On November 18, 2024, from 14:00 to 15:30, we are inviting cities, regions, and local grid operators to share their experiences with procurement and projects related to smart and bidirectional EV infrastructure. They will present their ambitions, challenges, achievements and needs. We will also discuss how cooperation and knowledge exchange can support European cities in this innovative field. Additionally, we invite all interested cities to review or contribute to the proposed annex for V2G/V2X in the European STF Procurement Handbook. 

Register here.

An open agenda

This 2nd Bidirectional Cities Event (online) will focus on the needs and priorities of European cities and grid operators when it comes to advancing V2G technology and smart charging. Agenda points include:

• Short recap of the first webinar of the joint public procurement webinar held in October 
• Stories + Q&A: interest, considerations and potential barriers of different European cities regarding V2G and/or smart charging. 
• Collaboration on annex for STF Handbook: guidelines and tendering processes.   
• Preview of SCALE’s open-source urban planning tool, for integrated EV mobility and energy planning. 
• 3rd Bidirectional Cities Event (Online) – February 2025, 1.5 hours 
• Results in projects in different cities and regions. 
• Validation of the guideliness for V2X procurement 4th Bidirectional Cities Event (Hybrid* in Utrecht/Arnhem) – April 2025, 1.5 hours 
• Showcase of results and further scaling opportunities.   
• Live demo of large scale V2G and smart charging. 

By joining, you will gain strategic and practical support for integrating V2G into your city’s public charging infrastructure. Whether you’re from a local authority or a grid operator, this programme will provide you with the tools and network you need. 

SCALE Joint Procurement Program: Why should you join our events? 

• Tailored Insights: Learn how to integrate V2G technology effectively with procurement guidelines, technical requirements, and real-world case studies from other cities. 
• Collaboration: Exchange knowledge and experiences with peers across Europe who are also responsible for public charging infrastructure.
• Support: Access hands-on guidance and best practices to take the next steps in procurement of smart and V2G EV charging infrastructure, from technical specifications to lessons learned. 

This event series is a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and explore the next steps your city or region can take to implement V2G solutions. Your feedback will help shape practical steps and guide the development of the programme. Let’s collaborate to make V2G a reality in your area. It will be facilitated by representatives from the City of Utrecht, a front runner on public V2G charging infrastructure!

Earlier this year, we launched a series of events focused on Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Implementation and Procurement, as part of our Joint Procurement Programme, specifically designed for those responsible for public charging infrastructure (destination charging) in cities and regions — from local authorities to grid operators.  A first webinar was organised on October 3rd 2024, a second is scheduled for November 18, 2024, from 14:00 to 15:30. We are inviting cities, regions, and local grid operators to share their experiences with procurement and projects related to smart and bidirectional EV infrastructure. Register here.

Insights from the 1st Bidirectional Cities Webinar

The webinar opened with a short introduction to SCALE by coordinator Baerte de Brey (Elaad) before delving into the story of Utrecht as the first bidirectional city (presented by Gertjan Geurts, Bart van der Ree and Matthijs Kok).

Utrecht’s V2G Journey

The municipality of Utrecht’s V2G beginnings started small with an initial pilot neighbourhood, it was seen as a ‘bonus’ in a public tender for charging stations for V2G-ready charging points. In its subsequent tenders for public and semi-public charging stations, V2G specifications became a requirement, demonstrating a gradual scaling up enabled in close collaboration with ElaadNL, the smart charging research center from the collective Dutch grid operators. 

Utrecht is building a bidirectional network (V2G) with presently over 700 V2G charging points in the city, growing exponentially in the upcoming years. While the city is building a V2G network, smart charging (V1G) is already implemented on a large scale and expected to be rolled out to most of the 4000+ public charging points in 2025. The approach is in line with the Dutch national Smart charging for all 2022-2025 action plan.

Two findings shared by Utrecht are: 1) that paused charging during moments of grid congestion can significantly increase the effectiveness of smart charging, and 2) that V2G offers significant advantages on top of smart charging regarding the imminent electricity grid congestion management. The latter is a severe issue in Utrecht with its high penetrations of rooftop solar panels (33%), growing deployment of EV charging infrastructure and rapidly rising numbers of heat pumps. However, this is not only an issue in Utrecht. It risks becoming one in many other European cities and regions. 

