The peak demand for electricity has grown significantly in recent years. More and more Amsterdammers are driving electric cars, which need to be charged. To better utilize the electricity grid and prevent peak loads, we are starting a trial with smart charging. If you have an electric car and an ANWB charging card, you can participate.
The trial is a collaboration between Equans (provider of charging stations), Deftpower, the ANWB, and the Municipality of Amsterdam. Together we will investigate for 6 months how e-drivers can contribute to relieving the electricity grid.
How does the trial work?
The idea is simple. If you participate in the trial, you indicate via the ANWB app after connecting your car to a charging cable when you need your vehicle again. Based on this information, Equans can plan the charging more efficiently. The charging does not need to start immediately, as long as the car is charged when you need it again.
The available electricity is better distributed over the time that a car is connected to the charging station. This is called smart charging. Since charging occurs at times when energy rates are lower, you receive money back after charging, a so-called cashback.
What are the benefits of smart charging?
Smart charging can relieve the electricity grid in the city during peak times. Additionally, smart charging can contribute to more sustainable energy use, as charging sessions often take place at times when a lot of sustainable energy is available from solar and wind.
Sign up for cashback
Participating in the trial is easy. You only need to register via the ANWB app. During the trial, you can charge at more than 3,000 public charging points in the city at a lower cost. You will receive a financial reward via the ANWB app, allowing you to save directly on your charging costs. The cashback depends on the electricity price at the time of charging.
Smarter charging in Amsterdam
To better distribute the growing demand for energy and reduce peak loads, we are focusing on smart charging solutions. Some charging stations in the city are already using grid-aware charging. This is a form of smart charging, specifically aimed at the electricity grid. It takes into account the load on the grid and helps prevent overloading by charging at times when there is capacity.
Smart charging considers the availability of sustainable energy, energy demand, and costs. It is expected that such technologies will become standard in the future. With this trial, we are investigating how we can actively involve e-drivers in this process.
Want to know more?
If you want to know more, check out Smart charging.