ENSTOREL-V2X - Mobile, Bidirectional EV Charging.

1dbe2f07-d25a-46c2-9957-543391cf4180

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Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK

£1,096,665

Aug. 31, 2022

Aug. 31, 2023

UK Electric Vehicle (EVs) use is increasing, driven by the introduction of net zero targets and policies (\>36,000 new vehicle registrations per month \[NextGreenCar, 2021\]). The introduction of bidirectional charging (grid/battery to EV and EV to grid/battery) can facilitate vehicle-to-everything (V2X) use models that ensure all energy is effectively used. However, most charging hardware and EV's developed to date have only focused on charging EV's via a wired connection, quickly (one way - grid to vehicle (G2V) with chargers installed for individual home (private) or public use. However, this model can create a barrier to uptake for EV users concerned about access to public chargers (e.g. London has four times the number of charge points than Yorkshire/Humber \[Which, 2021\]) or where installation/use of a home charger is challenging. Approximately 40% of the UK population \[MFG, 2017\] live in a terraced house or flat where parking outside the house is not always possible and trailing wires and street clutter would be problematic. These issues have proven a barrier to uptake for both private EV users and within businesses seeking to electrify where staff are concerned that they would not be able to charge a fleet/business vehicle (direct information from businesses encountering this issue).

We aim to develop a bidirectional EV charger, ENSTOREL-V2X that allows EV drivers to charge their vehicle and use the energy stored within its battery without being connected to a wire; anytime, anywhere charging or energy use. ENSTOREL-V2X will comprise a mobile energy store battery pack and connections such that it can be charged from a mains electricity supply or off-grid renewables and transported to the EV for charging, mitigating the need for connection to a wired, static charger and providing additional charge for EV users with those who may have range anxiety. Furthermore, ENSTOREL-V2X will also be able to be charged by the EV's battery with hardware included in the ENSTOREL-V2X and provide charge suitable for low power needs e.g. device charging, lighting, small appliances. The mobility of ENSTOREL-V2X creates immediate V2X opportunities.