1. What is the primary goal or purpose of the practice? The primary goal of the e-SMART project is to promote the development and integration of e-mobility solutions and smart grid technologies to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and interoperability of transportation systems. Specifically, it targets: Electrification of transport: Encouraging the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in passenger and last-mile freight transport. Smart grid integration: Ensuring that electric mobility is supported by smart grid solutions that can dynamically manage energy demand. Sustainability and environmental impact: Reducing CO2 emissions and the environmental footprint of transportation in the Alpine region by integrating renewable energy sources with transportation systems. Public-private collaboration: Strengthening the cooperation between governmental authorities, private sector players, and local stakeholders. 2. How did the idea for this practice originate? The idea for e-SMART emerged from the need to address the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions in the Alpine Space. The Alpine region, characterized by its challenging geographical landscape and environmental sensitivities, was seeking ways to reduce emissions, enhance transportation efficiency, and integrate renewable energy into mobility solutions. Origin: The project was initiated in response to EU mobility and sustainability policies aiming to foster clean transport technologies. It combines smart grid solutions and e-mobility to address transport inefficiencies and environmental concerns. Rationale: The idea was to provide a scalable and interoperable solution that could work across different countries in the Alpine region while meeting local needs and integrating with the EU’s Green Deal and other sustainability-focused initiatives. 3. How is success measured in this practice? What are the key performance indicators (KPIs)? Success in the e-SMART project is measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative KPIs, focusing on the effectiveness, scalability, and environmental impact of the project. Key performance indicators include: Reduction in CO2 emissions: Monitoring the decrease in greenhouse gas emissions due to the adoption of electric vehicles and integration of renewable energy. Energy efficiency improvements: Measuring the reduction in energy consumption and the efficient use of energy resources in transportation. Adoption rate of e-mobility solutions: Tracking the number of electric vehicles (EVs) deployed, especially in last-mile freight and passenger transport. Integration of smart grid technology: Evaluating the deployment of smart grid infrastructure that enhances charging station management and load balancing for electric vehicles. Interoperability: Assessing the level of integration and communication between e-mobility systems, smart grids, and regional energy networks. Stakeholder engagement: Measuring the level of collaboration between public authorities, private businesses, and consumers in adopting e-mobility solutions. 4. What specific outcomes have been achieved since its implementation? Since its implementation, the e-SMART project has achieved several key outcomes: Increased adoption of electric vehicles: More electric vehicles, both for passenger transport and last-mile freight, have been integrated into the region’s transportation networks. Smart grid systems: Successful integration of smart grid technologies, allowing for more efficient management of electricity demand, especially in regions with high e-mobility adoption. Environmental impact reduction: Measurable reductions in CO2 emissions due to the uptake of electric vehicles and the use of renewable energy sources for charging infrastructure. Stakeholder collaboration: Strengthened cooperation between public institutions, private companies, and local stakeholders, facilitating better policy frameworks and support for e-mobility solutions. Infrastructure development: Installation of charging stations and smart grid infrastructure that are tailored to the specific needs of the Alpine region, making e-mobility more accessible. 5. How does the practice contribute to long-term sustainability? The e-SMART project contributes to long-term sustainability in the following ways: Environmental sustainability: By promoting electric mobility, the project significantly reduces air pollution, lowers CO2 emissions, and supports the transition to cleaner transport in the Alps, which is vital for preserving the region’s natural environment. Energy transition: The integration of smart grid solutions enables better use of renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind power) for e-vehicle charging, further reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. Resilient transport systems: The use of smart grids allows for optimized energy usage, ensuring that transportation systems are more efficient and resilient in the face of fluctuating energy demands and potential grid failures. Economic benefits: The promotion of e-mobility services supports the local economy by fostering innovation, creating new jobs, and attracting investment into green technology solutions. Scalability: The project’s model is designed to be replicable in other regions, allowing for the expansion of sustainable transportation solutions beyond the Alps. 6. What makes this practice unique or innovative? The e-SMART project is unique and innovative for several reasons: Integration of smart grids and e-mobility: The combination of e-mobility (electric vehicles) and smart grid solutions to create an interoperable system for sustainable transportation is a novel approach. This integration not only makes electric vehicles more viable but also optimizes the management of charging infrastructure and energy use. Cross-border cooperation: The project involves multiple stakeholders from different countries in the Alpine region, ensuring a coordinated and scalable solution for the whole region rather than isolated national efforts. Tailored solutions for the Alpine region: The project focuses on addressing the unique geographic and environmental challenges of the Alps, such as the mountainous terrain and the need for efficient energy management in rural or isolated areas. Smart city compatibility: The e-SMART project supports the development of smart city solutions by providing a blueprint for integrating electric vehicles with digital infrastructure, making it easier to incorporate new technologies into urban and regional mobility systems.