DriVe2X: paving the way for bidirectional charging and green electrification

The DriVe2X project is poised to accelerate the adoption of electromobility through innovative smart charging techniques and advancements in bidirectional charging technology.

In the last decade, electric vehicles have proven to be a critical component in the global effort to decarbonise the transportation sector.

They align with the European Union's ambitious climate targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. 

By focusing on Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) solutions, DriVe2X aims to optimise energy use and foster large-scale EV integration.

The project tests and validates low-cost bidirectional chargers across eight demonstrators in various settings – buildings, homes, and directly at the grid level – expanding the reach of V2X technology. 

Through the development of predictive machine-learning models and advanced charging algorithms, DriVe2X seeks to maximise the efficiency of energy systems while enhancing EV driver satisfaction through innovative energy service models.

Additionally, the project focuses on reducing EV battery degradation and lowering overall costs for all stakeholders by developing and demonstrating affordable, user-friendly bidirectional charger prototypes. 

The electrification challenge 

Transport is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, making decarbonisation of this sector essential to reaching climate targets. The EU aims to reduce CO2 emissions from cars by 55% and from vans by 50% by 2030 (Fit for 55 package). However, this ambitious goal introduces a significant challenge: the capacity of the existing power system. Current EV charging strategies may lead to spikes in peak electricity demand, stressing grid infrastructure. 

This is where bidirectional charging solutions, such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Vehicle-to-Building (V2B), and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), could offer game-changing benefits. Bidirectional charging allows EVs to act as mobile energy storage units, feeding electricity back into power grids or buildings when needed. 

DriVe2x solutions and objectives 

DriVe2X is at the forefront of driving V2X innovation, aiming to foster mass adoption of EVs across Europe. The project will leverage advanced AI-driven smart charging technologies, testing them in eight demonstration sites across five European cities: Amsterdam (Netherlands), Budapest (Hungary), Terni (Italy), Maia (Portugal) and the Isle of Wight (UK).

A core aspect of the project is the creation of a V2X marketplace where EV users, prosumers, building managers and local energy operators can trade energy flexibility as a valuable commodity, serving both local mobility and energy needs. As Gonçalo Mendes, project coordinator from LUT, remarked in this video interview: 

“Drive2X is a project that develops technologies, tools and solutions and also works on policies to cope with the mass or the forthcoming mass deployment of bidirectional EV charging, particularly in Europe.

"The project works with four main fronts of innovation. One of them is marketplace solutions, where, of course, we have to work on enabling the bidirectionality of the charging systems, in order to provide some level of support and balancing to the power system. Inside there, we have several solutions the project is working on." 

However, technology alone is not enough. The success of V2X solutions depends largely on user acceptance and satisfaction. DriVe2X will assess the social dimensions of its technology, incorporating user expectations and behavioural trends into its design to ensure large-scale adoption. 

The main objectives of DriVe2X include:

• Developing affordable and user-friendly V2X solutions to support the mass deployment of EVs. 

• Creating and demonstrating a user-centric V2X marketplace that capitalises on the flexible energy potential of advanced smart charging in parking lots, homes and charging stations. 

• Addressing user experience and behavioural challenges under various V2X scenarios through the design of innovative charging strategies and algorithms. 

• Forecasting the future needs and profiles of mobile citizens in 2035 and 2050, with a focus on V2X adoption by users, policymakers and businesses. 

• Advancing V2X research by developing open-access tools, models, and data sets to support market scale-up. 

• Raising public awareness and understanding of V2X technology. 

Collaborations and next steps 

DriVe2X is a member of BRIDGE, the European Commission initiative that brings together research and innovation projects in smart grids, energy storage, digitalization, and more. Moreover, DriVe2X actively collaborates with its sister projects SCALE, EV4EU, XL-Connect and FLOW, forming the V2X Cluster initiative.  

The project has been featured in the EU Projects Zone at Enlit, offering an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the electric transition with industry professionals.

If you want to learn more about DriVe2X, check our website and follow us on LinkedIn and X.