SCALE is re-launching its comprehensive e-course designed specifically for public authorities. Coordinated by Rupprecht Consult, this four-module course equips participants with the essential knowledge, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic approaches needed to plan and implement efficient and sustainable smart charging infrastructure in cities and regions.

This updated edition includes a brand-new Unit 4, expanding the course content and offering fresh perspectives on global applications of smart and bi-directional charging (V2X).

What You’ll Learn

The SCALE e-course provides public authorities with a structured, in-depth learning experience covering:

• The fundamentals of smart charging, V2G, and V2X technologies and their benefits for municipalities.
• The role of EV users and behavioural factors in developing future-proof public charging infrastructure.
• The EU policy landscape, including the AFIR regulation, and its implications for publicly accessible smart charging.
• A clear breakdown of the smart charging and V2G value chain, including key stakeholders and services.
• Insights into energy and mobility services from multiple stakeholder perspectives.
• Different types of smart charging infrastructure: their advantages, use cases, and technical distinctions.
• The connection between shared mobility and V2G, and best practices from leading cities.
• Approaches to planning, designing, and procuring charging infrastructure, including joint procurement opportunities.
• Guidance on funding models, ownership structures, and budget planning for charging networks.

NEW: Expanding Smart Charging and V2X Beyond Europe

The new Unit 4, titled “Expanding Smart Charging and V2X Beyond Europe,” invites policymakers, planners, and mobility innovators to explore how emerging markets can lead the global energy transition.
Participants will gain insights into:

• Global communication standards and infrastructure requirements;
• Policy frameworks and implementation strategies for non-EU contexts;
• Solutions for grid instability, energy access, and affordability challenges;
• How smart charging innovation can boost energy resilience, job creation, and sustainable mobility.

With a focus on practical applications and real-world examples, this self-paced online course offers an invaluable learning opportunity for local and regional authorities worldwide.

👉 Enroll now and discover how smarter charging leads to a smarter, more sustainable future.

🔗 Explore the course on mobility-academy.eu

The European landscape of mobility innovation has taken a decisive step forward with the launch of the V2X Cluster, a joint initiative uniting several Horizon Europe projects to advance vehicle-to-everything technologies. SCALE, alongside Drive2X, EV4EU, ePowerMove, FLOW, Neverflat, AHEAD and XL-Connect. This collaboration aims at ensuring that Europe leads in the deployment of interoperable, sustainable and user-centred solutions for electric and connected mobility.

The cluster reflects a shared recognition that the decarbonisation of transport requires more than advances in vehicle design alone. At the heart of the V2X vision is the capacity for vehicles to communicate directly with infrastructure, energy networks, and each other. By doing so, they can unlock a range of services that increase efficiency, safety, and resilience. The participating projects each bring a specific focus, from bidirectional charging and integration with renewable energy, to intelligent traffic flow and infrastructure-ready fast charging.

SCALE contributes expertise in smart charging and interoperability, ensuring that end-users are able to seamlessly connect across different systems and regions. Drive2X is developing large-scale demonstrations of vehicle-grid interaction, while EV4EU explores decentralised control strategies for electric vehicle fleets. ePowerMove is focusing on high-power charging solutions designed for widespread deployment, and FLOW investigates new approaches to traffic management enabled by connectivity. Neverflat brings battery innovation and advanced resilience technologies, AHEAD works on digital infrastructure for autonomous mobility, and XL-Connect focuses on the integration of multiple communication standards into a coherent European framework.

Together, these projects embody the European Commission’s objective to build a holistic approach to electromobility and digitalisation. The cluster provides a framework for exchange, alignment, and joint dissemination of results and policy recommendations, ensuring that advances in one domain feed directly into progress in another. Beyond technical outcomes, the initiative seeks to engage with policymakers, industry stakeholders and civil society to accelerate adoption and remove barriers to large-scale roll-out.

The V2X Cluster addresses systemic challenges such as business models and consumer buy-in, interoperability, cybersecurity, data governance and standardisation. The cluster also recognises the importance of ensuring that innovation remains anchored in societal needs, from reducing emissions and congestion to improving quality of life in our cities and regions.

