Volkswagen-owned brands Elli and MITNETZ STROM unveil electric vehicle smart grid integration concept

According to foreign media reports, Volkswagen's brand Elli and MITNETZ STROM, the largest regional distribution system operator in eastern Germany, have launched apilot project for the integration ofelectric vehicles and smart grids in Germany.The joint pilot project, supported by E-Bridge, will test optimized charging strategies, taking into account regional renewable energy generation, as well as the available capacity of the distribution grid.

(Image credit: Volkswagen)

In the first phase, about 20 drivers of Volkswagen vehicles (ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, etc.) participated.

The idea of ​​the project is to use an algorithm to measure and compare charging schedules for vehicles, regional renewable energy generation, and the available capacity of the distribution network using price incentives.On this basis, the grid can be used flexibly, reducing the frequency of bottlenecks in the grid and providing economic benefits to participants.

Niklas Schirmer, Vice President of Strategy at Elli, said: “This project is the first demonstration of how electric vehicles can be synchronized with the grid in a user-friendly way. The car becomes a rolling power storage unit for the grid operator. For drivers, price incentives create financial added value . Increase the availability of regional renewable electricity by flexibly meeting the power needs of electric vehicles."

Dr. Michael Lehmann, Head of Process and Systems Management at MITNETZ STROM, said: "This move is aimed at supporting local energy and transport transitions and investing in the energy future. The e-mobility and energy industries are now going hand in hand. Where it is particularly needed, leveraging Powering electric vehicles with green electricity helps relieve grid pressure. Newly developed software can allocate available grid capacity during the charging process of electric vehicles, preventing bottlenecks in the local grid.”