Matthijs Kok is the driving force behind the City of Utrecht’s integration of electric mobility into the energy system, with a strong focus on bidirectional charging (V2G). He combines municipal strategy, partnerships with industry leaders (such as We Drive Solar, Renault, and MyWheels), and academic research to position Utrecht as a frontrunner in large-scale V2G deployment.

Kok played a key role in launching Europe’s first city-wide public bidirectional charging network. Under his guidance, Utrecht is rolling out 800 bidirectional AC charging points, 500 of which are linked to shared EVs like the new Renault 5. These cars act as “neighbourhood batteries,” feeding energy back to the grid at times of peak demand.

By integrating smart and bidirectional charging with solar energy and prioritizing shared mobility, Kok helps reduce grid congestion while accelerating the city’s energy transition. His work bridges urban sustainability goals with innovation, regulation, and practical deployment — making Utrecht a European model for V2G integration.