As the projects progress, the V2X Cluster will serve as a platform to share knowledge and showcase results across Europe and beyond. Joint events, publications and peer exchanges will highlight how coordinated research and innovation can deliver tangible impact. In doing so, the initiative seeks to demonstrate that Europe’s path towards climate neutrality is inseparable from its capacity to build integrated, intelligent, and sustainable mobility systems.

With SCALE’s active contribution, the V2X Cluster sets out a blueprint for collaboration that extends beyond individual projects. Our determination: to make connected and electric mobility not just a technological possibility but a convenient, user-friendly and reliable reality for all.

Registration is now open for the SCALE Final Conference, taking place on 24–25 November 2025 in Utrecht, the Netherlands. This two-day event marks the culmination of the project and will showcase SCALE’s results, lessons learned, and recommendations to support the mass deployment of electric vehicles through smart and bidirectional charging.

Since 2022, SCALE’s consortium of 29 partners has worked on the technical, organisational, economic, social, and policy aspects of smart charging and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) solutions across homes, public spaces, businesses, and depots. The Final Conference will bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss project outcomes, pilot use cases, and policy recommendations. Sessions will highlight the flexibility potential of EV batteries, explore how V2X can enable a more resilient grid and renewable integration, and outline the steps required for large-scale deployment.

The first day (24 November) will feature presentations of SCALE use cases, in-depth sessions on V2X opportunities, and debates on policy frameworks to enable mass adoption. The day will close with a networking cocktail and live demonstration.

On the morning of 25 November, the programme continues with optional visits and the Final SCALE Bidirectional Cities Event, where more details will be published shortly.

The conference takes place just ahead of the 2025 POLIS Conference, offering a unique opportunity for city representatives and stakeholders to align discussions on electromobility and urban policy. We look forward to welcoming you in Utrecht for this milestone event that celebrates SCALE’s achievements and charts the way forward for smart, interoperable, and bidirectional charging.

Draft agenda

Day 1 (24 November):

Paushuize, Kromme Nieuwegracht 49 
Utrecht, 3512 HE
Netherlands

9:00 – 9:30	Registration and light buffet/coffee
9:30 – 10:00	Welcome & opening	Eva Oosters, Aldermann, Utrecht  Eric Cerneaz, Project Coordinator
10:00 – 10:30	The SCALE solutions to boost smart and V2G charging	Baerte de Brey, ElaadNl
10:30 – 11:30	V2X: solving the puzzle Panel discussion on V2X architecture and interoperability, from the technical perspective	Moderator:   Matthijs Kok, City of Utrecht    Panelists:  – Jordan Sutreau, Trialog  – Raphael Sakharian, Equigy  – Gertjan Geurts and Athanasios Tamvakos, Utrecht & CERTH  – Didier Bollen, GoodMoovs
11:30 – 11:45	Coffee break
11:45 – 12:00	Presenting the SCALE Use Cases, Round 1	Robin Berg, We Drive Solar   Martin Uhrig, LVN
12:00 – 13:00	V2X: Not just about charging! Panel discussion on the enabling conditions for V2X adoption in the EU and beyond – feasible businesses cases, and achieving consumer buy-in to enable mass-deployment	Moderator:   Raphael Heliot, E-Mobility Europe  Panelists:  – Alexandra, Elbil  – Willem Christaens / Harm Weken, FIER  RISE  – Shruti Raje, UEMI  – Shreesha Vaidhya, RC
13:00 – 14:15	Lunch

