20:41 27-03-2026

OctoFlexBW pilot uses EVs to stabilize Germany's power grid

Germany's OctoFlexBW pilot project, a collaboration between TransnetBW and Octopus Energy, has concluded. The trial involved over 700 electric vehicles from private households being used to stabilize the power grid.

The project tested the full cycle of load management, from home charging to integration with the grid operator's system. The EVs provided flexibility of 2 MWh per day. According to participants, scaling up to one million vehicles could reach a potential of 3 GWh daily, covering up to 5% of overload management needs.

The system operates via the KrakenFlex platform, which analyzes data and adjusts charging times. When grid overload risks arise, signals are sent to the operator, and charging is automatically redistributed. Users could set their vehicle's readiness time without experiencing inconvenience. Participants also received lower electricity rates.

As EV numbers grow, the potential for such solutions increases, turning vehicles into infrastructure that not only transports but also supports the energy system. The project will continue under the DataFleX program, which aims to connect over 1,000 EVs and integrate home energy storage.