Electromobility is a powerful resource for both the decarbonization of the transport sector and for the provision of flexibility services to the power system; an optimal vehicle-grid integration will contribute to an efficient planning and operation of a “System of systems” with benefits for all involved actors [1].

This Paper analyses key E-mobility characteristics, focusing on its impact on the power system. European Union (EU) decision makers are steering the transport sector toward adopting electric cars, commercial vehicles, and buses, as well as pushing for zero emission solutions (including CO2-free hydrogen) also for maritime and aviation transport. The number of electric vehicle models is rising, while users’ concerns on endurance and high upfront purchase prices are being solved shortly.

The development of a diffused charging infrastructure addressing the needs of different stakeholders and the widespread adoption of smart charging processes currently represent the major gap to be covered for matching positive business cases with system benefits.

The electrical vehicle (EV) charging process is where sector coupling between transport and energy sectors is cyber-physically realized and it is the crucial element for guaranteeing the successful development of both. Uncontrolled charging can result in challenges for the power system while managing the charging process not only limits the potential issues but also opens new opportunities. “Smart” charging can support the integration of more renewable energy generation, by reshaping the power demand curve, supporting generation fleet adequacy, and reducing system costs and CO2 emissions.

EVs will enable improved system management in terms of ancillary services and grid congestions, while users will benefit from lower charging costs.

After passenger cars, Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDV) are the second-largest CO2-emitting segment in transport. Due to their business-oriented use cases, their owners/logistic operators are approaching a decarbonization strategy in a structural way. The EU Green Deal package aims to decarbonize HDV through emission-neutral fuels or electric motor fed by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells. Transport decarbonisation will impact the power system, through direct (electrochemical batteries) or indirect (electrolytic hydrogen) electrification.

The market uptake proportion between these two remains uncertain depending on technology readiness, consumers’ preferences, and recharging/refuelling infrastructure rate of deployment. The latest projections favour battery-operated vehicles due to a more mature supply chain and cost advantage of RES vs RES-based hydrogen. This is particularly relevant for grid operators, DSOs and TSOs, both in terms of grid operation (higher energy load and power peaks, new load profiles), and grid development planning.

TSOs are also impacted in terms of wider energy system operation: flexibility potential from EV batteries and impact of large electrolysers for hydrogen fuel cells vehicles (sector coupling with future hydrogen systems). The recharging/refuelling infrastructure needs to be coordinated both for its deployment (location, grid reinforcements) and for its operation (smart charging and Vehicle-to-Grid) through appropriate enablers: interoperable and digitalised chargers, market-driven charging management, tariff and business models, updated regulation and market rules.

This Paper addresses, with a System perspective, technologies, and trends for the uptake of Zero-Emission HDVs and their recharging/refuelling stations. It is based on a technical/economic analysis covering vehicles and charging infrastructure projections, operational requirements, economics, regulation, and market issues. The Paper identifies a taxonomy of charging use cases, their impact on grids and on the broader power system, recommending coordinated actions.