Researchers at the University of Salford are testing a smart electric vehicle (EV) installation that will allow EVs to return stored energy to a building when demand is high. The Horizon Europe and UKRI-funded project is being developed at a hotel in partnership with a community interest company on the Isle of Wight, where tourism accommodation is a key sector.
Future Isle of Wight CIC, a range of other international partners and the team at the University of Salford have installed the bi-directional EV charger at a pilot hotel in Shanklin, as part of the international DriVe2X project. The system is managed by smart charging algorithm developed at Salford, which calculates the best times for cars to charge, or discharge, based on energy prices, building needs and driver preferences.
Professor Vahid Vahidinasab, Chair in Sustainability at Salford Business School, University of Salford, said: “Electric vehicles can be more than just transport. They can store clean energy, share it when needed and help homes and businesses save money. Our goal is to make that practical and accessible for everyone.”
Vincent Wedlock-Ward, MBE, Director and Founder of Future Isle of Wight CIC, said: “By trialling bi-directional EV charging in tourism accommodation as a key business sector, we are helping businesses cut energy costs during peak seasons, strengthening the Island’s energy resilience, and creating new opportunities for green jobs and skills development and also demonstrating how smart, sustainable innovation can be scaled to benefit local economies across the UK.”