Smart Charging and Interoperability: Key Factors for Electric Vehicle Adoption

Smart charging in an electric vehicle is a system that optimises the vehicle's charging process, making it more efficient, economical, and sustainable. It is based on communication between the electric car, the charging point, and the power grid. This communication allows for the exchange of information about the car's battery status, charging needs, and energy availability in the grid.

Regarding charging interoperability, it is the ability of an electric vehicle to charge at different charging stations, regardless of the operator or network to which they belong. Essentially, it seeks to simplify and facilitate the recharging process for electric vehicle users.

Both factors are considered crucial for the definitive adoption of electric vehicles, as highlighted in the results of one of the Energy Technology Centre's (ITE) projects in the field of sustainable mobility. Under the title "Innovation and Challenges in Smart Charging: User Experience," a technological breakfast was held to analyse the main challenges of electromobility.

The event featured several industry experts, including Wojtek Siudzinski, CEO of Gaia Charge and President of the Valencian Electric Vehicle Association (AVVE); Víctor Sanchis, CEO of V2C; Sonia Izquierdo from Renault Retail Group Levante; and Paloma López from the ITE's Mobility, Batteries, and Business Development area.

During the meeting, the results of the TriNityS project were presented, which incorporates a Charge Point Management System (CSMS) certified by the Open Charge Alliance (OCA) and four multi-manufacturer charging points. Using the OSCP protocol, charging profiles have been adjusted to optimise infrastructure and ensure interoperability. This capability is key to avoiding obstacles arising from different types of chargers and applications, as highlighted by Víctor Sanchis, CEO of charger manufacturer V2C, who emphasised the need to simplify the user experience.

The project, as explained by its manager, Caterina Tormo, "plays a vital role in transforming the transport sector towards a more sustainable and efficient future, as it optimises energy consumption, innovates in energy management systems, improves charging infrastructure, promotes sustainability, and fosters technological innovation. This is important considering that the future of electric mobility depends on the standardisation of protocols and processes to ensure that all agents involved in vehicle charging are cohesive."

Trinitys, funded by the Valencian Institute of Competitiveness and Innovation (IVACE+i), has driven a sustainable and intelligent electromobility demonstrator, facilitating interoperability and its integration into the Smart Cities ecosystem. The demonstrator, supported by the smart charging demonstrator, experiments with charging models adapted to network distributors (DSO), charge managers, and mobility service providers. This project has generated seamless interoperability thanks to the OCPI, where a user can charge at any public charging station, regardless of which CPO operates that station or set of charging stations, and regardless of the operator chosen for mobility services and payment.

Paloma López from the ITE's Mobility, Batteries, and Business Development area highlighted that, while challenges in charging connectors have been resolved, bidirectional charging and cybersecurity require standardisation, clear protocols, and are the next challenges facing the sector. Additionally, she noted that the lack of a unified payment system remains a barrier for users.

For his part, Wojtek Siudzinski, President of the Valencian Electric Vehicle Association (AVVE), explained that "it is essential for all sector actors to exchange data on consumption prediction, charging systems, and management systems. Furthermore, there are too many protocols that hinder implementation and a good user experience."

Sonia Izquierdo from Renault Retail Group Levante stated that "the public sector demands electric vehicles, which has increased their number. These companies working for the public sector have taken the lead." She also emphasised the need to optimise costs and power through scheduled charging during economical hours and the importance of applications with all charging points to facilitate travel planning and agile payments.

Another topic discussed was the regulatory framework and incentives for the acquisition of electric vehicles. Wojtek Siudzinski expressed concern about the uncertainty generated by the continuity of the MOVES plan, warning that a lack of budget could affect it. Finally, all participants insisted on the need to maintain these incentives, which are essential for companies and individuals to access electric mobility.