In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure, a groundbreaking project is poised to revolutionize the way we think about e-mobility ecosystems. Led by Lukas Smirek from the Institute of Human Factors and Technology Management at the University of Stuttgart, the BANULA project aims to address the growing pains of the current e-mobility landscape, which is struggling to keep up with the surge in EV adoption.
The BANULA project, detailed in a recent publication in the World Electric Vehicle Journal, focuses on creating a more user-centered, trustworthy, and grid-supportive e-mobility ecosystem. As Smirek explains, “The current e-mobility ecosystem is reaching its limits, leading to usability losses for end users and financial burdens on various energy system participants.” The project introduces the concept of virtual balancing areas, a novel approach that has been available since 2020 but has yet to be implemented in the market. BANULA is the first to utilize current legislation to transfer charging infrastructure to these virtual balancing areas, combined with distributed ledger technology to support related processes.
One of the key challenges in the current e-mobility ecosystem is the fragmentation of charging services. Many EV drivers find themselves needing multiple charging contracts with different electric mobility service providers (EMSPs) to access various charging points (CPs). This inconvenience is a significant barrier to widespread EV adoption. BANULA aims to unify access to charging infrastructure, making the process more seamless for users. “There is a willingness among users to pay for unified access to the charging infrastructure,” Smirek notes, highlighting the commercial potential of a more integrated system.
Another critical issue is the allocation of electricity costs. Currently, charge point operators (CPOs) are responsible for procuring electricity and predicting charging loads, while EMSPs consume the electricity. This creates a responsibility gap where the costs of forecast deviations are borne by the CPO and, ultimately, the distribution system operator (DSO). BANULA seeks to consolidate the responsibility for projecting, procuring, and billing electricity into one entity, ensuring that the costs are allocated fairly and efficiently.
The project also addresses the growing need for balancing energy, which is the difference between predicted and actual charging energy. As the number of EVs increases, so does the demand for balancing energy, putting additional strain on the grid. BANULA’s approach to virtual balancing areas and distributed ledger technology could significantly alleviate this burden, making the grid more resilient and efficient.
Moreover, BANULA tackles the issue of data fragmentation, which hampers coordination between transmission system operators (TSOs) and DSOs. By overcoming this fragmentation, the project aims to enhance grid stability and support services like congestion management. “EVs have the potential to provide services to stabilize and support the grid, such as balancing power,” Smirek explains, underscoring the transformative potential of the project.
The commercial implications of BANULA are vast. By creating a more integrated and efficient e-mobility ecosystem, the project could reduce costs for both consumers and energy providers, fostering a more competitive market. The use of distributed ledger technology also ensures transparency and trust, which are crucial for building a robust and scalable e-mobility infrastructure.
As the world moves towards a more electrified future, projects like BANULA are essential for ensuring that the transition is smooth and beneficial for all stakeholders. The research published in the World Electric Vehicle Journal (formerly known as the World Electric Vehicle Journal) offers a glimpse into the future of e-mobility, where user experience, grid stability, and financial efficiency are seamlessly integrated. The BANULA project is a significant step forward in this direction, paving the way for a more sustainable and user-friendly e-mobility ecosystem.
