Interoperability Mapping for the EV Ecosystem aimed to identify the existing level of interoperability within the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem and key gaps that must be developed.

The EV Energy Taskforce (EVET) has identified interoperability as one of the key enablers to support the mass adoption of EV. Physical, transactional and technical interoperability across the EV charging sector is essential to make EVs compelling to consumers.

Interoperability is additionally a prerequisite for resilient and secure charging infrastructure that is well integrated with the electricity system and other smart domestic appliances.

Energy Systems Catapult commissioned Element Energy for this study to identify the existing level of interoperability within the EV ecosystem. The Catapult additionally wanted Element to identify the gaps that must be developed to enable ease of use for consumer, commercial and system operators into the future.

The study looked at seven use case scenarios with common interoperability requirements across ten categories of interface:

1. Off-street home charging, with user managed optimisation of time of use tariff
2. Off-street home charging, with optimisation of time of use tariff by a load management platform
3. Passive charging at public charge point
4. Public charging at a standalone car park, with a load management platform to limit peak demand and optimise a TOUT
5. Public charging at a car park attached to a building, with a load management platform to limit peak demand and optimise a TOUT
6. Charging at a rapid DC hub, with load balancing by a load management platform to limit peak demand
7. Depot charging with load balancing to limit peak demand and optimise a TOUT by a load management platform.

Key points

The report delivered the following key outputs:

Market status – interoperability interfaces: A summary of the capability of the UK market to deliver interoperability across the ten major interface themes seen across the core use cases.

Current capabilities: Summary of the UK’s current capabilities across the interoperability classes.

Key gaps: A summary and discussion of the key gaps in interoperability that will need to be addressed in order to enable the core use cases seen across the EV charging market.

Key gaps – further analysis: Additional details on the four main themes identified – Connectivity, Standards, Revenue streams, Profitability.