A parked electric car could soon power your hotel room, thanks to researchers at the University of Salford. This innovation is part of a Horizon Europe and UKRI-funded initiative targeting the tourism accommodation sector, a vital industry on the Isle of Wight.
Collaborating with Future Isle of Wight CIC and various international partners, the University of Salford has launched a cutting-edge bi-directional EV charger at a pilot hotel in Shanklin. This charger, integral to the international DriVe2X project, permits electric vehicles not only to draw power from the grid but also to return stored energy to the building during peak demand periods.
The system operates through a smart charging algorithm designed at Salford, optimising charging or discharging times based on energy prices, building requirements, and driver preferences. This approach reduces costs, lowers emissions, and maximises the use of renewable energy sources like solar panels.
Professor Vahid Vahidinasab, Chair in Sustainability at Salford Business School, remarked, “Electric vehicles can be more than just transport. They can store clean energy, share it when needed, and help homes and businesses save money. Our goal is to make that practical and accessible for everyone.”
Vincent Wedlock-Ward, MBE, Director and Founder of Future Isle of Wight CIC, added, “Partnering with Professor Vahidinasab of the University of Salford on the DriVe2X project has been transformative for our community. By trialling bi-directional EV charging in tourism accommodation as a key business sector, we are helping businesses cut energy costs during peak seasons, strengthening the Island’s energy resilience, and creating new opportunities for green jobs and skills development.”
The Isle of Wight pilot aligns with the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 plan and Ofgem’s Clean Flexibility Roadmap, which underscore the importance of citizen-led flexible energy solutions, including smart EV charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, in constructing a reliable and cost-effective energy system.
Salford’s initiative exemplifies how data-driven innovation can bolster both business operations and sustainability objectives, fostering community prosperity while reducing emissions.
