Electric car owners will be encouraged to charge at off-peak times

Energy regulator Ofgem proposes system reforms to support 'electric vehicle revolution'

Electric car wallbox charger

Owners of electric vehicles will be encouraged to recharge cars at times when electricity is cheaper, energy regulator Ofgem has announced. 

According to the analysis published today, Ofgem says that if owners use ‘flexible charging’, where they only top up during off-peak times, at least 60 percent more EVs could be charged up compared with ‘inflexible charging’, where EVs are only charged at peak times.

This, the regulator claims, would avoid the need to upgrade the network structure. To achieve this, Ofgem is proposing the adoption of so-called ‘time of use’ tariffs, with cheaper electricity when there is less strain on the grid.

The flexible use of the grid will also accommodate more renewable forms of energy, such as wind and solar power.

Britain braced for a ‘radical transformation’

Jonathan Brearley, executive director, systems and networks, Ofgem, 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.”

Responding to a question about all EVs plugging in at the same time, Tom Callow, director of communications and strategy at Chargemaster, tweeted: “I hate to alarm you, but if we all boiled our kettles at precisely the same time, the grid would not cope.

“But, guess what? Just like the scenario where all EVs are charging at precisely the same time… it will not happen!”

To benefit from the incentives, EV drivers will require a smart meter installed at their home, as well as an electric charger. Ofgem says it will work with the industry to overhaul energy system rules, and hopes to put the reforms in place between 2022 and 2023.

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Gavin Braithwaite-Smith
Gavin Braithwaite-Smithhttp://www.petrolblog.com
Writer with a penchant for #FrenchTat. Owns 15 vehicles of varying degrees of terribleness. Also doing a passable impression of Cousin Eddie in an Italian-German beige motorhome. Doesn't get out much.

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