There is a real opportunity to boost the take-up of EVs by making it easy for consumers/EV drivers to be properly rewarded for the services they provide to support the electricity system by smart charging.
Markets already exist to trade these services, but they are not designed to interface with millions of EVs, or other domestic devices. The operation of these markets needs to be reimagined from a consumer’s perspective in order to do this.
Government and Ofgem should accelerate their current joint programme exploring flexibility in the electricity retail market to ensure that its value is made easily accessible to retail consumers. Government and Ofgem should accelerate their current joint programme exploring flexibility in the electricity retail market to ensure that its value is made easily accessible to retail consumers.
The Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce also proposes that Government and Ofgem should take positive steps to encourage consumers to install a smart meter with every domestic chargepoint to allow full access to flexibility markets. Again, delivering positive consumer outcomes should be a primary driver.
‘Smart electric vehicle charging must above all else deliver a good user experience. Consumers must be able to choose when to charge their electric vehicle and should be rewarded for offering flexibility to the energy system.’Audrey Gallacher, Energy UK interim CEO
