New-Tech Europe Magazine | March 2018

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effectively, energy stored in electric vehicle batteries could be transferred between the grid, homes and back to electric vehicles when needed. This form of energy storage will have a significant role to play in the evolution of the energy market. Honda has already taken the first step in helping this vision become a reality with the development of the Power Manager unit. The system enables the collection and distribution of electricity between the grid, homes and businesses, and electric vehicles. The Power Manager units will be used to help stabilise the grid at times of either short or surplus supply and will work by aggregating and distributing energy to and from the grid through solar panel- equipped homes or workplaces, and electric vehicles. Participating customers will also have the opportunity to sell electricity back to the grid, or spare capacity in their vehicle battery, creating a financial income. Jørgen Pluym, Project Leader, Electrification & Home Energy Management for Honda Motor Europe, said: “It is exciting for Honda to be a part of the EV-elocity project, which aims to unlock new infrastructure models to support the wider and smarter use of renewable energy. As well as providing a direct benefit to the grid, this initiative will demonstrate value for consumers, as the

technology allows them to earn money from surplus energy put back into the grid. The provision of both electric vehicle and energy management to the customer is an offer unique to Honda.” Tom Harper, EV-elocity consortium lead and Head of UK Utilities for A.T. Kearney commented, “Retaining customers and broadening the range of services offered is central to a lot of energy retail strategies. V2G is an exciting opportunity as the value on offer per vehicle is sizeable. EV-elocity will take V2G beyond a technology trial; with a view to defining scalable propositions that use this value to benefit consumers and help businesses define new offerings at scale” The EV-elocity consortium members include A.T. Kearney, Honda Motor Europe, University of Nottingham, Warwick University, The Peel Group, Cenex, Ecar club, Brixworth Technology and a UK- based energy supply business, Leeds City Council and Nottingham City Council. The EV-elocity project programme is the latest step in Honda’s roll- out of next generation energy management technologies. Honda is also running trials of its Power Manager ‘V2G’ technology as part of the SMILE project in France, and is preparing to introduce the technology to several other projects across Europe.

Bosch reaches agreement with EU Commission on joint settlement of antitrust proceedings

Stuttgart and Brussels – The EU Commission today imposed fines totaling 151.5 million euros on a number of automotive suppliers. The fines relate to anticompetitive practices between 2000 and 2011. These practices concerned certain spark-plug and brake products. The case, which has now been closed by the EU Commission, is one of a series of investigations

and the company’s values code, as it places great importance on legal compliance and good business conduct. Bosch upholds the principle of unfettered competition, and strives to achieve a leading market position solely on the basis of the performance and quality of its products. The technology and services

into the automotive supply industry as a whole conducted by antitrust authorities worldwide since 2010. Bosch cooperated closely with the European Commission to clarify all the details of the matter. For unfair practices relating to individual spark-plug and brake products, the company has to pay a fine totaling 77.2 million euros. In the case of spark-plug products, the fine is 45.8 million euros, and in the case of brake products 31.4 million euros. Values and compliance Bosch does not tolerate any infringements of company guidelines

company now has a modern compliance organization, which advises associates and supports them in making the right decisions. It keeps Bosch associates informed and provides them with training on all relevant compliance issues. In all, more than 150,000 associates worldwide have already received training on the Bosch code of business conduct, and around 80,000 associates have been trained on antitrust law. The compliance organization is also responsible for monitoring and, if necessary, investigating any instances of non- compliance with guidelines.

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