14:15 – 14:30	Presenting the SCALE Use Cases, Round 2	David Steen, Chalmers Zsolt Puja, DBH
14:30 – 15:30	Plugging into the policy agenda / Recommendations to policymakers Panel discussion on the challenges and policies needed in the European, national, and local contexts to enable mass deployment. What actual and imagined barriers to mass market adoption were overcome and which still remain?	Moderator:   Harm Weken, FIER   Panelists:  – Baerte de Brey, ElaadNl  – Karen Vancluysen, Secretary-General, POLIS Network  – Chris Heron, Secretary-General, E-Mobility Europe   – Andries de Brouwer, DG-ENER
15:30– 15:45	Coffee break
15:45 – 16:00	Presenting the SCALE Use Cases, Round 3	Enedis & CLEM EMS
16:00 – 17:00	How to enable V2G mass deployment? Panel discussion with car manufacturers. How has SCALE impacted the technology readiness level and their views on different V2X use cases. How did they profit of SCALE?	Moderator:   Shreesha Vaidhya, Rupprecht Consult  Panelists:  – Joe Matta, Renault  – Emanuella Wallin, Polestar  – Christiaan Pielkenrood, Hyundai  – Robin Berg, We Drive Solar  – Mingchu Liu, ABB
17:00 – 17:15	Presenting the SCALE Use Cases, Round 4	Current VDL
17:15 – 17:30	Wrap up, Day 1	POLIS
17:30 – 19:00	Walk around for WDS showcase + Networking Cocktail (in groups)

Day 2 (25 November)

9:00 – 12:00      Side visits and site events including the final SCALE bidirectional cities event (more information soon!)

Utrecht has become the first city in Europe to roll out a large-scale vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system, thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between Renault Group, MyWheels, and We Drive Solar.

The initiative, Utrecht energized, marks the launch of Europe’s first V2G-enabled car-sharing network, integrating shared electric vehicles directly into the local energy grid.

Using cutting-edge bidirectional charging, electric vehicles (EVs) can store surplus solar energy and return it to the grid during peak demand periods. This helps stabilise the electricity network and keeps renewable energy both affordable and accessible. By merging shared mobility with V2G technology, the project eases pressure on the grid while accelerating the shift to sustainable, resilient urban mobility.

From pilot to reality

First announced in November 2024, the service is now fully operational, a major step forward for clean, shared transport in Europe. The rollout begins with 50 Renault 5 E-Tech EVs, available through MyWheels. Each vehicle is equipped with Mobilize’s bidirectional V2G technology, now being integrated into public infrastructure for the first time through We Drive Solar.

The goal is to scale to 500 V2G-enabled vehicles, which could provide up to 10% of the flexibility needed to balance energy supply and demand in the Utrecht region. These smart EVs charge when solar energy is abundant and discharge back into the grid during high-demand periods. With 35% of rooftops in Utrecht already fitted with solar panels, the system has strong potential. It also enables car-sharing fleets to generate income from vehicles parked and providing grid services, transforming cars into active players in the energy system.

Leading the way to a smarter energy future

The Netherlands is a global leader in renewable energy, and Utrecht is at the forefront of solar adoption. Yet as wind and solar power scale up, so too do the challenges of grid management. V2G offers a powerful, flexible solution, but real-world implementation requires supportive regulation.

Regulatory fragmentation – ranging from inconsistent tax rules and grid tariffs to differing parking and grid access regulations – remains a key barrier. The EU-funded SCALE project is addressing these issues head-on, with Utrecht’s demonstration activities playing a central role. To fully unlock the potential of V2G across Europe, a harmonised regulatory framework is essential. This includes clear rules on energy flows, fiscal incentives, adjusted grid fee structures, certification pathways, and support for smart meter deployment.

Collaboration for systemic change

This initiative underscores the power of public-private partnerships to bring innovative solutions to life. By combining EVs, clean energy, and V2G charging infrastructure, Utrecht is showing what’s possible when mobility and energy systems are designed to work together.

The result is more than just a car-sharing service: it is a blueprint for cities seeking to integrate mobility, sustainability, and energy resilience in the face of climate and urbanisation challenges.

Last year, SCALE launched a series of events focused on Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Implementation and Procurement, as part of a Joint Procurement Programme, specifically designed for those responsible for public charging infrastructure (destination charging) in cities and regions – from local authorities to grid operators. The first webinars at the end of 2024 gathered ten cities from around Europe with varying levels of experience in deploying smart and V2G/V2X charging infrastructure. By the third and fourth iterations, a total of 150 organisations are connected to these Bidirectional cities events.

