67% of EV energy demand can be shifted from peak to off-peak hours with Smart Charging
Millions of connected EVs already have the potential to act as the world’s largest battery for the grid. This Groene Zaken podcast episode with Deftpower CEO Jacob van Zonneveld explores how rewarding driver flexibility is the key to turning that potential into real impact for Europe’s energy system.
What if the millions of charging electric vehicles effectively became the world’s largest battery for the grid?
That was the starting point when Jacob van Zonneveld, CEO of Deftpower, joined the Groene Zaken podcast with hosts Danny Oosterveer and Aljo Hartgers to talk about the changing role of EV charging in Europe’s energy system. The discussion explored how EV charging is moving beyond a simple plug-in routine and becoming an active lever in grid stability and energy markets.
The episode went deeper into the matter and focused on buying and rewarding flexibility from EV drivers. Rather than treating electric vehicles purely as added demand, the discussion highlighted a different reality: flexibility already exists at scale and its technical capability has largely been proven – but the real gap sits in market integration.
EV batteries are already connected, responsive to price signals, and capable of shifting demand. The missing piece is not hardware or software, but turning it from exception to the norm. Without structured procurement and predictable compensation, most of that flexibility will remain unused, while the system continues to invest in more expensive alternatives.
Watch or listen to the full episode below.
