CROME: The French and German field demonstration of the interoperable mobility with EVs

Gagnol, Patrick; Jochem, Patrick; Pierre, Magali; Fïchtner, Wolf · 2013 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1109/evs.2013.6914786

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Summary

The CROME project addresses the critical challenge of establishing interoperable, cross-border electric vehicle (EV) mobility between France and Germany. Motivated by national targets to increase EV adoption to reduce oil dependency and CO2 emissions, the project aims to create a seamless, safe, and user-friendly charging infrastructure in the Upper Rhine region. While individual countries had developed charging standards, the lack of cross-border compatibility hindered broader e-mobility. CROME serves as the first European field demonstration to implement a standardized network allowing EVs to charge, authenticate, and pay across the French-German border. The project, funded by French and German ministries and involving major carmakers, energy suppliers, and research institutions, deployed hardware and software solutions to ensure interoperability. By July 2013, 25 public charging stations in Germany and 16 in France were installed, with a target of at least 50 stations. These stations support "mode 3" AC charging (up to 22 kW) and "mode 4" DC fast charging (43 kW CHAdeMO). To enable seamless access, the project implemented a roaming marketplace based on the Bosch service brokering platform, allowing data exchange between French operator EDF and German operator EnBW. This system facilitates unified authentication via RFID cards and simplified cross-border billing, while maintaining data privacy by keeping customer accounts with their respective operators. Key findings include the successful technical implementation of interoperable hardware and software, enabling users to charge any participating EV model regardless of location or operator. Business models were tested, revealing distinct approaches: Germany utilized time-based tariffs, while France initially offered free public charging, with pricing expected by 2014. User acceptance studies involving over 100 EVs and hundreds of users indicated that while most vehicles were used for business commuting, knowledge of available charging infrastructure significantly reduced range anxiety. Surveys showed that nearly all respondents could imagine buying an EV for personal use, and qualitative interviews highlighted that users valued the driving experience but often lacked easy access to information regarding public charging specifications. The significance of CROME lies in its demonstration that cross-border e-mobility is technically and commercially viable. By proving that different national operators can interconnect their ICT back-ends and charging infrastructures, the project provides a replicable model for broader European integration. The findings suggest that interoperable infrastructure and clear information are crucial for overcoming user anxieties and supporting the growth of the EV market. The project’s results offer valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to scale e-mobility beyond national boundaries.

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