unIT-e² – Real-World Laboratory for Connected
E-Mobility

As part of the unIT-e² collaborative project, PPC is working with 28 project partners—including grid operators, automotive companies, and research institutions—to develop solutions for the smart and secure integration of e-mobility into current and future infrastructures. The focus: to develop and test interoperable solutions that form the foundation for successful sector coupling.

To this end, unIT-e² is creating real-world laboratories that provide a neutral framework for project partners, some of whom may be competitors. Under scientific guidance, this allows them to collaborate on solutions without having to set aside their own corporate goals.

Challenges

The energy transition in Germany is leading to a fundamental restructuring of the energy system. On the one hand, electricity generation is becoming increasingly volatile, and on the other hand, electricity demand in the heating and mobility sectors is rising due to increasing electrification. If these two sectors are integrated into the power grid, the volatility in electricity generation can be counteracted with flexible solutions such as heat pumps and electric vehicles. However, this requires bringing additional stakeholders on board. To ensure a sustainable market ramp-up of electric mobility, the unIT-e² project addresses not only customer-related but also grid-related issues

When, how much, and at what power level will charging take place?
How flexible can charging processes be designed?
How can sensitive data be securely collected, transmitted, and processed?
What do compatible systems look like that are relevant for successful sector coupling?

Procedure

To ensure that this complex topic is examined from all angles, the unIT-e² consortium has a broad-based composition. A closely coordinated approach aims to integrate not only technical and economic aspects but, above all, legal and social perspectives into the solutions developed. The following steps are part of the project:

The use of electric vehicles as a contribution to sustainable sector coupling is to be demonstrated in field trials.
Gradual harmonization of the interests of competing stakeholders (electric vehicle manufacturers) beyond the project’s duration.
Customer-oriented standardization by breaking down existing silos within companies along relevant process chains.
Development and testing of secure and interoperable smart-charging concepts with a view to integrating electric vehicles into the energy system from both the grid and market perspectives.
A new customer-oriented management and marketing strategy for charging infrastructure utilizing the SMGW architecture.
Strengthening public confidence in electric mobility and its sustainability.

Role of PPC

The procurement and utilization of flexibility potential on the consumer side (e.g., charging infrastructure or heat pumps) are crucial for project implementation. This is precisely where PPC contributes to the project.

To ensure that charging infrastructure and other controllable consumption devices can be integrated into the power grid in a way that benefits the grid and aligns with the electricity market, the smart metering infrastructure must be further developed. The standardized connection of electricity consumers and their control is achieved through smart metering systems. The necessary hardware and software developments are implemented and tested as prototypes in real-world laboratories.

The following is to be implemented via the smart meter gateway:

Power limitation specification (Plim) and monitoring
Highly secure (BSI-compliant), controlled access to charging infrastructure
Metering for:
- Billing
- Grid status monitoring
- Providing evidence

Collaborative Project and Partners

The unIT-e² project is funded by the BMWK and the BMU for three years as part of the “Elektro-Mobil” call for proposals. The project is managed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Project management is handled by Forschungsgesellschaft für Energiewirtschaft mbH (FfE) in Munich.