The UK government is paving the way for cheaper motoring and lower energy bills with a new Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Action Plan
The action plan to accelerate the rollout of smart charging infrastructure for electric vehicles includes funding for projects that aim to develop smart charging technology, improve publicly available information, and ensure compatibility with the latest energy innovations.
Smart charging is expected to lower prices for motorists, reduce electricity system costs, and deliver greener electricity. The government aims to remove barriers to the development of a diverse and competitive smart charging market and ensure that the energy system is ready to respond to the increased demand for energy that electric vehicles will bring. The plan is expected to make smart charging the norm at home and work by 2025, and more commonplace at long-duration public charging by the late 2020s.
By harnessing the power of energy use data and the latest energy innovations, motorists will be able to charge their electric vehicles at cheaper or cleaner times, power their homes with electricity stored in their vehicles, or even sell electricity back to the grid for a profit. High mileage drivers could save up to £1,000 a year through smarter charging.
The government is also investing £16 million in funding from the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio for projects that will help maximise the benefits of smart charging. This includes a smart street lamppost that will enable motorists to access smart charging on the move and projects that will allow domestic appliances to integrate into a smarter energy system.
Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart said the government is committed to making smart charging an easier choice for electric vehicle drivers, whether charging on the driveway, at work, or on the street. Ofgem Director for Strategy and Decarbonisation Neil Kenward added that the plan will maximise the benefits of smart charging, reduce energy costs, and offer vital savings to consumers.
The UK government has already taken significant steps towards enabling smart and flexible electric vehicle charging, including requiring all new charge points sold for private use to have smart functionality. The government is also consulting on a new policy and technical framework to enhance the benefits of domestic smart, flexible energy while maintaining cybersecurity.
