The aim of the VIBRATe project is to interconnect the “twin cities” of Vienna and Bratislava by a network of charging stations and make electric cars and scooters available to the public. The metropolitan area of Vienna-Bratislava contains about 3 million people. An average combustion engine on an everyday commute between Vienna and Bratislava produces about 45 kg of CO₂ per year.

VIBRATe also marks the first joint project between the Austrian and Slovakian energy companies. The project is supported out of the EU and the Austrian Ministry of Economic Affairs (BMWA) and all relevant regional and local governments.

The aim of the feasibility study is to identify new opportunities around e-mobility in Bratislava and maximize the market potential, in an effort to reduce emissions. By analyzing the capacity needed from the distribution network for various types of vehicle charging / recharging, Bratislava can not only implement an optimal power grid, but also address the charging concerns shared by its citizens.

—ZSE

IBM Slovakia is teaming with ZSE to provide insights into various implementation scenarios and infrastructure options for charging. Together, the companies are investigating charging station locations for normal and rapid charging across the borders, as well as analyzing networking availability. This analysis will allow ZSE to strategically place charging stations in areas that are convenient for consumers, without straining the distribution system, an issue caused by unpredictable charging across territories.

Rising fuel prices and energy consumption are two major issues facing many cities around the world, these factors coupled with aging roads and infrastructures, can affect city planning, local economy, and overall community satisfaction. This mobility project with ZSE tackles all of these issues. It has the potential to introduce a modern, convenient and more intelligent way for consumers to commute, which in turn may encourage more to make the shift to an electric vehicle, while reducing stress on the energy grid.

—Guido Bartels, General Manager of IBM's Global Energy and Utilities Industry

ZSE is leading the project to identify alternative energy resources, drive consumer engagement and ensure the reliable distribution of electricity. Once implemented, the solution will help consumers save energy and control usage costs, while helping utilities manage power load on the energy grid during peak charging times with better insight into consumption. Additionally, energy suppliers will have the ability to store energy for use when natural sources of energy are not available.