BMW Group financing the development through their own technology investments. Kaluza, a subsidiary of energy company Octopus, brings expertise in smart grid services, while BMW Group contributes its digital vehicle connectivity and user-centric charging controls. The two organisations say this collaboration will enhance the charging experience for drivers and support energy system operators in balancing supply and demand.

This announcement aligns with the UK government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan, which calls for smarter charging infrastructure and demand-side response to help decarbonise road transport. The Department for Transport has set targets for rapid expansion of public and domestic charging points, while Ofgem’s Future Energy Scenarios highlight the growing need for flexibility as EV numbers increase. Net Zero News understands this forms part of the regulatory emphasis on electrification and intelligent energy management.

Local network operators have also been preparing for higher EV penetration by trialling flexible charging schemes and exploring vehicle-to-grid services. The Kaluza-BMW integration could provide a template for wider industry collaboration, offering grid operators real-time data on charging patterns and the capacity to modulate demand during peak events. Communities stand to benefit from reduced infrastructure upgrade costs and fewer localised power outages.

Rolling out this service to BMW drivers is expected in the coming months, with ongoing refinements to both the My BMW app and Kaluza’s optimisation engine. Future enhancements may include integration with renewable generation forecasts and compatibility with additional EV brands. Net Zero News will continue to monitor how this partnership influences charging behaviour, grid resilience and progress towards the UK’s net-zero objectives.

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