US-EU Joint EV-Smart Grid Interoperability Centers

The US Department of Energy (DOE) and European Commission (EC) signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) in November 2011 to establish cooperative Electric Vehicle-Smart Grid Interoperability Centers at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and the EC´s Joint Research Centre - Institute for Energy & Transport (JRC-IET). The intent is to facilitate harmonization of EV-grid connectivity and communication standards, technologies and test procedures between the US and EU. Since the agreement, the laboratories have reviewed each other´s test facilities and procedures, enhanced their testing capabilities (facilities and equipment), consulted with industry, initiated comparative test activities and proposed cooperative activities to DOE and the EC for the next two years. This paper reviews the background as well as the status and capabilities of the centers in addition to the accomplishments and future plans.