Amsterdam is extending its 'Actief Slim Laden' (Active Smart Charging) pilot program through November 2025, building on its success in enhancing electric vehicle (EV) charging efficiency and grid stability. The six-month initiative, which began on March 27, 2025, is a collaboration between ANWB, Equans, Deftpower, and the municipality of Amsterdam. It aims to synchronize EV charging with the power grid's capacity, reducing strain by aligning charging times with the availability of dynamic electricity supply, particularly during off-peak hours when renewable energy is more abundant.
Participants in the 'Actief Slim Laden' trial can set their desired full charge time for their EVs via the ANWB app. Intelligent software then manages the charging process, prioritizing lower demand periods. This smart scheduling not only reduces charging costs for EV drivers but also ensures more efficient utilization of the electricity grid. Users who adopt this flexible charging approach receive financial incentives, or 'cashback,' averaging approximately €0.82 per charging session, contributing to an estimated 7.5% saving on total charging expenses. The reward amount is directly influenced by the charging time and the degree of flexibility provided by the user.
By strategically shifting charging sessions away from peak demand periods, the pilot has demonstrated a significant reduction in electricity demand during peak times, averaging over 70% compared to conventional charging methods. This collective effort contributes to a more stable and sustainable electricity network for the city. The positive outcomes have led to the extension and expansion of the trial's duration through November 2025.
Ongoing efforts are focused on refining the technology to accommodate a wider array of electric vehicles. The overarching goal is to establish smart charging as a standard practice. This initiative exemplifies how thoughtful energy management can support urban development, as reduced grid congestion can potentially enable more construction projects. The program aligns with broader smart grid integration trends, optimizing energy use through communication between EV chargers and power grids to prevent overloads and enhance efficiency. Such systems facilitate dynamic load management and can integrate with renewable energy sources, further bolstering grid stability and promoting cleaner energy consumption.