Qualcomm’s Powerline Communication Device (PLC) Supports EV-Charging Vehicle-to-Grid Systems

The News: A new, next-generation powerline communication device (PLC) unveiled by Qualcomm will support the expanding need for EV charger smart-grid communications. The device helps balance energy flow between EVs and the grid to increase E-Mobility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read the Press Release from Qualcomm here.

Qualcomm’s Powerline Communication Device (PLC) Supports EV-Charging Vehicle-to-Grid Systems

Analyst Take: Qualcomm recently introduced a new, next-generation powerline communication device (PLC) that supports electric vehicle (EV) charging station-to-vehicle smart-grid communications. The EV market continues to expand at an exponential rate, creating a distinct need for charging stations with grid offload capabilities, known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems. Qualcomm’s powerline communication device, the QCA7006AQ, enables smart-grid integration for electric vehicle supply equipment using the international standard Combined Charging System.

The Qualcomm PLC offers advanced bidirectional communication capabilities between an EV and charging station to manage and balance energy flow between vehicles and the grid. Included smart-grid applications will allow users to identify optimal charging times, make authenticated automated charging payments, and extract energy from their EVs as needed. These capabilities are a vital addition to EV-charging infrastructure, as they minimize peak load power generation and distribution requirements while supporting the growing need for charging stations.

Qualcomm, already a leading innovator in wireless technology, has been making significant inroads in the automotive market — and this is yet another example of that focus. The next-gen Qualcomm PLC will be a valuable addition to the EV market. The QCA7006AQ is the first PLC to support an ethernet digital interface alongside HomePlug Audio Video streaming, which provides an alternate wired data connection to the cloud. The device is planned to be available in Q4 2022.

The automotive industry is increasingly shaped by EV technology, and Qualcomm is positioning itself as a major player and ally to the industry by developing PLC technology solutions that tie EV charging capabilities to the smart-grid and the cloud. Even better, Qualcomm’s PLC offerings also align with the company’s environmental sustainability efforts by contributing to substantial reduction of greenhouse gases through the advancement of EV technology, and supporting E-Mobility and progress toward a net-zero emissions society. As the lead of our ESG practice here at Futurum Research, that’s something I love seeing. Smart-grid integration is a significant step forward for vehicle-to-grid systems, and one that opens possibilities for further advanced applications in the future. It’s encouraging to see tech giants like Qualcomm innovating and investing in the green technology space and I’m sure there’s more of that coming from Qualcomm moving forward.

Disclosure: Futurum Research is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.

Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of Futurum Research as a whole.

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Image Credit: Qualcomm

The original version of this article was first published on Futurum Research.