Making connections with the STF Procurement Handbook

After the insights and experience from Utrecht, Edwin Bestebreurtje from FIER provided an overview of the Sustainable Transport Forum’s Procurement Handbook with Recommendations for public authorities on electric charging and recharging infrastructure for passenger cars and vans. The handbook was presented because the work developed under SCALE’s Joint Procurement Programme could support the definition of the specific requirements related to V2G in the STF’s handbook. This could take the shape, for example, of an annex with or future revisions to the handbook on the current status of V2G. The idea is to include specific examples/use cases from cities already involved in V2G activities, such as the experience of Utrecht and ElaadNL in tendering for future-proof, V2G ready charging infrastructure.

Closing Words

In the final presentation of the webinar, Baerte de Brey (ElaadNL) contextualised the grid congestion in supply and demand, giving an overview of requirements for generators, or harmonisation of standards when connecting to the grid, providing recommendations on hard- and software for operators.  At the end of 2023, ACER submitted to the European Commission proposed amendments to the network code on requirements for grid connection of generators which establishes common standards that generators must respect to connect to the grid. 

Key points of discussions with the participants

In an active discussion among panelists and participants, the following questions and action points were discussed: 

• Existence of charger manufacturers that can supply AC V2G chargers today
• How SCALE has engaged with vehicle manufacturers to deploy ISO15118-20 on their vehicles, and to enable them to function as part of a fully open V2G ecosystem 
• The legislative needs for cities and regions to tender V2G charging 
• How would a general roadmap for V2G adoption look like 
• What are the advantages of AC and DC V2G charging and will they continue to co-exist in the market? 
• Harmonization of technologies, policies and protocols and the need to use/require open standards so that the system becomes interoperable, and lock-ins are avoided.
• The new IEA Task 53 which could be approached for collaboration 
• Interoperability between EV chargers and IS15118-20 cars now emerging on the market. Several partners in SCALE are testing that interoperability. 
• The steps being made by SCALE to streamline cooperation between local authorities and DSOs for the integrated planning/deployment of charging infrastructure and the power system. 

Resources

The bidirectional city of Utrecht​: Our story: Why, How, What, the Results and the Future ​ 

• Gertjan Geurts​, Project leader V2G/V2X/Smart Charging, City of Utrecht 
• Bart van der Ree​, Energy transition – consultant and project leader, City of Utrecht 
• Matthijs Kok, ​Developer E-mobility and New Energy, City of Utrecht 

Joint procurement program and the Sustainable Transport Forum Handbook  

Edwin Bestebreurtje, Partner, FIER 

European ecosystem for V2G 

Baerte de Brey, Chief International Officer, ElaadNL 

Recording of the webinar

 

SCALE launches an e-course for public authorities on smart charging

SCALE is launching a three-module e-course designed specifically for public authorities. This comprehensive course coordinated by Rupprecht Consult will equip participants with a solid understanding of the essential concepts, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic approaches needed to implement efficient and sustainable smart charging infrastructure in cities and regions. 

Starting strong with a kickoff webinar 

In the kick-off webinar will start with a brief introduction of our project, followed by an introduction to the e-course and its relevance for public authorities in building knowledge on smart charging. Next, we will provide an overview of the course content and its various units, along with detailed instructions on how to get the most out of the course and meet the certification requirements by participating in discussion forums and completing short assignments. Lastly, we will offer a step-by-step registration guide for those who have not yet registered. 

The e-course kick-off webinar is on 12 November (12:30 to 13:30). Register now.

You can also register to the e-course now!

E-Course Fundamentals

What will you learn from the course? 

