The transport sector now accounts for the largest share of UK energy consumption by sector. However, there has been no significant reduction in emissions from transport since 1990. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Data source: https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/statistics\/energy-consumption-in-the-uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Data source: https:\/\/data.gov.uk\/dataset\/9a1e58e5-d1b6-457d-a414-335ca546d52c\/provisional-uk-greenhouse-gas-emissions-national-statistics<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s happening now?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s significant policy support for EVs to help achieve Net Zero. The government is encouraging consumers to switch petrol and diesel cars and vans for battery electric vehicles through various measures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here in the UK, sales of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are increasing. But there\u2019s a problem that goes hand-in-hand with that: the Road to Zero could increase today\u2019s energy consumption by around 30% by 2050. So what about the electricity networks? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Data source: https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/942102\/veh0253.ods<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Table 4.18 http:\/\/fes.nationalgrid.com\/media\/1432\/fes-data-workbook-v30.xlsx<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: https:\/\/www.lowcvp.org.uk\/projects\/electric-vehicle-energy-taskforce.htm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting ready to take the pressure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As electric cars become a more common sight on our roads, fears about the impact they will have on our electricity networks have grown. However, it seems the industry has been busy preparing. The National Grid has been busy creating models to show how tariffs can reduce the increase in peak demand as vehicle owners charge their EVs. The smart technology built into EV chargers and the use of time-of-use tariffs by energy suppliers are helping to encourage drivers to charge off-peak. Meanwhile, distribution networks are modelling where they need to reinforce to plan extra capacity and improving the connection process for charge point operators. Design standards for new houses are also being changed to future-proof the network. All of this work is starting the process of educating drivers about smart charging and ensuring our electricity networks are ready for the electric revolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exploring the future through Electric Nation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Innovation projects are critical to understand what demand EV charging will create, and they have also allowed network operators to trial of smart charging with customers to prove feasibility and acceptability. Western Power Distribution\u2019s Network Innovation Project Electric Nation was one such initiative developed to address the challenge of increasing demand on distribution networks from the electrification of transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Delivered by project partners EA Technology, Drive Electric, TRL and Lucy GridKey between 2016 and 2019, Electric Nation aimed to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The field trial<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The two-year field trial included 673 participants and more than 130,000 charging events. Smart charging in Electric Nation involved sending signals to slow charging down when necessary or using tariffs to encourage drivers to charge outside of peak times<\/p>\n\n\n\n What we discovered about demand management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We wanted to determine whether it would inconvenience drivers if charging were slowed down, for example during the evening peak), whether or not participants would accept this, and how they would respond to time of use tariffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Data from the trial showed that cars are generally plugged in for much longer than they need to charge for, particularly when they are plugged in the evening. This is because, in most cases, the car is plugged in overnight. This means that there is flexibility in the charging \u2013 it can be slowed down and still be fully charged when the driver next wants their car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Data from the trial showed flexibility in charging. However, without an incentive, EV charging could create additional demand in the evening peak which would sometimes be greater than the network capacity \u2013 particularly in winter when other demand is also high. Demand management through smart charging could be a solution to this. The trial showed that demand management\u202f was technically feasible and acceptable to the majority of participants \u2013satisfaction scored by participants remained high and was not linked to the amount of management they experienced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The final part of the trial looked at whether a Time-of-Use incentive supported by an app and smart charging could reduce the additional demand created in the evening peak. This approach was highly effective at moving demand away from the evening peak. During this trial there was always enough capacity available for those who wanted to charge in the evening peak. Engagement with the app was high, with 61% of participants using the app. Satisfaction remained high, and 76% of participants would recommend the app and tariff to their friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As more and more people make the switch to electric vehicles, it’s becoming increasingly important to have a reliable and efficient system in place for charging. That’s where smart charging comes in – by scheduling charging times during off-peak hours, energy costs can be lowered for all users while minimizing strain on the power grid. Electric Nation is leading the charge when it comes to implementing this technology, showing that it not only benefits the environment but also makes life easier for EV owners. With a simple smartphone app to monitor and manage charging schedules, there’s no need to worry about inconvenience or unexpected costs. Overall, this means a more sustainable and user-friendly future for electric transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resources for further reading<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Download Electric Nation reports:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Electric Nation Report<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about other EV projects:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts in electric vehicles and electricity network solutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n EA Technology is the recognised authority in the United Kingdom on the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on the electricity network, and the pioneer of smart solutions to mitigate this impact. This is evidenced through several high-profile projects including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2012 \u2013 2015<\/strong> 2016 \u2013 2017<\/strong>![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/eatechnology.com\/media\/xqffnjqp\/image.png\")
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Summary<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Integrating the Electrification of Transport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
EA Technology offers\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Commercial, strategy & regulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Collaborative projects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Smart solutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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My Electric Avenue:<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trailblazer trial deployment of electric vehicle demand control technology to assess and mitigate impact of EV clusters on local electricity networks (>200 customers engaged)<\/p>\n\n\n\nSmart EV<\/a>:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cross-sectoral stakeholder management to achieve cross-industry consensus on standardised mechanism to facilitate EV uptake on local electricity distribution networks<\/p>\n\n\n\nElectric Nation:<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n