Smart Car Charging at a.s.r.

The Smart Car Park of a.s.r., a leading Dutch insurance company, sets a new standard in sustainable urban mobility. This groundbreaking project is the world’s largest bi-directional electric vehicle (EV) car park, showcasing innovative DC technology that drives energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The a.s.r Smart Car Park is not just another parking facility—it's a dynamic energy hub. Covering nearly 10,000 square meters, this two-storey structure is equipped with over 2,000 solar panels, making it a powerhouse of renewable energy. The solar panels generate electricity that powers 250 smart bi-directional EV chargers, supporting ASR’s carbon-neutral office initiative.

At the heart of the a.s.r. Smart Car Park is a sophisticated DC microgrid, the first of its kind in a commercial setting in the Netherlands. This system connects 96 solar panels directly to three bi-directional DC chargers, allowing EVs to charge more efficiently and even return energy to the grid when needed. This pioneering use of DC technology not only boosts energy efficiency but also enhances grid stability, particularly in high-demand urban areas.

This DC installation is part of a research initiative led by the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. The project aimed at exploring the potential of direct current for bi-directional charging, which could offer greater efficiency and integration capabilities compared to traditional alternating current (AC) systems.

• Bi-Directional Charging: Enables energy flow between vehicles and the grid, optimizing renewable energy use and reducing grid congestion.

• Autonomous Operation: The DC microgrid can operate independently, powered entirely by solar energy, ensuring CO2-neutral performance.

• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: The implementation of the DC grid has led to a measurable decrease in energy consumption, with a.s.r. reporting energy improvements of over 15%.

• Resource Optimization: The project minimizes environmental impact by using less copper by utilizing high-voltage power distribution.

• Island Mode Capability: In case of an AC grid failure, the facility’s DC grid continues to operate, supported by solar energy and EV batteries, ensuring uninterrupted service.

The ASR Smart Car Park is more than a parking facility—it's a blueprint for sustainable urban development. By leveraging the latest in DC technology and renewable energy, this project showcases the potential for self-sufficient infrastructure that can adapt to the challenges of urbanization and climate change.

“The a.s.r. Smart Car Park project stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets sustainability. This is more than a car park: it's a model for future urban development.” - Jos Ruijter, Construction and Technology Manager, a.s.r.

• a.s.r.
• Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Kropman
• Venema E-mobility
• RVO Nederland; Topsector Energie