Amsterdam launches smart charging project to ease grid stress
Amsterdam launched a new smart charging pilot that helps EV drivers save money and reduces grid stress.
Published on March 31, 2025
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Amsterdam has launched an innovative six-month pilot project about electric vehicle (EV) charging by introducing 'smart charging' solutions. This initiative, a collaboration between the municipality, Equans, Deftpower, and ANWB, seeks to reduce peak electricity demand by shifting charging times to periods of low grid usage.
Electric vehicle owners who participate can financially benefit from reduced charging costs and 'cashbacks' when charging during off-peak hours. This smart charging approach not only alleviates stress on the city's power grid but also promotes the use of renewable energy.
How does Amsterdam's smart charging work?
EV drivers participating in the program connect their cars to a charging station and indicate their next intended departure time via the touring club ANWB app. This allows Equans, a charging station provider, to schedule the charging process during non-peak electricity demand periods. This approach helps evenly distribute available electricity consumption, known as 'smart charging.'
As electricity prices fluctuate throughout the day, participants who charge their vehicles during off-peak times are awarded cashback through the ANWB app. This not only makes charging more affordable but also encourages sustainable energy consumption. Sessions are strategically aligned with times when renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are most abundant. Consequently, this practice contributes to a more sustainable energy consumption pattern and reduces peak load stress on the electrical grid.
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Broader implications for the energy market
The pilot is designed to gather insights into how smart charging can benefit the overall energy landscape. By enabling load shifting from peak to off-peak times, there is potential to alleviate stress on the network during high-demand periods and maximize the use of renewable energies. The financial savings for participants underscore the value of this approach. Additionally, better grid management through smart charging can provide significant opportunities for net operators by redistributing electricity load and decreasing overload risks.
Smart charging across the Netherlands
Similarly, EV charging app Tap Electric unveiled the results of a pilot trial it conducted in the provinces of Limburg and North Brabant. There, Tap Electric conducted a pilot offering real-time grid capacity insights through their 'Power Intel' feature. This application allows EV drivers to adjust their charging speeds based on available grid capacity, significantly reducing congestion during peak hours.
The project demonstrated that at least 50% of the charging demand could be transferred to evening and night hours, highlighting the promising potential for grid-aware charging. Plans are underfoot to expand this model across all public charging stations, offering further evidence of the significant role innovative energy solutions can play in supporting the national electricity grid.
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