
With the UK committed to reaching Net Zero by 2050, and a ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol-powered vehicles by 2030, a swift transition to zero emission Electric Vehicles (EV) is now inevitable. To mitigate the network risks of mass EV adoption, smart charging – using system-led signals – will be essential.
At the front of the pack are the Charging Point Operators (CPOs) – tech innovators with a variety of ways to signal to the EV charging point when it should operate. This conflicts with Government’s original stated preference of sending standardised messages supported by existing Smart Metering infrastructure (DCC).
Behind this thinking are four Government objectives:
- grid protection
- consumer protection
- consumer uptake
- innovation
(Taken from 2019 DfT Electric Vehicle Smart Charging consultation)
We’ve been working with Energy UK to consider the use of DCC systems to send commands to EV smart chargers. In a report published this week, we explain the options and assess the merits of systems based on Smart Meters, systems outside of DCC, and hybrid models. We share the views of the manufacturers and flexibility providers who have launched products independently of DCC. And we recommend deeper Government engagement and collaboration with existing Charging Point Operators through policy development.
You can download the report here. If you have any thoughts we’d be delighted to hear them. Contact us for a conversation or look us up on LinkedIn.
Download the Future of EV Smart Charging Report >>