The Linux Foundation Energy’s EVerest Project is joining forces with Task 53 of the International Energy Agency (IEA) to tackle a critical barrier in the decarbonization of the electricity sector: interoperability in bidirectional EV charging, known as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). Despite its transformative potential for the energy sector, V2G technology faces significant obstacles, including a lack of standardization across global regions and varying technical protocols. Task 53, established by the IEA’s Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology Collaboration Programme (HEV TCP), seeks to address these issues by enhancing interoperability within the bidirectional charging ecosystem.
V2G technology enables energy to flow both from the grid into an electric vehicle (EV) and back from the EV into the grid. However, non-standardized protocols and varied grid codes across countries present substantial barriers. Task 53’s work will include testing conformance with upcoming ISO15118-2X standards on bidirectional charging, a development LF Energy’s EVerest Project can support with its expertise in universal, open-source charger firmware that supports all relevant industry standards.
Through this partnership, Task 53 and LF Energy EVerest aim to achieve two core objectives:
- Ensure interoperability between bidirectional charging stations and EVs.
- Enhance interoperability between bidirectional charging stations and local distribution grids.
Currently, charging solutions are largely proprietary, with manufacturers developing individual protocols and systems that lack cross-compatibility. Regional adaptations further complicate this landscape. In the EU, for example, bidirectional charging stations are largely DC-based due to the 3-phase network and specific grid codes. Japan has followed a similar path, influenced by CHAdeMO standards, while the US favors single-phase, onboard bidirectional chargers. China’s technical standards for V2G remain in development, with a definitive framework expected by 2025.
This fragmented global landscape imposes substantial costs on manufacturers, preventing economies of scale and limiting market competition. The lack of interoperability impedes widespread adoption of V2G technology, obstructing the potential cost savings for bidirectional charging stations and the overall deployment of V2X technologies.
LF Energy’s EVerest project is working to bridge these gaps by developing open-source, universal charger firmware that integrates and supports varying standards. In parallel, Task 53’s cross-system interoperability testing complements EVerest’s efforts to create a collaborative framework for V2G infrastructure.
“EVs hold the promise of providing impactful grid services, but significant roadblocks remain, particularly around interoperability of EVs and charging stations. We can only realize the potential of EVs as distributed grid assets if they can be easily and safely coordinated,” said LF Energy Executive Director Alex Thornton. “The partnership between Task 53 and LF Energy EVerest will provide a collaborative, open, neutral venue to address these challenges and accelerate development of interoperable charging and V2G infrastructure.”
Marco Piffaretti, Operating Agent at Task 53, echoed this optimism: “We are very happy that LF Energy EVerest has joined Task 53. EVerest is a great open-source project that brings fresh knowledge and perspectives to the table. Moreover, the EVerest community can now benefit from Task 53’s favorable terms for interoperability testing in both Europe and the US.”
About Task 53
Launched under the IEA’s Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology Collaboration Programme (HEV TCP) in 2016, Task 53 addresses interoperability issues that hinder bidirectional charging. Currently, 18 countries, including Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, and the US, participate in this initiative. Task 53’s work focuses on advancing pre-competitive research and fostering international collaboration to streamline bidirectional EV charging solutions. More information can be found at task53.org.
About LF Energy
LF Energy is a pioneering initiative aimed at accelerating decarbonization through open-source technologies and collaborative frameworks. Supported by prominent members like Google, Microsoft, Shell, and over 60 other partners across sectors, LF Energy strives to create sustainable energy solutions through open ecosystems. For further information, visit lfenergy.org.
About EVerest Project
LF Energy’s EVerest Project is an open-source modular framework for EV charging, designed to support multiple configurations and industry standards such as ISO 15118-20. Originally developed by PIONIX GmbH and contributed to LF Energy in 2022, EVerest aims to streamline and standardize EV charging. Learn more at lfenergy.org/projects/everest.