June 2025 marked the AHEAD project’s initiation to the V2X Cluster, a joint initiative bringing together eight Horizon Europe projects at the forefront of piloting vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies.

Initially launched by five sister projects in 2023 to accelerate the development of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies and smart, interoperable, inclusive EV charging solutions including EV4EU, DriVe2X, FLOW, SCALE and XL-CONNECT – the Cluster expanded in June 2025 to include AHEAD, NEVERFLAT, andePowerMove, strengthening its expertise and impact.

With its aim of enhancing the integration of EVs into the power grid, AHEAD brings a unique perspective to the Cluster by utilising AI models to develop a tool that balances user accessibility and grid capacity. The project will also test flexibility services at seven different demonstration sites, focusing on optimising both economic benefits and grid stability.

A Shared Vision for Sustainable Mobility

The V2X Cluster is built on the belief that decarbonising transport requires more than advances in vehicle design. True transformation depends on vehicles that can easily communicate with infrastructure, energy networks, and each other. By contributing to the advancement of V2X technologies, the Cluster supports the European Commission’s vision for integrated electric mobility and digitalisation.

Beyond technical innovation, the initiative actively engages with policymakers, industry, and civil society to accelerate EV adoption and overcome barriers to large-scale deployment. The Cluster also works to ensure innovation meets societal needs, such as reducing emissions, easing congestion, and enhancing quality of life.

Driving Impact Together

To streamline collaboration and maximize results, the Cluster is structured around five thematic areas: Business Models (led by SCALE), Battery Degradation (led by Drive2X), Consumer Perspective (led by EV4EU), AC vs. DC Charging (led by FLOW), Policy and Regulation (led by ePowerMove), and AI Tools for V2X (led by AHEAD). 

Cluster representatives hold regular meetings to share insights, coordinate strategies, and address common challenges, such as:

• V2X charging business models
• National and EU regulatory frameworks
• Urban-scale deployment of smart charging and V2X technologies
• Inter-regional cooperation and coordination on smart charging and V2X

By fostering collaboration across projects, the V2X Cluster is accelerating the adoption of a future-ready EV charging infrastructure across Europe, ensuring a more sustainable and connected mobility ecosystem.