Government energy regulator Ofgem has suggested that electric vehicle owners should employ flexible charging tactics to allow more to be charged on a national scale.
According to Ofgem, this would help reduce the need for new power stations and increased grid capacity to support the increasing popularity of electric vehicles.
Flexible charging is a term used where people charge their vehicle during off-peak hours, i.e. during the day and later at night, which would counteract people charging during more popular usage times – between 7am and 9am, and 6pm and 10pm.
Ofgem calculates that if people charge up outside of peak times, 60 per cent more vehicles could be charged.
The regulator is also planning to reduce energy costs, including incentives for customers – such as being offered batteries to store excess energy that could then be sent back into the grid if needed.
Jonathan Brearly, Ofgem executive director for systems and networks, said: “Ofgem is working with the government to support the electric vehicle revolution in Britain which can bring big benefits to consumers. Our reforms will help more users charge their electric vehicles and save them money.
“The proposals we have announced today will also harness the benefits of electric vehicles and other new technologies to help manage the energy system and keep costs down for all consumers.
“The way we generate, transport and use electricity – and power our cars - is undergoing a radical transformation in Great Britain. Ofgem will ensure that the energy system is fit for this exciting, cleaner future and at the lowest cost for consumers.”