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European regulations such as AFIR, EPBD, and RED III require that charging infrastructure must be smart-controllable, especially for new charge points. Bidirectional charging, where vehicles can be charged and also return electricity to the grid, is strongly encouraged due to its potential to help balance the electricity system. However, a concrete translation into technical requirements has been missing until now. ElaadNL has taken the initiative and written Technical requirements for purchasing and operating smart and bidirectional charging infrastructure. These technical requirements usable throughout Europe, form part of the SCALE project’s Guidelines for procuring smart and bidirectional charging infrastructure.

These technical requirements summarize a minimal and uniform set of recommendations for purchasing and operating smart and bidirectional charging infrastructure. They compile references to existing standards and protocols with the aim to provide clarity to all stakeholders. It uses the current state of technology as a foundation to ensure the deployment of future-proof EV charging infrastructure in the coming years. Furthermore, the guidelines provide consumers with a concrete perspective for actively participating in the energy market.

Frank Geerts (Project Coordinator): “We are proud of this milestone. It is an important step toward harmonized and future-proof charging infrastructure in Europe. The broad input on the draft version shows there is strong support to jointly advance smart and sustainable charging.”

The requirements have been developed based on extensive practical experience from the European project SCALE, public tenders for charging infrastructure across Europe, and findings from the Elaad Testlab. A draft version has been shared with a broad group of European stakeholders, including charge point manufacturers, charge point operators, mobility service providers, grid operators, energy suppliers, flexibility service providers, electric vehicle manufacturers, software companies, municipalities and provinces, research and knowledge institutions, and consultancies.

Successor to the Smart Charging Requirements

The SCALE procurement guidelines, including these technical requirements, will be submitted to the EU Smart Energy Expert Group to support the European Commission in the development of additional legislation.  Smart and bidirectional charging makes the mobility transition more accessible to consumers, enhances the flexibility of the electricity system, and contributes to a stable, efficient, and sustainable energy system.

The guidelines have been developed as part of the European SCALE project and the Dutch program Smart Charging for All, which is part of the National Charging Infrastructure Agenda (NAL).

The technical requirements are available on the ElaadNL website:
 https://elaad.nl/en/requirements-smart-and-bidirectional-charging-infrastructure

These technical requirements form part of the SCALE project’s Guidelines for procuring smart and bidirectional charging infrastructure, available here: https://scale-horizon.eu/?jet_download=6431

The European project SCALE is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 101056874. More information: https://scale-horizon.eu

**https://www.agendalaadinfrastructuur.nl/ondersteuning+gemeenten/documenten+en+links/documenten+in+bibliotheek/handlerdownloadfiles.ashx?idnv=2378928

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The SCALE project is thrilled to announce its Final Conference, set to take place on 24 and 25 November 2025, in Utrecht, the Netherlands. This landmark event will mark the culmination of our efforts over the course of our project, showcasing key innovations, impacts, and lessons learned to boost smart charging and facilitate the mass deployment of electric vehicles.

Since 2022, our Consortium of 29 partners has been working hard to address the technical, organisational, economic, social, and policy-related aspects of smart charging and interoperable and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) solutions for charging at home and in public, in businesses and in depots. At our Final Event in November, we are excited to bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across sectors for a comprehensive discussion on the outcomes and pilot use cases of the SCALE project. We will explore how our work connects to other ongoing initiatives, its implications for European, national, and local policy agendas, and its role in shaping a sustainable energy future. Together, we will delve into how the flexibility of EV batteries can be harnessed to optimize renewable energy usage, stabilize the electricity grid, and reduce the need for new infrastructure, paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient energy ecosystem.

We will meet on Monday, 24 November, and the morning of Tuesday, 25 November, just prior to the 2025 POLIS Conference. This creates an exciting opportunity for stakeholders, particularly city representatives, to join us for this important milestone and explore the future of electromobility. Stay tuned for more details on the conference agenda, registration, and speakers. We look forward to welcoming you to Utrecht for an inspiring Final Event that celebrates the SCALE project’s achievements and charts the way forward for smart and bidirectional charging.

Save the date – we hope to see you there!

