ChargeNode powers the charging service behind one of Europe's largest V2G projects

When Nästa Innovation Destination in Torslanda today launches the Nästa Energy Lab — one of Europe's largest vehicle-to-grid installations — it is ChargeNode's charging service that handles all 160 charging points at the facility. The project demonstrates that parking infrastructure can become an active part of a local energy system, and ChargeNode provides the smart charging platform that makes it possible.

Next Energy Lab is a collaborative project that brings together property operators, vehicle manufacturers, battery technology and charging infrastructure in a coordinated local power system. The project, called From Parking to Power, is now fully operational with up to 160 connected electric vehicles and demonstrates how existing parking infrastructure can be transformed into an active resource in the energy system—without the need for major grid augmentations.

ChargeNode is responsible for the charging service on the entire facility and manages 160 charging points via its proprietary charging station management platform. The hardware is supplied by Volvo Cars, which is also contributing V2X-enabled vehicles to the project. Dynamic load balancing and departure based charging ensure that each vehicle is charged optimally based on energy availability and demand — a prerequisite for the efficient operation of the V2G system in real time.

“The Next Energy Lab is one of the most ambitious projects we have participated in, and it is a clear proof of where electrification is going. When the parking lot not only charges vehicles, but actively balances the energy system, the rules of the game change for property owners and energy actors. ChargeNode's role is to make smart charging a seamless part of that system.”

Annika Abraham, CEO, ChargeNode

Smart charging that enables V2G at scale

V2G technology places high demands on the charging infrastructure. Vehicles need to be charged when energy is cheap and clean, and feed electricity back into the system when demand is high -- all coordinated in real time. ChargeNode's platform manages this through power schedules, per-vehicle prioritization, and real-time, 24/7 monitoring of the entire facility.

Buddy Energy is leading the system integration in the project and in ChargeNode has found a partner who can deliver the charging service required for the system to function as a cohesive whole.

“No single player can solve the power challenge on their own. Next Energy Lab proves that when industry collaborates in real-world environments, electrification can be faster, more robust and more cost-effective.”

Per-Henrik Persson, CEO, Buddy Energy

The collaboration between ChargeNode and Buddy Energy extends beyond the Next Energy Lab. The two companies share the view that large-scale electrification requires actors who can work closely together along the entire chain — from system integration to the charging service that the end user encounters every day. The Second Energy Lab is the first joint proof that that model works in real life, and both parties see it as a foundation for future projects in similar environments.

Volvo Cars' role in the project underlines how the vehicle is changing from means of transport to energy supply. Alejandro Castro Pérez, Vice President Energy Solutions at Volvo Cars, describes the logic behind:

“The EX60 can charge when energy is cheap and clean, and feed electricity back to the grid when the need is greatest. The owner saves money. The power grid gets flexibility. And the car is no longer just a means of transportation — it is also an energy asset. That's what we're showing here today.”

‍Alejandro Castro Pérez, Vice President Energy Solutions, Volvo Cars

The project is designed to be scalable in future phases, and ChargeNode's centralized system architecture allows more charging points to be enabled without expensive earthworks or grid upgrades.

A model for the real estate of the future

The Next Energy Lab demonstrates in practice what is possible when the property's parking space is connected with stationary battery technology, local energy production and smart charging. The result is an energy system that reduces the load on the grid, lowers power peaks and operating costs, and strengthens the energy resilience of the property.

ChargeNode sees the Next Energy Lab as a reference project for how charging infrastructure can be integrated into complex energy systems -- and how smart charging services create value far beyond just charging a battery.

About ChargeNode

ChargeNode is a Swedish company specialized in smart charging infrastructure for electric drones in apartment buildings, workplaces, commercial properties and the transport and logistics sector. With over 60,000 charging points in operation, 99% uptime and 24/7 support, ChargeNode offers a complete charging service — from design and installation to operation, billing and maintenance. ChargeNode's proprietary platform provides full control over power control, charging schedules and real-time monitoring.

Media Contact

Annika Abraham, CEO

annika@chargenode.eu

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