Mobility marketplace minute: smart charging practices

Did you know that, according to International Energy Agency (IEA), the global electric vehicle market is expected to grow by over 20% annually in the coming years, with urban areas leading the charge? As cities across Europe accelerate the transition to electric transport, from cargo bikes to public service vehicles, a pressing challenge looms: how do we keep these vehicles charged efficiently and sustainably? With challenges unique to electric mobility, such as the need to stop frequently for charging, these stops can disrupt operations and slow down the adoption of electric mobility.?

This article explores innovative solutions to eliminate charging downtime, from battery swapping stations to smart strategies for electrifying public transport. Discover how cities are tackling the charging challenge to make urban mobility more sustainable and efficient.?

Smart strategies for bus fleets?

As cities worldwide strive to reduce their carbon footprint, public transport electrification is becoming a crucial step towards net-zero emissions. While much attention has been given to passenger cars, electrifying bus fleets is just as essential. In the EU, heavy-duty vehicles like urban buses contribute significantly to CO2 emissions, prompting the adoption of stricter reduction targets.?

Many European cities are already making strides. Lisbon aims for an all-electric fleet by 2040, Madrid is targeting 33% electric buses by 2027, and Rome plans for 50% of their fleet to be electric by 2030. A key milestone was reached in early 2023 when battery-electric buses outsold diesel-only models in Europe for the first time.?

While transitioning to electric buses is crucial, additional strategies can maximise environmental benefits and operational efficiency. Public transport operators and policymakers must focus on optimising routes, selecting the right technology, implementing smart charging strategies, and improving procurement processes. By combining electrification with smart planning, cities can ensure that their public transport networks are not only cleaner but also more efficient and sustainable for the future.? Learn more?

To support cities in the electrification of their bus fleets, initiatives such as Interreg Euro-Med project E-Med are gathering insights on the recommendations from experts. Public transport authorities and operators can share their experience by answering a survey designed to gather considerations and support the adoption of zero-emission solutions.??

Smart charging infrastructure: Oslo and beyond?

Oslo, a global leader in electric vehicles (EV) adoption, is tackling the challenges that come with large-scale electrification with innovative data-driven solutions. With one of the highest EV adoption rates in the world, the city faces increasing energy demands, the need for equitable charger distribution and grid stability concerns. To address these challenges, Oslo partnered with SurplusMap, a platform using AI-powered spatial intelligence to optimise EV infrastructure planning.?

By unifying public and private charger data, Oslo created a comprehensive overview of its charging network, improving resource allocation and reducing costs. AI-driven insights allow city planners to predict grid demand, strategically deploy new chargers, and ensure infrastructure can support future growth. This data-centric approach provides a scalable model for other cities looking to enhance their EV charging networks.?

Other cities are also innovating in sustainable charging. In Antalya and Dugopolje, battery-swapping stations have been introduced to eliminate downtime for light electric vehicles. These modular stations allow users to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in seconds. In Antalya, the CombiStation - on-demand battery swapping stations for Light Electric Vehicles and parcel management - supported delivery, security, and cleaning services, while in Dugopolje, private users tested its convenience for everyday mobility. With over 30 battery swaps enabling 367 kilometres of travel, the model showcases how smart charging can optimise urban logistics.?

By integrating strategic planning with advanced technologies, cities across Europe are proving that electrification can be both efficient and sustainable, paving the way for a cleaner future in urban mobility.?

A platform for urban mobility solutions?

As cities navigate the transition to electrification and sustainable charging, they don’t have to do it alone. The Mobility Innovation Marketplace, featuring more than 480 innovative mobility solutions and more than 65 inspiring best practices, provides valuable insights and tools for urban planners and decision-makers. From electrification strategies to broader urban mobility innovations, the platform connects cities with the latest solutions that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and liveability. By leveraging these resources, cities can accelerate their journey toward reduced emissions, smarter mobility.?

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