New project paves the way for a full-scale V2X system demonstrator at Campus Skellefteå

Sweden has set ambitious goals to lead the global transition to sustainable road transport. The Arctic Center of Energy has initiated a new prestudy to pave the way for a full-scale system demonstrator of V2X (vehicle-to-anything) solutions at Campus Skellefteå. The aim is to gain new knowledge on how to utilize the full capacity of electric vehicles to support, rather than disturb, the electric grid and thereby accelerate the transition.

Many rural commuters will continue to rely on cars in the future. If the batteries of electric cars can be used to enable various types of electrical system services while parked, it can create synergies and societal benefits for both the transport and energy sectors.

"By developing and integrating the infrastructure for mobility and electrical systems, we are presented with new opportunities. We can optimize electric vehicles not only for transportation but also leverage them as valuable components in the electrical system. This enables a future of new services, possibilities, and business models," says Tobias Vahlne, CEO of the Arctic Center of Energy (ACE).

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.