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Thesis Work: Power Quality Impacts of EV Charging and Discharging in Diverse Grid Conditions

Thesis Worker at Volvo Cars
Welcome to explore the world of Volvo Cars by writing your thesis with us! As a thesis worker in our organization you are supported by a supervisor who follows you during your project. Through your thesis work you will be able to contribute to our company purpose – providing freedom to move in a safe, sustainable and personal way – from day one! 

About this opportunity - Background

As electric vehicles (EVs) evolve into active grid participants, particularly through bidirectional energy flow (charging and discharging), their interaction with diverse and sometimes weak grid environments becomes increasingly complex. In such scenarios, the EV can act as a generator, contributing energy back to the grid or local loads.


This thesis explores how grid variability and harmonic distortions affect the behaviour of EVs during both charging and discharging. It also investigates different factors that influence the grid, especially under high renewable energy penetration, and identifies strategies to mitigate adverse effects such as harmonic distortion and instability.

Scope of the thesis work

•    Study and categorize grid types worldwide, focusing on major EV markets, based on voltage range, phases, frequency, earthing, etc.
•    Collect and analyze field data from online sources, logs, and measurements (if feasible).
•    Detect and quantify occurrences of abnormal grid behaviours and their impact on bidirectional EV operation.
•    Explore mitigation strategies to increase the robustness of the EV operation

What you'll bring

We are looking for students with a strong background in:
•    Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or related fields
•    Knowledge of grid infrastructure, power electronics, and signal processing
•    Experience with measurement tools 
•    Experience with simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD, Python)
•    Interest in renewable energy integration and EV technologies
•    Driving license- B is a plus

 

Most of the work shall be conducted onsite in the labs in Volvo Cars, Gothenburg, which will be beneficial for collaboration and provide access to measurement equipment. Occasional remote work is also possible for special circumstances.

Duration

•    The work will start in January 2026, exact date to be discussed
•    The duration for this thesis work is 20 weeks
•    30 ECTS in agreement with your Thesis Advisor at the University
•    This thesis is to be conducted by 1 or 2 students working in pair


Volvo Cars. For Life.
For nearly a century, Volvo Cars has empowered people to move freely in a personal, sustainable and safe way. Today, we are driving bold advancements in electrification, sustainability and automotive safety. To realise our ambitious vision, we are seeking innovative minds who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow – today.

At Volvo Cars, we believe extraordinary things are achieved by ordinary people with a passion for making a difference. If you’re inspired by the opportunity to help redefine the future of mobility, we invite you to be part of our journey.

Ready to take the next step?
Submit your CV in English and tell us why you’re the ideal candidate for a role at Volvo Cars. Applications must be received no later than November 7, 2025. You will receive a confirmation email after your submission. 

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Recruiter Ayla Kutlay at ayla.kutlay@volvocars.com. For specific questions about the position, please reach out to Hiring Manager Kevin Schüler at kevin.schuler@volvocars.com.

As part of the recruitment process, the final candidates might undergo a background check.

Welcome with your application!

Gothenburg, SE, 40531

Job requisition ID:  77836

Apply now »