The e-course is designed for public authorities working on public charging infrastructure. It will cover:  

• The basics of smart charging and V2G and V2X concepts and their benefits for cities and municipalities 
• The role of EV users in the roll-out of future proofed charging infrastructure, which users rely on public charging, how they can help cities roll-out public charging, and other behavioural factors. 
• The EU policy landscape on EVs, smart charging and V2G and what AFIR means to publicly accessible smart charging infrastructure  
• A breakdown of the value chain, related stakeholders and the services that are in play within smart charging and V2G ecosystem 
• New energy and mobility services at a glance from different stakeholders’ point of view 
• Types of smart charging and V2G infrastructure and their main differences and advantages. 
• The link between shared mobility and V2G: opportunities, role of cities and best practices 
• Approaches to planning and designing smart charging infrastructure and asses charging infrastructure needs 
• Procurements models of charging infrastructure and future-proofing, charging location planning and joint procurement opportunities. 
• Funding charging infrastructure such as ownership, budget planning and funding channels 

Photo: EVs charging in Utrecht (2019), source: Shutterstock, 1452754487

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The overall context of the V2X Alliance

According to its 2030 climate and energy framework, the European Union aims to achieve at least 40% cuts in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 1990 levels, at least a 32% share of renewable energy, and at least a 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency. Meanwhile, as part of the European Green Deal, the European Commission seeks to raise the 2030 target to 50-55% cuts in emissions and to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

The foundation of the European V2X Alliance

In this era where sustainable energy transitions are crucial, Horizon Europe initiatives delved into smart charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), aspiring to revolutionise the way we harness renewable energy. One of these initiatives, SCALE (Smart Charging Alignment for Europe), is now establishing the European V2X Alliance, an alliance that promises to spearhead the advancement and implementation of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies.

The inception of the European V2X Alliance

The establishment of the V2X Alliance is a paramount component of SCALE’s approach to fostering collaboration and enhancing stakeholder engagement. The V2X Alliance is supported by the V2X cluster Horizon Europe projects EV4EU, DriVe2X, FLOW Project and XL-CONNECT. The European V2X Alliance is designed to encompass a multi-stakeholder group, with the ambition the advancement and implementation of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies. This alliance will capitalise on capacity-building activities, best practice replication, and the development of synergy-enhancing events.

Goals and Objectives of the European V2X Alliance

The V2X Alliance has several core objectives that align with the broader goals of the SCALE project:

1. Facilitating Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: by bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders from different value chains, the alliance seeks to foster synergies and improve collaboration across the EV ecosystem.
2. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: through training courses, webinars, conferences, and publications, the alliance will enhance stakeholders’ understanding and capabilities in smart and bi-directional charging.
3. Standardisation and Policy Advocacy: the alliance aims to create a standardised framework for charging infrastructure, legal and technical integration of V2X technologies, as well as spatial integration strategies.
4. Post-Project Implementation: ensuring the legacy of SCALE’s results by promoting ongoing deployment and exploitation of its findings after the project’s end.

Engaging diverse stakeholders

To achieve its ambitious goals, the V2X Alliance will cater various target groups:

• Citizens and End-Users: EV drivers are central to the success of smart charging and V2X technologies. Engagement activities including surveys, workshops, and co-design initiatives will ensure their active participation and contribution to the system design.
• Industry Players: The involvement of vehicle manufacturers, grid operators, CPOs, and energy suppliers is crucial. These stakeholders will benefit from joint procurement strategies, participation in capacity-building exercises, and access to SCALE’s insights and deliverables.
• Local and Regional Authorities: Policymakers and urban planners will have the chance to integrate SCALE’s smart charging solutions into their climate action plans, guided by the project’s validated concepts and strategic frameworks.
• Academia and Research Institutions: Researchers will have access to open science resources, enabling them to exploit SCALE’s data and findings while adhering to GDPR and confidentiality regulations.

What to expect

The European V2X Alliance, in its final form, will consist of at least 50 external key actors and will be built through existing partnerships, Innovation Clusters, EU projects, as well as networks with cities, regions, and operators. The representatives of each organisation that chooses to compose the V2X Alliance can expect their future presence and participation in the alliance’s activities (both virtually and in-person). This includes the possibility to participate in online and physical meetings, use-case tests in selected pilot locations, and knowledge-exchange activities (webinars and e-courses).

