When we speak about transition to a low-carbon society, e-mobility is always mentioned as an important component that will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Yet the large-scale deployment of electric vehicles in itself is still not sufficient assurance that their use will actually reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this goal, the key stakeholders in the area of e-mobility will have to connect, and together find answers to two important questions. First, how will we sustainably solve the challenge of increased electricity needs resulting from simultaneous charging of the e-fleet? And second, how do we envisage a network that is capable of meeting the expectations of a multitude of drivers at the same time?

In recent years, ELES's experts have been searching for answers to these two questions and, on the basis of their findings, have developed a concept of integral development of infrastructure for the mass charging of e-vehicles (E8). The key eight building blocks of this concept are:

1. diligent users who support frequent and longer connection and accept the central management of charging power;
2. a dense network of private charging stations enabling long-lasting charging to every owner of an electric vehicle; 
3. instant identification of an electric vehicle at a charging station, enabling advanced hosting;
4. simple connecting based on contact technologies, which enable frequent connection of vehicles to charging stations;
5. remote powering of power of private charging stations;
6. multi-level integration of private charging stations into control centres of the distribution and transmission grid;
7. market acting of charging stations active on the demand side management;
8. strategic management of challenges related to the use of fast charging stations and local electricity storage.
   
    

At ELES, we have not remained solely on the theoretical level, but have begun to realize our vision of transition to e-mobility in practice. In line with the E8 concept, we have designed a demonstration project within the scope of which we will explore the aspect of electric vehicle users, purchase 14 electric vehicles, install 21 smart charging stations for long-lasting charging at ELES' locations across Slovenia, and establish a central system for the remote powering of charging stations.

We are aware that realizing our vision of a long-term, mass transition to sustainable e-mobility is not possible without the close cooperation of key stakeholders – from car manufacturers, producers of smart charging stations, owners of buildings and parking spots to operators of the electricity distribution and transmission grid. Of course an important role will also be played by informed owners of electric vehicles who, rather than fast charging stations, will opt for slow charging at home charging stations that will be remotely controlled by control centres of the distribution and transmission grid. This is the only way to ensure that the energy driving electric vehicles will come from renewable energy sources, while the electricity grid will not require major investments in network expansion and the construction of peaking power plants to ensure reliable electricity supply.

For all these reasons we invite you to co-create our vision of transition to e-mobility with us. For more information on how to support or participate in our project, please write to us at E8@eles.si.