A bi-directional EV charging system has been used to power a hotel in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight in a trial that could create a significant boost to sustainability in tourism.

Driven by University of Salford’s smart-charging algorithm and backed by Horizon Europe and UKRI, the V2X system can help ease grid pressure and sustainability, as guest cars are often parked for the majority of their time at venues.

The charger, part of the international DriVe2X project, allows EVs not only to charge from the electricity grid but also to return stored energy to the building when demand is high. The system is managed by smart charging algorithm developed at Salford, which calculates the best times for cars to charge, or discharge, based on energy prices, building needs, and driver preferences. This reduces costs, lowers emissions, and makes the most of renewable energy such as solar panel.

Vincent Wedlock-Ward, director of Future Isle of Wight CIC, said: “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 and also demonstrating how smart, sustainable innovation can be scaled to benefit local economies across the UK.”

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