On 20 May, a comprehensive set of recommendations was presented to simplify data exchange for flexibility, smart charging, and bi-directional charging. This initiative was delivered jointly by two European Commission expert groups, specifically the Smart Energy Expert Group and the Sustainable Transport Forum, alongside the German-established European Coalition of the Willing on Bi-Directional Charging.
Experts from these three entities collaborated intensively over eighteen months to develop recommendations aimed at two primary objectives. First, the framework enables consumers to contribute flexibility and smart or bi-directional charging to the energy system with greater ease. Second, it supports companies in offering these services competitively within the European market.
Simplifying the provision of flexibility is critical to integrating higher shares of renewables, reducing dependence on volatile gas and oil markets, and lowering costs for consumers utilising electric vehicles or heat pumps.
This initiative represents a significant European milestone, establishing an agreement among all key stakeholders from the electricity and e-mobility sectors on a shared direction for market organisation. It also aligns them on common interoperability requirements, which encompass standards, digital identity, operating principles, and governance.
Furthermore, the scope of these recommendations extends beyond electric vehicles to create a data exchange framework that also covers heat pumps, storage, and other flexible assets.
The Joint Report was presented at a high-level meeting hosted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The final, indexed report and its corresponding annexes will be officially published in the coming days. This publication lays the foundation for concrete implementation steps, and experts will continue discussions regarding further details and next actions while ERTICO will continue to advance these strategic objectives through the upcoming new Wi-Bi Charge project.
European Commission. (2026, May 20). Expert group recommendations on making smart charging and demand response easier. Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport.