XL-CONNECT project at ALICE Innovation Village

Overview

XL-CONNECT is a Horizon Europe project driving the optimisation of smart and bidirectional charging (V1G/V2G/V2X) across Europe. The project focuses on improving the entire charging chain, from energy generation to end-user interaction, enabling electric vehicles to actively support grid stability and energy efficiency.

By integrating technical, economic and behavioural aspects, XL-CONNECT develops a holistic, on-demand charging ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders while accelerating the large-scale adoption of electromobility.

Objectives

XL-CONNECT aims to enable efficient and scalable EV integration through:

• Optimised smart charging strategies
  Developing advanced control mechanisms for large-scale EV deployment
• System-wide optimisation
  Improving the full charging chain, from energy provision to user interaction
• Digital twin development
  Creating a predictive simulation environment to model and optimise charging scenarios
• User-centric services
  Designing new services based on user behaviour, expectations and mobility patterns
• Real-world validation
  Demonstrating solutions across multiple environments and energy contexts
• Impact assessment
  Evaluating operational, economic, societal and environmental performance

Concept

At the core of XL-CONNECT is a multi-stakeholder charging ecosystem, where different actors interact seamlessly:

• EV users
• e-mobility service providers (eMSPs)
• smart charging service providers (SCSPs)
• grid operators and energy providers

The project ensures data exchange and coordination across all actors, enabling intelligent decision-making and optimised charging processes.

By aligning stakeholder interests, XL-CONNECT creates a system where energy efficiency, user satisfaction and grid stability are achieved simultaneously.

Innovation

The project delivers key innovations, including:

• Smart and bidirectional charging strategies (V1G/V2G/V2X)
• Predictive digital twin of the charging ecosystem
• Open and interoperable system architecture
• Integration of renewable energy sources into charging systems
• User-driven service design based on behavioural insights

Expected results

XL-CONNECT is expected to deliver:

• Optimised smart charging concepts and control mechanisms
• Affordable, user-friendly bidirectional charging solutions
• Improved understanding of economic and operational trade-offs
• Contributions to V2X standardisation and interoperability
• Reduced energy exchange with the grid by 50%
• Enhanced integration of renewable energy into mobility systems

Impact

XL-CONNECT supports Europe’s transition to sustainable mobility by:

• Enabling large-scale EV integration without overloading the grid
• Increasing renewable energy utilisation
• Reducing infrastructure investment needs
• Improving user experience and accessibility of charging services
• Supporting cross-sector integration between energy and mobility

Consortium

The project brings together 24 partners including:

• Research organisations and universities
• Industry and technology providers
• Energy and mobility stakeholders

This diverse consortium ensures strong expertise across energy systems, digital technologies, mobility services and user behaviour.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.