The aim of this thesis has been to investigate the technical and social potential for electric car charging as a flexibility resource in Uppsala. In addition, the user pattern has been examined, as well as the drivers’ motivation and obstacles contributing to flexibility. This has been done through quantitative and qualitative methods in the form of simulations and semi-structured interviews.

The results show that the user pattern of the chargers and Uppsala city show a great similarity in form of two peaks. However, the peaks do not coincide, as they are separated by two and three hours, respectively. Furthermore, the public charging station occupancy turns out to be low, which is explained by the interviewees as the fact that the majority have their primary charging station at home.

It is not important when charging takes place, only that it takes place. However, it is of great importance to always be able to charge. The drivers' motivation and impediments to assist with flexibility vary greatly in terms of the size and significance of the compensation.

The results show that just over 2/5 of every charging session has flexibility potential, and that charging takes place for about half of the connected time. The largest proportion of flexibility potential lie within 30 min-1h followed by 1-2h respectively. Thus, with the possibility of shifting or pausing charge during that time. The greatest potential is obtained for 1,85 kW charging, largely due to an overrepresentation in the data set used for the simulations.

A theoretical flexibility has been established based on the available energy data. However, to analyze in detail how car charging affects Uppsala's capacity shortage, access to high resolved power data is of great importance.

To sum up, the overall results show that there are substantial preconditions for a technical and social potential for electric cars as a flexibility resource in Uppsala. Although, it requires well-developed incentives and aids to be realized, where end users assist with flexibility to the electricity grid.