Current European policies adopt uniform benchmarks for EV charging infrastructure, treating all vehicles and regions homogenously. This new research challenges that convention by considering the nuanced capabilities of V1G, which allows controlled charging to align with grid demands, and V2G, which enables vehicles to discharge energy back into the grid. By modeling these flexible charging schemes, the study reveals substantial system-wide benefits that conventional frameworks overlook.

The findings indicate that V1G technology captures the lion’s share of cost savings, reducing annual system expenses by €19 to €42 billion, translating to about 2.2-4.5% in overall savings. This unidirectional smart charging significantly lowers infrastructure requirements by optimizing charging times without demanding costly grid reinforcements. Conversely, V2G—while offering more dynamic grid interaction—yields more modest direct cost savings up to €2.5 billion per year but unlocks significant additional revenue streams estimated at €6.4 billion annually through balancing market participation, which helps stabilize fluctuations in renewable energy supply.

Interestingly, the study underscores that V2G deployment is especially advantageous in solar-heavy energy systems constrained by limited grid expansion. In these scenarios, where combined wind and solar generation is less abundant, the bidirectional export of electricity from EVs can alleviate grid stress and enhance overall energy reliability.

Moreover, the research highlights the stark heterogeneity in charging requirements across European countries, reflecting differences in utilization patterns and regional energy portfolios. This variability indicates risks associated with one-size-fits-all European Union infrastructure targets. Such uniform benchmarks might lead to overbuilding in regions with less demand or underutilizing the flexibility potential in areas where smart charging could effectively reduce infrastructure costs and improve grid integration.

The integration of charging infrastructure planning with broader energy system optimization marks a significant advance in electric mobility strategies. By allowing V1G and V2G to compete within a cost-minimizing framework, policymakers can tailor infrastructure investments more precisely, balancing costs with grid flexibility and renewable energy utilization.

This study’s comprehensive model reveals the multifaceted value of smart charging beyond merely meeting vehicle energy needs. The shift towards dynamic and coordinated charging paradigms promises to support a more resilient, cost-effective, and sustainable European energy system as EV penetration continues to rise.

With smart charging technologies at the forefront, the research provides critical insights for energy planners and governments aiming to design next-generation charging networks that unlock the full grid-balancing capabilities of EVs. As Europe races toward decarbonization goals, embracing this layered, context-sensitive approach could accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles while safeguarding grid reliability and containing costs.

The findings pave the way for more flexible regulatory frameworks that incentivize smart charging solutions, pushing beyond static infrastructure targets and moving towards an adaptive, data-driven model of transport electrification.

Subject of Research:
Planning and optimization of European electric vehicle charging infrastructure integrating V1G and V2G technologies within energy system models.

Article Title:
Coordinated planning of European charging infrastructure and energy system for optimal V1G and V2G deployment

Article References:
Sanvito, F., Lombardi, F. & Pfenninger-Lee, S. Coordinated planning of European charging infrastructure and energy system for optimal V1G and V2G deployment. Nat Energy (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-026-02107-5

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-026-02107-5

Currently, the European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) mandates uniform charging targets for member countries. However, Sanvito’s analysis reveals that a one-size-fits-all approach is suboptimal since the cost-effectiveness of V1G and V2G infrastructure varies significantly by country, driven by differences in national energy mixes and grid flexibility. The study argues for tailored infrastructure ambitions that correspond closely to each country’s unique energy landscape.

V1G technology, which enables controlled charging to moderate demand peaks, is widely considered a baseline smart charging solution. Conversely, V2G technology allows EVs to not only charge but also discharge electricity back to the grid, offering a dynamic energy resource. While V2G demands higher upfront infrastructure investments, it can provide crucial grid balancing services, especially in systems with variable renewable energy sources and constrained transmission capacity.

For instance, the Netherlands stands out as a promising candidate for V2G adoption due to frequent grid bottlenecks and volatile electricity prices that sometimes dip below zero. Here, V2G-enabled vehicles could inject stored electricity during peak times, alleviating stress on the grid before expensive reinforcements are completed. In contrast, Norway, with its hydropower-dominated and comparatively stable energy system, can achieve cost efficiencies primarily through V1G solutions.

The core insight from the study is that infrastructure planning divorced from broader energy system contexts risks either inflating consumer costs or missing opportunities for grid flexibility gains. Coordinated deployment of EV charging must therefore be integrated with national energy policies and market dynamics to maximize societal benefits.

Furthermore, both technologies contribute to enhanced system flexibility, but scaling them up entails heightened infrastructure expenditure—costs reflected in consumer charging prices. Nevertheless, this investment triggers broader energy system savings as optimized charging strategies reduce peak load stresses, thereby lowering wholesale electricity costs.

Sanvito underscores that recognizing the interplay between EV infrastructure and energy systems is pivotal for policymakers. As the EU reassesses its AFIR guidelines, this research advocates for nuanced, country-specific targets that foster economic and technical synergies rather than rigid uniformity.

This study represents a significant advancement in the strategic planning of Europe’s decarbonized transport and energy future, highlighting how smart, system-aware policies can unlock the full potential of electric vehicles while promoting affordable and resilient grids.

Subject of Research:
Not applicable

Article Title:
Coordinated planning of European charging infrastructure and energy system for optimal V1G and V2G deployment

News Publication Date:
14-Jul-2026

Web References:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41560-026-02107-5

Image Credits:
TU Delft

Keywords

Electric vehicles, Smart charging, Vehicle-to-Grid, V1G, V2G, Energy system modeling, European energy policy, Charging infrastructure, Grid flexibility, AFIR