AHEAD project at ALICE Innovation Village

Project overview

AHEAD is a Horizon Europe project focused on enabling the large-scale integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into power distribution grids through advanced AI-based tools and methodologies.

As the European EV fleet is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, AHEAD addresses the resulting challenges for electricity networks by developing innovative solutions for smart charging, infrastructure planning, and grid optimisation.

The project creates a simulation environment that predicts optimal locations for EV charging stations while ensuring efficient use of grid resources and maintaining high-quality user experience.

Objectives

AHEAD aims to:

• Support large-scale EV integration into distribution grids
• Optimise the placement of EV charging infrastructure
• Improve grid reliability and efficiency
• Develop and validate smart charging algorithms
• Ensure a user-centred approach to EV charging
• Address cybersecurity challenges in smart charging systems

What the project does

AHEAD develops an AI-powered simulation environment combining:

• Spatial mapping, identifying where charging infrastructure is needed based on user demand
• Grid modelling, determining where infrastructure can be supported by the electricity network

By integrating these layers, the project enables better planning and operation of EV charging systems across both urban and rural areas.

Key innovations

AI-based planning tools
 Advanced AI models to optimise charging station placement and grid usage.

Smart charging algorithms
 Innovative algorithms that minimise the impact of charging demand on the grid while maximising efficiency and user benefits.

Grid and flexibility services integration
 Solutions enabling EVs, fleets, and vessels to provide flexibility services to the grid.

Cybersecurity framework
 Simulation of cyberattacks and development of protective mechanisms for charging infrastructure.

User-centred design
 Ensuring that smart charging solutions maintain convenience and usability for end users.

Demonstrators sites

AHEAD validates its solutions through three regional demonstration sites across Europe:

• Nordic Europe
• Southern Europe
• Western Europe

These demonstrations cover both urban and rural environments and include 12 use cases, focusing on:

• Light-duty and heavy-duty electric vehicles
• Public transport fleets
• Maritime applications (electric boats)

The pilots assess both technical performance and economic feasibility.

Work plan

AHEAD is structured into 11 work packages covering the full innovation cycle:

• Analysis of EV charging behaviours and technological trends
• Development of charging infrastructure and flexibility services
• Grid and spatial modelling
• ICT and cybersecurity requirements
• AI tools for planning and optimisation
• Demonstration activities across three regions
• Dissemination and project management

Consortium

AHEAD brings together 21 partners from 9 European countries, along with 5 associated partners.

The consortium includes:

• Research organisations and universities
• Technology providers and innovators
• Distribution and transmission system operators (DSOs and TSOs)
• Utilities and service providers
• Public authorities and municipalities
• Industry stakeholders and end-users

Expected impact

AHEAD contributes to Europe’s energy and transport transition by:

• Supporting the electrification of mobility
• Enhancing grid stability and efficiency
• Reducing infrastructure investment risks
• Enabling smarter and more flexible energy systems
• Improving user experience in EV charging
• Strengthening cybersecurity in energy systems

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101160665.Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.