Search

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.

Other insights from Futurum Research:

Qualcomm’s Updated Premium Snapdragon Mobile Platform Continues Offering Android Users Excellent Gaming and Photography Experiences

Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs to Power Volkswagen’s CARIAD Software Platform to Provide In-Vehicle Assisted and Automated Driving Functions Up to Level 4 by the Mid-2020s

Qualcomm’s Contributions Toward O-RAN and 5G Network Security

Image Credit: Qualcomm

Author Information

Shelly Kramer is a Principal Analyst and Founding Partner at Futurum Research. A serial entrepreneur with a technology centric focus, she has worked alongside some of the world’s largest brands to embrace disruption and spur innovation, understand and address the realities of the connected customer, and help navigate the process of digital transformation. She brings 20 years' experience as a brand strategist to her work at Futurum, and has deep experience helping global companies with marketing challenges, GTM strategies, messaging development, and driving strategy and digital transformation for B2B brands across multiple verticals. Shelly's coverage areas include Collaboration/CX/SaaS, platforms, ESG, and Cybersecurity, as well as topics and trends related to the Future of Work, the transformation of the workplace and how people and technology are driving that transformation. A transplanted New Yorker, she has learned to love life in the Midwest, and has firsthand experience that some of the most innovative minds and most successful companies in the world also happen to live in “flyover country.”

SHARE:

Latest Insights:

The Microsoft’s Teams Features Unveiled at Enterprise Connect 2024 Enhance Collaboration and Productivity in Hybrid Work Environments
Craig Durr, Practice Lead, Workplace Collaboration at The Futurum Group, analyzes Microsoft's latest Teams enhancements, highlighting their impact on hybrid work.
The Six Five team discusses Broadcom “Enabling AI Infrastructure” Investor Meeting 2024.
The Six Five team discusses NVIDIA GTC 2024.