Vedecom and ElaadNL collaborate on connection e-mobility and power systems

Paris, May 9^th – Today Dutch EV innovation centre ElaadNL and Institute for Energy Transition Vedecom signed an agreement to collaborateon topics regarding the energy transition by connecting e-mobility systems to the power system. Both parties will work together on the aspect of requirements of the Distribution Network Operator for Reverse Power Flow (vehicle-2-grid) and the implementation of OCPP, the standard protocol for charging stations. The agreement was signed in attendance of the Dutch Secretary of State Van Veldhoven.

With this agreement, new steps are taken to provide a better use of (sustainable) energy by and through electric vehicles. ElaadNL and Vedecom will focus on open standards development and system testing of electric cars, charging stations and the energy grid. ElaadNL and Vedecom aim to advance the integrated interoperability, connecting the e-mobility system to the power system.

European platform of interoperability

State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management, Van Veldhoven: “Charging your electric vehicle should be as easy as charging your phone. This agreement between a French and a Dutch company is therefore a great step towards a European platform of interoperability. Together, France and the Netherlands can find ways to make charging and electric driving as easy as possible. That knowledge is essential for making transportation cleaner, fighting climate change and fulfil the Paris agreements.” 

Accelerate EV uptake

Vedecom is an Institute for Energy Transition (ITE) established as part of the French government’s ‘Investment for the future plan’ (Programme d’Investissements d’Avenir or PIA). The Institute is dedicated to individual, carbon-free and sustainable mobility. Arnhem based ElaadNL is a non-profit organization founded by Dutch DSO’s to accelerate EV uptake and smart charging in particular to study the impact of EV on the grid. Baerte de Brey, Chief Innovation Officer of ElaadNL: “We are delighted that ElaadNL and Vedecom will participate in this important aspect of the energy transition. By testing OCPP, integrated interoperability and future forms of energy distribution like vehicle-to-grid we can stimulate and improve electric mobility in Europe.”

Testlab

ElaadNL will facilitate the required tests by using their new ‘Testlab’, a site containing all charging station available in the Netherlands. The ElaadNL Testlab is made possible by the INVADE H2020 project that is part of the Horizon 2020 research and innovation program of the EU. Testing will focus on the following themes: 

1. Smart Charging: instructing the electric car and infrastructure to charge faster or slower at certain times. For example, when extra power from the sun or wind is available or if an overload of the local electricity grid occurs.
2. Power Quality: What effect does a charging electric car have on the quality of the electric current, the voltage and the stability of the electricity grid?
3. Interoperability: A very important aspect of electric driving is the possibility to charge and pay through similar system in all European countries. With these tests, it is established if cars can charge at any kind of charging station.

Recently State Secretary Van Veldhoven also made another international agreement. She agreed with her Benelux colleagues to work on making it easier to find electronic charging points, and to simplify and harmonise the method of paying for charging. See here: https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2017/12/07/problem-free-electric-driving-in-the-benelux