TotalEnergies Trials Dynamic Charging Tariffs in Utrecht

TotalEnergies has launched a pilot project in Utrecht to test dynamic charging tariffs. During the trial phase, tariffs at 15 charging stations across the Dutch city will be adjusted based on the expected availability of solar and wind energy.

While TotalEnergies has not disclosed the exact locations of the 15 sites, a press image shows an AC charging station. It remains unclear whether the pilot also includes DC chargers. However, the French energy company prioritises fast chargers as part of its broader infrastructure expansion in Utrecht. By 2025, a total of 38 high-power charging stations will be installed at 17 locations across the city, including near shops, sports facilities, a park, and the taxi rank at the central railway station. The hardware will be “tailored to the needs of the users,” with charging capacities ranging from 50 to 400 kW.

The dynamic pricing principle is straightforward: drivers can benefit from lower charging rates when more renewable energy is available in the grid. Theoretically, this also helps balance supply and demand within the electricity network. However, the downside is that charging could become more expensive if electricity prices rise and users are unable to delay their session.

For now, the pilot is limited to 15 locations, but TotalEnergies has stated that it may expand dynamic pricing to additional sites “depending on the initial results” of the trial. “Utrecht is once again proving to be one of the frontrunners in making mobility in our country more sustainable,” added Stefan Evers, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Charging Solutions Netherlands.

Alderman Eva Oosters, Utrecht’s Deputy Mayor for Zero-Emission Mobility, also welcomed the initiative: “The expansion of the charging network and the introduction of dynamic charging tariffs are important steps in making mobility in Utrecht even more sustainable. By making electric charging smarter and more accessible, we encourage the use of clean vehicles and work together to create a healthier living environment for all Utrechters.”

Utrecht has already been the site of several pioneering EV charging projects. In 2019, Renault launched a bidirectional charging initiative in the city, followed by Hyundai and We Drive Solar in 2022. Meanwhile, car-sharing provider MyWheels plans to integrate 500 Renault 5 vehicles into its fleet, using the model’s vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities to help stabilise the city’s power grid.

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