Project Overview
NEVERFLAT (iNnovative EV-charging EnviRonment for Future Low-cost mAss deploymenT) is an ambitious Horizon Europe project that addresses the critical need for widely accessible, low-cost, and interoperable EV charging infrastructure across Europe. As the adoption of electric vehicles accelerates, the need for smarter, more sustainable charging systems becomes essential – both to support environmental goals and to ensure grid stability.
Why NEVERFLAT?
Despite policy efforts to promote electric vehicles, key barriers remain. EV users often face challenges such as limited access to charging stations, lack of interoperability between systems, high infrastructure costs, and concerns about the impact on local energy grids. NEVERFLAT addresses these challenges by developing a complete, user-centric EV charging ecosystem that is low-cost, bi-directional, and integrated with renewable energy sources.
User Needs and Technical Specifications
Definition and formalization of user needs and technical specifications for the EV charging infrastructure system, ensuring accessibility and usability.
Optimization and Power Management
Development of methodologies and architecture for optimising deployment and managing bi-directional power flows across the charging network.
Smart Charging Hardware Development
Design and prototyping of compact, interoperable, and low-power bi-directional charging stations integrated with local grids and renewable energy sources.
Business Models and Social Innovation
Development of inclusive business models, value-added services, and social innovations to support sustainable and equitable charging.
Data-Driven Tools and User Integration
Creation of advanced tools for predictive analytics, energy forecasting, and user interaction based on real-world behavioural and mobility data.
Field Demonstrations and Validation
Deployment and validation of the full charging solution in diverse real-life urban and peri-urban environments across Germany, Romania, and Spain.
Communication and Market Adoption
Dissemination and exploitation of project outcomes to promote large-scale adoption, regulatory alignment, and stakeholder engagement.
Core Technologies and Innovations
- Bi-directional charging and V2G integration: Charging stations allow not only energy intake but also discharge to the grid, supporting load balancing and peak shaving.
- Energy tokenisation: Blockchain-based systems reward EV users who return energy to the grid with tradable tokens.
- AI-driven energy management: Real-time forecasting models optimise charging schedules and grid load based on weather, traffic, and user behaviour.
- Modular DC-DC microgrid architecture: Enhances flexibility and integration with local renewable sources such as solar panels.
- Plug & Charge (ISO 15118-20): Ensures seamless authentication and payment without user intervention, improving convenience and security.
Demonstration Sites
NEVERFLAT is tested across four diverse pilot sites:
Berlin, Germany:
At Europe’s largest startup campus, the project demonstrates grid stabilisation, smart fleet charging, and user education initiatives.
Alba Iulia, Romania:
Charging stations are integrated with solar PV and tested in a dense urban educational campus environment.
Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain:
A tech park pilot explores interoperability, energy prediction, and the impact of charging on campus sustainability
Bucharest, Romania:
The BEIA site combines residential and office use, showcasing energy storage, V2G functionality, and blockchain-based energy markets.
A Holistic Approach
NEVERFLAT goes beyond technical development. By integrating social science and humanities (SSH) perspectives, the project ensures inclusive design and fair access. Stakeholder co-design, behavioural incentives, and community engagement strategies help overcome economic and social barriers to EV adoption.
Its modular architecture, scalable business models, and emphasis on real-world impact make NEVERFLAT a replicable solution for cities and communities across Europe and beyond.