Germany’s electricity network could support more than 40 million Electric vehicles by 2045, according to 50Hertz. Dirk Biermann, the operator’s head of operations, said in an interview with the German Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies (VDE) that this number is already included in the country’s planning scenarios and is energetically achievable.

However, the transition will require continued investment in renewable generation and electricity infrastructure. Transport is not the only sector becoming electrified: heating in buildings and several industrial processes are also moving away from fossil fuels, increasing overall demand for electricity.

Having enough energy in the system does not necessarily mean that it can be delivered everywhere at any time. One of the main challenges will be managing local demand peaks, particularly when large numbers of drivers charge their vehicles simultaneously. Such situations could overload distribution networks and require infrastructure upgrades, even if sufficient electricity is available overall.

Biermann therefore considers it essential for distribution system operators to have effective tools for managing charging. Smart charging could spread consumption more evenly, reduce peaks and limit some of the investment required to expand the networks. The infrastructure would still need reinforcement, but using existing capacity more efficiently could reduce the cost of electrification.

Bidirectional charging could provide another source of flexibility. Vehicles equipped with this technology can send stored electricity back to a home or, where the necessary technical and regulatory conditions exist, to the public grid. This could help balance supply and demand rather than treating cars solely as electricity consumers.

The 50Hertz executive sees promising applications for bidirectional charging at home, while public charging still requires more development in areas such as dynamic tariffs and financial incentives. Digitalised networks and smart meters will also be important for coordinating vehicle charging, renewable generation and energy storage.

Portugal faces a similar challenge, although on a smaller scale. The growth of electric vehicles will require increasingly efficient charging management, especially in residential areas where several cars may be connected at the same time. The country’s strong use of Renewable energy is an advantage, but it does not remove the need to reinforce distribution networks and adapt infrastructure to rising demand.

Portugal already has a high level of network digitalisation. According to ERSE, at the end of the first half of 2025, 99% of standard low-voltage installations in mainland Portugal had smart meters and were integrated into smart grids. Portuguese legislation also provides for smart charging, although widespread adoption will depend on further technological and commercial development.

Sources: Pplware.