Metrology for electric vehicle charging systems

The European Commission strives to make Europe the first climate-neutral country by 2050. To support this goal, a competitive and sustainable transport system needs to be built. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a keyway to reduce CO₂ emissions, however this raises the need for a reliable and extensive infrastructure network for EV charging stations (EVCS). Improving EVSC across Europe heavily relies on harmonised legislation and developing the underlying metrological network. Specifically, accurate measurement facilities for total net energy transfer and any charging losses are needed. Additionally, grid quality and supply security needs to be established without negatively affecting the power quality of public electricity networks. These developments will support the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive 2014/94/EU and the United Nation’s sustainable goal 7 on affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

This project aims to develop operational reference test benches for the characterisation of metering accuracy and the energy transfer efficiency, as well as for the conducted emissions of AC and DC EVCS. In addition, calibration services will be established and offered by national metrology institutes for the calibration of the reference test benches specifically for AC and DC EVCS. The project will also develop a database of measured grid distortions and grid impedances close to EVCS sites to ensure grid security is not compromised. Test methodologies and protocols will be developed that allow the on-site verification of EVCS meter accuracy. Overall, these developments will aid the transition towards the sustainable transport infrastructure required to meet Europe's climate aims.