Apply now »

Thesis work - HEMS Architectures for Smart EV Charging

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

Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) are essential for enabling smart charging of electric vehicles (EVs) and integrating renewable energy sources in residential contexts. Different architectural approaches exist: local, cloud-based, and hybrid. Each has unique implications for control logic, latency, scalability, reliability, and cybersecurity. Understanding their strengths and limitations is critical for designing robust and future-ready HEMS solutions that support residential EV charging and household energy optimization.

Scope of the thesis work

The thesis student(s) will conduct a comparative analysis of local, cloud-based, and hybrid HEMS architectures. The work will include:
•    Literature review of existing HEMS concepts, architectures, and industry solutions.
•    Development of a comparison framework covering technical, economic, regulatory, cybersecurity, and user aspects.
•    Analysis of control performance in terms of latency, scalability, reliability, and resilience.
•    Evaluation of energy optimization functions (e.g., peak shaving, cost minimization, PV self-consumption).
•    Case studies and simulations addressing different customer categories (e.g., households with/without PV, multi-family dwellings) across selected markets.
•    Recommendations for suitable HEMS architectures depending on use cases.

What you'll bring

We are looking for 1–2 motivated Master’s students with a background in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Energy Systems, or a related field. The ideal profile includes:
•    Knowledge of energy management systems, smart grids, and control systems.
•    Familiarity with simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or similar).
•    Understanding of communication protocols, cloud systems, and/or cybersecurity is a strong advantage.
•    Interest in comparative analysis and system-level evaluation.
•    Ability to work independently and in collaboration with Volvo Cars engineers.
•    Strong analytical and communication skills.
The work will primarily be conducted at Volvo Cars in Gothenburg.

Duration

•    The work will start in January 2026 (to be discussed).
•    The duration for this thesis work is 20 weeks.
•    30 ECTS (30 academic credits) in agreement with your Thesis Advisor in University.
•    This thesis is to be conducted by 1-2 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 realize our ambitious vision, we are seeking innovative minds who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow – today.
 
In our company, we believe extraordinary things are achieved by ordinary people with the drive to make a difference.

Ready to take the next step?

Applications should include your CV and a brief personal letter stating your interests within the given area and your thoughts and credentials. Submit your CV in English. 

Applications must be received no later than 31st October 2025. We are prioritising direct applications to ensure a fair and efficient application process.
 
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Recruiter Radoslaw Piela at radoslaw.piela@volvocars.com.

For specific questions about the position, please reach out to Hiring Manager Johanna Trillkott at johanna.trillkott@volvocars.com.

Welcome with your application!

Gothenburg, SE, 40531

Job requisition ID:  77759

Apply now »