The transition to sustainable urban mobility is essential to achieving the European Union's climate goals under the "Fit for 55" plan, which targets a 55% reduction in carbon emissions from 1990 levels by 2030. Despite significant progress in decarbonizing the power sector, the transport sector remains a significant emitter of greenhouse gases. In 2023, only 18% of the 77 million light-duty vehicles sold worldwide were electric vehicles (EVs). This figure underscores the urgent need for large-scale electrification of transportation to meet climate targets.
By 2030, it is estimated that EVs will account for 60% of new vehicle sales in the EU, with the ban on petrol and diesel cars set to take effect by 2035. However, this rapid transition to electrification presents several challenges:
• Insufficient Charging Infrastructure: Many cities and regions lack adequate charging stations, making EV adoption less convenient for users.
• Grid Stability Issues: The increased demand for electricity from EVs can lead to congestion and imbalances in the power grid, particularly during peak usage hours.
• Integration with Renewable Energy: Effectively managing intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, alongside EV charging is a complex task.
Despite these challenges, EVs offer significant opportunities for energy management. Through Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, EVs can act as mobile energy storage units, storing surplus renewable energy and feeding it back into the grid when needed. This concept, known as e-flexibility, can enhance grid stability, reduce energy costs, and support the integration of renewables.
The eMob-Twin project aims to address these challenges by developing a digital twin—a virtual model that simulates urban EV mobility and energy systems. This digital twin combines real-time data on EV usage, charging infrastructure, and energy consumption to:
• Optimize the placement and operation of charging stations to meet current and future demand.
• Predict energy demand and manage grid congestion to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
• Evaluate the impact of different EV penetration scenarios on urban mobility and energy systems.
By providing these insights, eMob-Twin aims to facilitate the large-scale adoption of EVs, improve urban mobility, and contribute to the EU's long-term sustainability and energy independence goals.