In February 2025, the SCALE project held the 3rd edition of its Bidirectional Cities event series, an initiative launched to support cities and regions in scaling up smart and bidirectional charging solutions.  The Bidirectional Cities events focused on tendering and deploying smart and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) EV charging infrastructure, as part of the project’s Joint Procurement Programme, specifically designed for those responsible for public charging (destination charging) in cities and regions, from local authorities to grid operators.  The 1st webinar kicked off in autumn, gathering ten cities from around Europe with varying levels of experience in deploying smart and V2G/V2X charging infrastructure. This 3rd event gathered over 50 participants including returning cities and newcomers. This session focused on public procurement: How can cities future-proof their charging infrastructure tenders, and what operational models can support the adoption of smart and V2G charging? 

City perspectives: Stockholm and Utrecht

Annika Bergendahl from the city of Stockholm opened the session with insights into the city’s policy frameworks enabling the deployment of charging infrastructure.  She provided participants with an overview of Stockholm’s ambitious climate targets and growing charging infrastructure and explained the local grid-informed procurement process with a strategic focus on low-capacity charging. The Swedish capital is rapidly scaling up its charging network, particularly to serve residents relying on on-street parking.  

Matthijs Kok, developer for electric transport and new energy at the City of Utrecht, presented Utrecht’s grid-conscious charging and operational models for V2G charging infrastructure based on the city’s decade-long experiences with smart charging. Utrecht is already facing serious grid congestion and expects a shortage of 250 MW by 2030. To address this, the city introduced dynamic capacity contracts with CPOs, reducing charging speeds during peak demand through a “traffic light” model. The city also detailed its operational models (from direct procurement to concessions and hybrid approaches), supporting the long-term integration of V2G capabilities. 

Bringing policy and procurement together

Aaron Fishbone, from ChargeUP Europe, presented the  European Commission’s Sustainable Transport Forum’s Guidelines for Tender Procedure for Deployment of public electric recharging infrastructure for cars and vans, which were recently published and include technical requirements and recommendations for future-proofing EV charging infrastructure by public authorities. Aaron highlighted that, according to the latest AFIR obligations, future EV chargers which are publicly accessible should be smart charging capable and digitally connected, which is the basic standards for bidirectional and V2G capabilities. He also provided recommendations for public authorities for tendering and keeping an eye for innovation. He emphasised the importance of aligning procurement processes with long-term decarbonisation goals and highlighted the critical need for cross-sector coordination between cities, CPOs, DSOs, and OEMs. 

To complement these guidelines, Bart van der Ree covered the SCALE Annex to the STF procurement recommendations, developed based on the insights from the SCALE Bidirectional cities events. This annex is covering the procurement of smart and bidirectional charging and options and requirements for including smart and bidirectional charging in public procurement.  

Key points of discussion 

Participants actively engaged in the discussion, posing concrete questions about smart charging, freight electrification, and public-private cooperation. The key points from the discussion are the following: 

• Dialogue is everything: Alignment between public authorities, network operators, and other key stakeholders is essential to ensure successful deployment of EV charging. Collaboration between local and regional authorities, CPOs, grid operators, and mobility providers is not optional – it is essential for building resilient, future-ready infrastructure. 

• Plan for scale, not just today’s needs: Stockholm and Utrecht’s experiences show the value of combining strategy, flexibility, and performance-based contracts to adapt to evolving charging demands. 

• Smart charging must be the default: With grid pressure rising, cities like Utrecht are already scaling back peak-time charging via dynamic capacity agreements — without sacrificing user access. 

• From guidelines to action: The upcoming STF Guidelines and the SCALE-developed annex offer cities practical tools to embed V2G-readiness in their procurement. 

SCALE will continue convening Bidirectional Cities events throughout 2025 to deepen knowledge exchange and support cities in deploying next generation charging solutions. The upcoming 4th Bidirectional Cities event is going to be held on 23 May 2025 (online) –  register here. 

Resources 

Available slides

Recording

See previous Bidirectional Cities Events and other SCALE webinars at: https://www.youtube.com/@scaleproject901