Powering change: Salford leads bi-directional electric vehicle innovation on the Isle of Wight

Working closely with a community interest company on the Isle of Wight, Future Isle of Wight CIC, and a range of other international partners, the team at the University of Salford has been involved in the launch of a state-of-the-art bi-directional EV charger at a pilot hotel in Shanklin. 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.

Professor Vahid Vahidinasab, Chair in Sustainability at Salford Business School, the University of Salford, said: “Electric vehicles can be more than just transport. They can store clean energy, share it when needed and help homes and businesses save money. Our goal is to make that practical and accessible for everyone.”

The launch was part of a week-long programme co-hosted with Future Isle of Wight CIC. The events brought together over 40 organisations from the United Kingdom and Europe, including more than 14 research and innovation projects.

The week featured three major gatherings:

• The DriVe2X General Assembly.
• The European Union (EU) V2X Cluster.
• The EU-UK V2X Engagement event.

The events focused on how EVs can save money, support local electricity grids, and accelerate the transition to net zero carbon.

Vahid added: “This collaboration shows how research can move from the lab to the real world. By working with local communities and businesses, we’re proving that clean technology can deliver real benefits for people, organisations, and the environment.”

Vincent Wedlock-Ward, MBE, Director and Founder of Future Isle of Wight CIC, said: “Partnering with Professor Vahidinasab of the University of Salford on the DriVe2X project has been transformative for our community. 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.”

The Isle of Wight pilot aligns with the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 plan and Ofgem’s Clean Flexibility Roadmap, which highlight the role of citizen-led flexible energy solutions, including smart EV charging and V2G, in building a reliable and affordable energy system.

Salford’s work demonstrates how data-driven innovation can support both business operations and sustainability goals, helping communities thrive while cutting emissions.