Germany advances EV charging infrastructure through smart technology and planning tools

Developments in Germany are addressing the integration and planning of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure within urban environments.

In smart city districts, the integration of charging stations into the energy system is being enhanced through Smart Meter Gateway (SMGW) infrastructure. By utilizing communication standards like EEBUS and specific tariff application cases, charging processes can be intelligently managed. This allows for the shifting of charging loads to periods of high photovoltaic production or lower electricity prices, helping to mitigate peak loads on the low-voltage grid.

Additionally, a new web-based planning tool called STRALI (Strategic Charging Infrastructure Planning for the Electrification of Urban Traffic) has been introduced following a three-year research project by the University of Duisburg-Essen, IT-Objects, and Schotte Automotive. The tool assists municipalities, such as the city of Essen, in determining optimal locations for charging points. Rather than relying solely on traffic volume, STRALI combines mobility behavior, infrastructure data, and socio-economic factors to simulate energy demand, accessibility, and expected utilization of potential sites.