In the Dutch city of Utrecht, people are trading in their privately-owned cars and opting for a car-sharing scheme that is user-friendly and better for the environment. The scheme is being trialled as part of a project which combines cutting-edge electric vehicle design with a network of solar-powered charging stations.
- 09 November 2020
The Utrecht district of Lombok is internationally known for its innovative Smart Solar Charging bidirectional e-car sharing system. This project further develops, tests and upscales this system in five linked living labs.
Building on experiences and results from an earlier project, the smart solar charging (SSC) project contributes to environmental sustainability, a low-carbon economy and social sustainability. Five areas are piloting the system, making it easy for residents and visitors to get around Utrecht. The batteries of the electric cars being used can deliver energy back into the grid.
Bidirectional charging
With traditional charging technology, electricity flows from an energy source into a battery. With bidirectional charging, energy used to charge a battery can be returned to the grid if it is not used.
With the SSC project, energy is generated by solar panels and then used to charge specially-designed electric cars equipped with the technology. Also known as Vehicle2grid technology, this technique of two-way charging offers flexible storage for renewable electricity and is especially useful when there is no sustainable energy source available for power, or there is a peak in demand on the grid.
For such a modern network to work effectively, it needs a standardised infrastructure, compatible charging stations and long-range, fast-charging, affordable bidirectional e-cars. The SSC project looks to deliver all of these and make them easily accessible.
Driving towards renewable energy
Utrecht aims to become the world’s first city with a bidirectional electricity network by 2030. The SSC system has been well-received by the city’s residents and new opportunities are being identified.
The five areas currently piloting the system are Lombok (a residential area), Houten (a school complex and park and ride site), De Uithof (a science park), Driebergen-Zeist (a bank office, railway station and important transit hub) and Utrecht’s central station area.
Each area has a unique demographic and allows the project’s researchers to analyse how the system is used.
The project is on track to meet its objectives and is now looking at scaling up. It will look to further develop the SSC system as a proof of concept and optimise it for a business market.
Many households in Lombok have sold their second car, and their main car, after joining the car-sharing scheme. Over 100 bidirectional charging points are already operational in Utrecht. This number is expected to more than double by the end of 2020.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Smart Solar Charging Region Utrecht (SSC)” is EUR 3 697 811, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 737 000 through the “West Netherlands” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Transition to a low carbon economy.”