Participation in the alliance is voluntary, but its members will be strongly encouraged to sign an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding). After having expressed their interest, members of the alliance can join the group without any legal procedure and are not in any way bound by any legal obligations. Similarly, members may choose to quit the alliance without any legal procedures required. Nevertheless, upon accepting to participate in the alliance, members are expected to comply with basic antitrust and GDPR rules. Finally, participation in the European V2X Alliance does not entail any kind of remuneration or monetary compensation for its participating members.

The path forward

The establishment of the European V2X Alliance marks a milestone in the journey to advance smart charging and V2X technologies. By fostering collaboration across sectors, building capacity, and advocating for standardisation, the alliance is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the sustainable energy landscape of Europe. As we look forward to the future, the legacy of SCALE’s efforts will live on through the enduring impact of the V2X Alliance. Together, we can harness the flexibility of EV batteries to create a resilient and sustainable energy system for all.

How to join

Interested members can express their interest in joining the European V2X Alliance by contacting the following SCALE partners:

• Baerte de Brey (ElaadNL) – SCALE’s Project Coordinator ElaadNL – baerte.de.brey@elaad.nl
• Pedro Gomes (POLIS Network) – SCALE’s Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation Manager – pgomes@polisnetwork.eu

About SCALE

SCALE explores, tests, and validates various smart charging and V2X ecosystems, with the ultimate goal of creating a resilient and user-centric energy system. The project tests and validates a variety of smart charging and V2X solutions and services in 13 use cases in real-life demonstrations in 7 European contexts: Oslo (NO), Utrecht (NL), Eindhoven (NL), Toulouse (FR), Greater Munich Area (GER), Budapest/Debrecen (HU) and Gothenburg (SE). The initiatives within these cities are expected to generate invaluable insights, best practices, and lessons learned, benefiting stakeholders across Europe and shaping a blueprint for future implementations.

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Press Release available in PDF format:

Researchers from Utrecht University and TU Delft have shown that adding charging pauses doubles the effectiveness of smart charging.

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The German Advisory Board of the National Centre for Charging Infrastructure published recommendations on bidirectional charging.

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SCALE organised a webinar on gender diversity in the electromobility sector on International Women’s Day.

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Our third webinar focused on the consumers. It looked at their preferences, incentives, and motivations in smart and V2X charging. We heard from Ellen Hiep (Dutch EV Drivers’ Association) who presented SCALE research on consumer behaviour in smart and V2X charging and Evangelos Karfopoulos (National Technical University of Athens) who showcased eCharge4Drivers research on EV drivers’ a priori concerns. The session was moderated by Edwin Bestebreurtje (FIER Sustainable Mobility).   

An overview of how EV drivers in seven European countries look at vehicle-to-anything (V2X) and smart charging

Ellen Hiep  

As part of SCALE, this year, the Dutch (VER) and Norwegian (Elbil) EV drivers’ associations, with the support of Global EV Alliance (GEVA) undertook an extensive survey on how electric drivers perceive V2X and smart charging. Over 3 000 EV drivers responded across seven European countries (Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Austria, Norway, and the Netherlands). The two EV associations also did in-depth expert interviews with representatives from EV drivers in these countries. The survey results were published in a SCALE deliverable (see deliverable at the bottom of the article).

An overview of the key findings from the survey: 

Smart charging 

• Respondents were aware of what smart charging is and were either willing or already doing it. 
• Their motivations to do smart charging are the financial gains and because it is more environmentally friendly.  
• Drivers want to have control and insights over the smart charging sessions. 

• Most users trust OEMs or grid operators/electricity providers most to control their smart charging process. There are variations between countries: while in Poland, users trust car manufacturers twice as much as grid operators, in the Netherlands, it is the opposite. Many users stated that they only trust themselves and no third parties. 
• Recommendations: Addressing user needs and expectations while effectively communicating the benefits of smart charging will be key to widespread adoption. 

V2X 

• Most drivers recognize the value of V2X with a strong preference for V2H (Vehicle to Home) options such as solar panels and smart house technology. Again, there are variations related to local context. In the Netherlands, 45% of users claimed they would want to use V2X to contribute to overall grid stability. This was the lowest priority for Norwegian EV drivers.  
• 8 out of 10 EV drivers have concerns related to V2X adoption. The biggest ones are battery degradation (these where higher in countries with lower EV penetration rates), fears that their EV will not have enough battery capacity when they need it and handing over control of charging. 

