Interoperability of Bidirectional Charging (INBID)

Challenge

In April 2022, the ISO 15118-20:2022 “Road vehicles – Vehicle to grid communication interface standard” was adopted to enable bidirectional charging for electric vehicles. However, further specifications are needed for areas such as “Distributed Energy Resources” (DER) requirements and conformity tests. Currently, each car and charging station manufacturer is developing proprietary solutions, leading to a lack of interoperability. As a result, charging stations and vehicles from different manufacturers are not compatible.

Moreover, region-specific adaptations require global manufacturers to develop unique solutions for different parts of the world. The biggest challenge for V2G today is the non-interoperable protocol and non-standardized grid codes. This lack of standardization prevents economies of scale, real market competition, and price reductions for bidirectional charging stations, thereby delaying the widespread adoption of V2X technologies.

A true breakthrough can only be achieved if solutions for both AC and DC bidirectionality, including the relevant grid code aspects, are developed and standardized globally.

The two following videos explain interoperability (source: JRC).

IEA Implementing Agreement HEV TCP and Task 53

IEA Implementing Agreement HEV TCP and Task 53

The IEA Implementing Agreement on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Technology Collaboration Programme (HEV TCP) has been dedicated since 2016 to enhancing collaboration on pre-competitive research as well as the production and dissemination of information. Today, HEV TCP includes 18 participating member countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

To address interoperability issues, HEV TCP has initiated Task 53: Interoperability of Bidirectional Charging (INBID). This task aims to test the conformance of the upcoming ISO 15118-2X amendments related to bidirectional charging. It has two main objectives:

  1. Ensure interoperability between bidirectional charging stations and vehicles.
  2. Ensure interoperability between bidirectional charging stations and distribution grids

PLAN TO ACTION

WHAT WE PLAN TO DO

  1. Discussions and Analysis:
    • Understand the current status and differences in ISO 15118-20 implementation.
    • Ensure conformance to the upcoming standard details.
  2. Elaboration of Common Understanding (vehicle – charger):
    • Develop guidelines for vehicle and charging station manufacturers to implement interoperable ISO 15118-20.
    • Establish common regulatory principles focusing on safety, reliability, and efficiency/economy.
  3. Elaboration of Common Understanding (charger – grid):
    • Guarantee interoperability for Grid Services through standardized grid codes for DSOs (and TSOs)
  4. Physical Tests:
    • Conduct tests in specialized labs to ensure a common interpretation and ultimately prove interoperability.
  5. Knowledge Transfer:
    • Facilitate the adoption of resulting solutions into industry standards and legal frameworks, including provisions for smart charging and V1G, if applicable.

ENQUIRY

GAPS AND BUGS

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the interoperability standards for electric vehicle communication for V2G applications on a global scale, Task 53 will compile a comprehensive analysis of the gaps, bugs, and unclear definitions within the relevant standard focusing on ISO15118-20 and Grid Codes.

Request to experts

  • Comprehensive List: Please compile an extensive list of identified gaps, bugs, or unclear definitions related to ISO15118-20 / GridCodes/other aspects (f.i. busness-case related) preventing interoperable V2G.
  • Set Priority: For each issue reported set a priority level: high, medium or low (nice to have)
  • Detailed Description: For each selected item, provide a detailed explanation of why it is problematic in terms of interoperability. Include relevant schemas, print-screens, references to the standard (specific pages, articles, etc.)

Explanation of process

  • Task 53 is gathering similar insights from several specialists to ensure a broad and comprehensive understanding of the issues.
  • Task 53 will summarize and consolidate the received information.
  • A subsequent survey will be organized by Task 53 to prioritize these items based on their impact and urgency.
  • Of course, the participants also wil get this survey, once ready.


Outcome and Discussion

  • The results will be presented and discussed at the first workshop, scheduled for early spring 2025 at Ispra (JRC).
  • This structured approach will help us address the most pressing challenges in the harmonization process and contribute to the development of a robust framework for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) interoperability.

Thank you for your cooperation and expertise in this crucial project! To submit gaps and bugs, you need to register:

DELIVERABLES

WHAT WE PLAN TO DELIVER

  1. Provide proof of interoperable solutions based on a “consortia agreement” and conformance test reports from partner labs.
  2. Ensure interoperability between bidirectional vehicles and charging equipment, with at least:
    • 9 “pairs” for 3-phase
    • 9 “pairs” for 1-phase
  3. Ensure interoperability between bidirectional charging equipment and DSOs, with at least:
    • 15 “pairs” for 3-phase
    • 15 “pairs” for 1-phase
  4. Develop technical documentation (including presentations, specifications, and videos) detailing the implementation process for third parties to achieve interoperability.
  5. Present results from 4 workshops.
  6. Provide interim reports at ExCo 62, 64, and 66, with a final report at the end of the project.
Solutions that feed back energy into the grid (by mono-phase and/or tree-phase) will be tested in the Argonne National Lab and in JRC, regardless if they are ON-bord or OFF-bord charger (and if available/required, also inductive, in the future).

JOIN TASK 53!

INTERESTED?

Join us in making bidirectional charging interoperable!

Companies, universities institutions, etc. of participating partner-countries wishing to participate in the process of making bidirectional charging interoperable: please join as an industry-partner! A membership fee is charged for industry partners depending on the turnover and membership status of the country. Please contact the operating agent or task secretariat for further information and onboarding.

Task 53 Team in Switzerland

Marco Piffaretti, Operating Agent – Regina Flury, Secretariat – Nicole Waechter, Communication

Marco Piffaretti, Operating Agent, marco.piffaretti@task53.org

Regina Flury, Task 53 Secretariat, regina.flury@task53.org

Nicole Waechter, Communication, nicole.waechter@task53.org

c/o novatlantis gmbh, Technoparkstrasse 1, 8005 Zürich

Task 53 Representative in North America

Bjoern Christensen, Representative in North America, bjoern.christensen@task53.org

c/o Next-Dimension
Danville, California
Bjoern@Next-Dimension.org
www.Next-Dimension.org
Mobile : +1 408-802-0707

Officially confirmed members of Task 53

Switzerland

(Swiss Federal Office of Energy)

United States of America
(Department of Energy)

European Union

(Directorate-General for Research and Innovation)

Republic of Korea

(University of Ulsan)

Denmark

(Technical University of Denmark)

Spain

(Catalonia Institute for Energy Research)

Germany

(Projektträger Jülich)

Industrial Partners and Organizations

more to know …
more to come …