However, to make this possible, an investment in grid-connected electric vehicles, known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) or vehicle-to-anything (V2X), is required. Currently there is a significant need for increased coordination around V2X and the opportunity to test V2X in a real environment, where electric vehicles interact with each other and with various systems in different ways. The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute, VTI, has substantial expertise in this area and is a crucial partner in the project.

"We bring expertise in both the transport and mobility systems. In the future scenario we are focusing on, electric car batteries become components in the energy system, and the systems are interconnected. This requires understanding of the whole picture and the consequences for the local energy distribution system and market models, among other things," says Magnus Berglund, Research Director for Traffic Analysis and Logistics at VTI.

Through the project, VTI establishes a stronger presence in northern Sweden and an initial collaboration with ACE on eMobility.

"We are delighted by VTI's extension into northern Sweden and appreciate the opportunity to collaborate, through this project, on a critical matter with substantial implications for enabling electrification," says Tobias.

The prestudy is funded by Vinnova and runs until May 2024. The goal is to prepare for a full-scale system demonstrator of V2X at Campus Skellefteå. The work builds on previous tests with V2X in cold climates and local energy systems at Campus Skellefteå.

"In the prestudy, we will create simple models for ten grid-connected electric cars with V2X functionality connected to the Campus Skellefteå grid. In the subsequent planned system demonstrator, this model will be developed into a full-scale simulation, which will then be implemented by connecting ten electric cars with V2X functionality and conducting tests in a real environment under various conditions, " concludes Tobias.