IBM (News - Alert), which has made remarkable progress building out its sustainable product lines as of late, has its eye on expanding its electric vehicle (EV) smart charging line. The U.S. manufacturing has teamed with Ireland’s ESB to implement a fully integrated smarter charging IT system that will help manage electric vehicle public charge-points, which are being rolled out across Ireland by ESB Networks.

ESB Networks Ltd. is a ring fenced subsidiary within ESB Group and the licensed operator of the electricity distribution system in the Republic of Ireland. ESB Networks Ltd. is responsible for building, operating, maintaining and developing the electricity network and serving all electricity customers in the Republic of Ireland.

Together, ESB and IBM plan to enable EV drivers in Ireland to select convenient payment options and access all charge-points using one ID card – a process that will aggregate usage costs and simplify billing. This smart charging capability allows consumers to charge anywhere at any time, regardless of their electricity provider and without the need to carry multiple access cards.

Drivers will also have the option to use a mobile device or browser to locate the nearest charge post, check its availability, and make a reservation if the post is available.

According to the companies, the project will also provide utilities with access to energy usage data that can help improve smart grid operations, reduce power strain during peak charging times, and ensure reliable energy distribution to customers.

With approximately 1,000 public charging-points currently available, ESB Networks is on track to deliver one of the largest integrated and operational electric vehicle infrastructures in Europe. ESB Networks will use IBM's Intelligent Electric Vehicle Enablement Platform to provide the services needed to operate and manage the charge-points installed throughout Ireland.

As an EU nation, the Republic of Ireland has stringent goals for reducing energy consumption and emissions.

"Green energy and cloud computing are key sectors being targeted by the Government as part of our Action Plan for Jobs,” said Richard Bruton TD, Ireland’s Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. “This innovative partnership between an Irish energy company and a global IT leader puts Ireland at the forefront of global developments in the electric vehicle sector by using cutting edge cloud technologies, and represents a clear demonstration of what is possible in this area. Ireland will now be the first country globally to put in place this system on a national basis.”

“I am determined to ensure that through continued implementation of our plan we will see further examples of leadership in these areas,” he said.

To find out more about IBM visit the company at ITEXPO Austin 2012. Happening now at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX, ITEXPO (News - Alert) is the world’s premier IP communications event. Visit IBM in booth # 1324. For more information on ITEXPO Austin 2012 click here.