EVs, batteries, solar systems and heat pumps are multiplying across European homes, but simply installing more assets does not make the energy system smarter. Jonas explains why connectivity is the prerequisite for everything that follows – from control and optimization to flexibility – and why fragmented protocols remain one of the industry’s biggest challenges.
There is no single best way to connect every home. Cloud connectivity offers a fast, low-friction route for individual assets such as EVs, while local gateways become more valuable as homes add multiple energy assets. A hybrid approach lets energy companies start simple, then deepen control as customer needs and asset portfolios evolve.
Connecting a device once is only the beginning. Firmware changes, new models and evolving protocols mean integrations must be continuously maintained. Jonas explains why close OEM partnerships, pre-validation and proactive lifecycle management matter – and why a shorter list of genuinely controllable, secure assets can be more valuable than hundreds of superficial integrations.
Retailers do not have to build a full virtual power plant on day one. Jonas outlines a staged path: connect existing cloud-reachable assets, monetize simple signals through smart charging and dynamic tariffs, aggregate assets for explicit flexibility, then expand into multi-asset homes. The key is choosing an architecture that does not need rebuilding at every stage.
Every additional connected EV, battery, heat pump or solar system also expands the digital attack surface. That makes cybersecurity fundamental to connectivity rather than an obstacle to it. Zero-trust architecture, secure communication, penetration testing and supply-chain scrutiny all become increasingly important as connected asset portfolios grow from thousands to potentially millions.
“Connectivity is not the future of energy management. It is a precondition.”
“A long compatibility list is a marketing asset. A reliable integration is a business asset.”
“Security is not a constraint on connectivity. It is the thing that makes connectivity scalable.”
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