• The willingness to participate in V2G is not very high but increases a lot when there are financial benefits. 

Going further 

• It is crucial to differentiate between smart charging and V2X, as they represent distinct concepts that require a differentiation of strategies for adoption.  
• The literature review shows a lack of consumer-oriented research on smart charging and V2X technology.  
• The varying perceptions toward V2X adoption, concerns, and interests, needs to be taken into consideration when this new technology is being debated and developed. 

EV Charging Infrastructure for improved User Experience: A priori user survey

Evangelos Karfopoulos  

eCharge4Drivers, a Horizon 2020 project (2020-2024), is enhancing the EV charging experience in urban areas and on trans-national corridors. It offers user-centric and interoperable solutions including improved charging infrastructure, e-mobility services and decision support tools. 

What are EV drivers’ main barriers? 

A survey undertaken in 2020 and 2023 by SBD Automotive showcases shifting EV drivers’ barriers as the market matures. Range anxiety and the price of EVs are decreasing barriers for drivers to get an EV. 

A 2021 eCharge4Drivers survey (see publication at bottom of the article), which collected around 3 000 responses, found:  

• Drivers prefer to charge at home. Around 90% of users charge at home, but also want access to public charging.  
• They park for approximately 12 hours, ideal for smart charging services. 
• Smart charging flexibility. Users can provide 45 min. – 3 hours of flexibility during slow charging and 30 min to an hour for fast chargers, with smart charging better suited for slow charging. 
• Public charging point occupancy is low: it varies from 9% to 32% (in rare cases).  

• Users are willing to pay more for fast charging solutions.  
• Most survey respondents were male, suggesting a need to actively work on strategies to include women in the e-mobility evolution and make it more gender-balanced. 

How can some of the EV users’ barriers be overcome?  

• Implement pricing policies that are simple and transparent via mobile applications as well as on the charging station. Allow ad-hoc payment without any contract is crucial. 
• Provide e-mobility services facilitating user’s accessibility and charging experience (routing, booking, smart charging). 

• Offer diverse charging technologies (public/private, AC/DC) to adequately develop charging infrastructure, including V2X and options for light vehicles (e.g., battery swapping). 
• Plan an adequate (public) charging network considering grid constraints and maximise the usage of existing charging network. 
• Offer incentives and advanced tariffication schemes to support the wide deployment of charging infrastructure. 

Successful deployment of smart charging in Grenoble  

As part of eCharge4Drivers, a Grenoble demo is showcasing the correlation between EV charging and PV production (see powerpoint for diagrams). Smart charging was done in more than 90% of the cases by the users (it is an acceptable and beneficial service for EV users) and it led to a 20% cost reduction and a 95% increase in solar self-consumption. 

Echarge4drivers is currently in the demo phase, testing smart tariff acceptance in Barcelona, exploring auto consumption in Grenoble, and gamifying charging certificates in Luxembourg. 

Final discussion points during the panel

• Is there a European or common understanding of what V2X and smart charging is? No, and this may be complicated due to national variations in its conceptualisation and the number of parties involved. 
• Is V2H popular because it’s what users understand best? It’s easier for users to see the benefits of Vehicle to Home because they can directly benefit from cheap and green energy, and financial gains. They have and see the direct connection between the home and the vehicle. It’s a great way forward to start the V2X transition. Overall, EV users want to know what and how they can benefit from smart charging or V2X.  

• Business models. V2G and V2X are different concepts with various business opportunities. V2H is limited only to the house, but V2G could provide wider services to more stakeholders. However, currently there are few mechanisms to fully exploit the V2G functionality. 
• There are still few V2X capable vehicles. For users, it’s not (really) possible for most EV drivers to use the technology yet. In addition, in most European countries, V2G is not possible especially in for public charging.   

Recording: Webinar 3 – Consumer Preferences, Incentives and Motivations in Smart and V2X Charging – YouTube

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