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Charging the Future – Even at -30°C
Updated: June 13, 2025, 12:44 PM
Published: June 3, 2025, 09:00 AM
In Skellefteå, the Arctic Center of Energy (ACE) is paving the way for the future of transportation – on land, in the air, and in sub-zero temperatures.
“We connect technology, research, and societal actors to truly drive electrification forward,” says Marcus Björling, program manager for e-mobility at ACE.
The transportation sector is facing a historic shift. In Skellefteå, it’s happening right before your eyes. Here, electrification is put to the test: long distances, a cold climate, and sparse communities. But there are also great opportunities, such as resources, test environments, and a strong desire to transition.
ACE is a hub for electrification where cutting-edge expertise meets test environments, projects, and innovation in practice.
“We must be able to show that there are robust solutions that work even when it’s 30 degrees below zero and far to the nearest charging station,” says Marcus Björling.
ACE is working on several fronts to drive development.
“We have several exciting collaborations underway. With Skellefteå Kraft, for example, we have tested vehicle-to-grid technology, i.e., how electric car batteries can support the electricity grid. This was done at the Zero Sun facility. The result showed that it is possible to use electric cars to support the electricity grid, which makes the system more flexible,” he says.
Many Projects Simultaneously
At Skellefteå Airport, a 1 MW charging infrastructure is already being used in one of the world’s first electric aviation-based pilot training programs. And the SAEKERT project is investigating how electrified vehicle fleets can function in crises and support important societal functions.
“Emergency preparedness is super important. The project is ongoing for three years and is run with VTI, Luleå University of Technology, and Umeå University, with support from the Swedish Energy Agency,” he explains.
The air is also being electrified. Skellefteå Droneport will soon be inaugurated by Arctic Aviation Hub.
“The vision of drone deliveries is near. Together with Arctic Aviation Hub, VTI, and Luleå University of Technology, we are developing drone technology for cities, forests, and the mining industry,” says Marcus Björling.
New Test Environments Being Developed
ACE is also investing in heavy transport and construction machinery – a key for both climate transition and societal function. Test environments are being developed for battery and hydrogen solutions and autonomous systems.
Marcus Björling also emphasizes the importance of building competence in parallel with technology.
“We highlight educations we believe in within our program areas. In addition, we initiate new courses and programs. ACE Bootcamp will give doctoral students the right knowledge to lead the transition,” he says.
In two years, ACE Powerhouse will be completed at Campus Skellefteå – a future building of 8,300 square meters with space for labs, offices, and digital twins.
“It will be an epicenter for collaboration, in the middle of a region where electrification is already underway,” concludes Marcus Björling.
About Arctic Center of Energy
Arctic Center of Energy (ACE) is a competence center in Skellefteå that accelerates society’s electrification. Through research, education, and collaboration, ACE drives solutions in e-mobility, circular industry, and connected cities. Main partners are Skellefteå Municipality, Skellefteå Kraft, and Luleå University of Technology.
Learn more at arcticcenterofenergy.se and on LinkedIn.
This article was produced by Brand Studio in collaboration with Arctic Center of Energy.
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