"Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (EV, PHEV) have the potential to contribute significantly to solving contemporary and future environmental and economic challenges of mobility. Various projects in different EU member states are currently addressing the subject in an isolated manner. The G4V consortium consisting of major European electric utilities and distinguished academic institutions are now adopting a holistic European approach to analyse the impact of a mass introduction in detail in order to optimise the grid infrastructure and make use of the inherent opportunities this represents for the operation of smart grids and energy efficiency. The objective of the project is to develop an analytical framework for the planning of technological developments in the grid infrastructure and the definition of related ICT and policy requirements in order to cope with the mass introduction of EV and PHEV. On the one hand, the aim is to clearly understand the effects of a mass introduction under physically given parameters and taking into account local aspects in different EU member states. On the other hand, the opportunities consisting in active demand and storage possibilities will be extensively explored as these also imply options for managing the possible negative impacts on the grid. The project will deliver recommendations on aspects such as possible ICT solutions, grid services anticipating, RES integration, prediction of mobile customers who are potential energy traders and the impact of dedicated tariffs. To ensure an open and holistic approach, the project will take all stakeholders into account and has established an advisory board consisting of institutions along the whole value chain. The project will generate fast and openly available results within 18 months: An analytical framework to evaluate the impact of a large scale introduction on the grid infrastructure and a visionary “road map” for the year 2020 and beyond."