The government has outlined a plan to further develop the way smart charging for electric vehicles can be used in the home.
As part of the Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Action Plan, published by the government in partnership with Ofgem, homeowners could use the electricity available in their EV to power their home’s energy needs. Smart charging also allows motorists to charge their cars at times when electricity is cheaper, such as during the night.
It is estimated that smarter charging could save the average motorist up to £200 a year, and someone who drives long distances as much as £1000 per year. Electricity is most expensive during peak times of the day, such as 4pm-9pm. If electric consumption could be more evenly balanced, then households could start to see lower energy bills – something that we all want right now!
“We want to make smart charging an easier choice for drivers of electric vehicles, whether that is charging on the driveway, at the workplace, or parked on the street,” said Graham Stuart MP, Minister for Energy and Climate. “To do that we need to build new network infrastructure at pace, using the latest available technologies.”
Among the technologies being considered is a type of smart lamppost that enables drivers to access smart charging on the move, and more touchpoints being integrated into a smarter energy system. The government is working with Ofgem to help deliver the infrastructure such a plan needs.
“This latest innovative plan will help to maximise the benefits of smart charging, offer vital savings to consumers and reduce the overall cost of energy by seizing the opportunities to use batteries to both power homes and fuel the wider grid,” said Neil Kenward, Ofgem director for strategy and decarbonisation.
