Swiss Post has embarked on a groundbreaking four-month pilot project aiming to test the feasibility of using the batteries of their light electric delivery vehicles, such as ebikes and moped scooters, to stabilize the local grid and generate additional income. The initiative involves implementing bidirectional charging technology to enable postal service fleets to charge during periods of high renewable energy input and discharge energy back into the grid during peak electricity demand.
Collaborating on this pioneering project are Kyburz Switzerland AG, Swiss Post, and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), Institute of Electrical Engineering, with financial support from the Federal Office of Energy’s (SFOE) pilot and demonstration programme (P+D). The innovation lies in utilizing an alternating current (AC) charging process that is subsequently converted into direct current (DC) within the vehicle, as explained by Severin Nowak from HSLU.
Unlike private car owners, electric vehicle fleets in logistics operations, like that of Swiss Post, offer a more organized and predictable approach to grid support. However, the full potential of dynamic charging to support grids is yet to be realized across Europe, necessitating the establishment of financial incentives and regulatory frameworks to encourage electric vehicle operators to leverage their batteries as energy storage devices.
While dynamic tariffs are not extensively available in Switzerland, the Groupe-e network area, where the project is taking place, already has established variable tariffs. This project in Fribourg aims to assess the scalability of using a large number of scooters to enable Swiss Post to profit through arbitrage, thereby highlighting the potential financial benefits of supporting the grid.
In addition to regulatory and financial considerations, the technical feasibility of bidirectional charging with alternating current (AC) will be a focal point of the pilot project. The vehicles will continue their regular routes, with charging and discharging algorithms coordinated with the applicable Groupe-e rates to identify optimal bidirectional charging opportunities.
Meanwhile, Berlin-based company Swobbee is already employing battery swapping stations with smart charging for light electric vehicles in delivery and logistics operations. Swobbee plans to integrate V2G technology into its stations, transforming batteries into a virtual power plant. This approach eliminates the need for bidirectional charging capabilities in individual vehicles and ensures seamless battery management and recycling.
Swiss Post’s active involvement in decarbonizing its transport fleets is evident, with electric operations already established in Zurich and Bern, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices. The V2G pilot project signifies a step towards further innovation and collaboration in the realm of electric mobility, with the potential to revolutionize grid support and revenue generation in the logistics sector.
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