Electric vehicles (EVs) play a crucial role in the shift towards sustainable mobility. However, as road transport becomes electrified, it puts additional pressure on power grids. To address this challenge and facilitate the adoption of EVs, the SOLAR-MOVE project aims to propose and develop Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaic (VIPV) solutions.
To achieve these goals, a variety of Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaic (VIPV) systems will be demonstrated, including heavy-duty vehicles with photovoltaic (PV) on the trailer, garbage trucks, passenger buses, last-mile delivery vehicles and motorhomes. The benefits of Electric Vehicle Compliant Parking Lot Integrated PV (ePIPV) parking lots that host EV charging and PV generation will be explored, along with the contribution they can make to reducing dependence on grid energy and supply of grid services.
Pilot projects will be conducted in seven countries. EPECentre’s research team including Hamish Avery, Patricio Gallardo Ocampo and Sharee McNab will be involved in trials of last-mile delivery VIPV in New Zealand and contribute a New Zealand perspective when working in a diversity of regulatory environments.
The SOLAR-MOVE project, funded by Horizon Europe, runs from November 2025 to April 2029. The consortium comprises 34 partners across 16 countries. The project findings will contribute to policy recommendations, guidelines for municipalities on procurement processes, and regulatory frameworks to support the widespread adoption of VIPV and ePIPV technologies.
