Feature: Electric Vehicles
Will EV adoption rates affect grid resilience?
By Lee Sutton, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of myenergi
electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) registered within 12 months. Tis figure will continue to climb as the UK Government’s impending 2035 vehicle ban for new petrol and diesel cars and vans approaches. In fact, the Society of Motor
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Manufacturers and Traders predicts that more than 2 million EVs will be sold in 2035, highlighting the significant shiſt ahead. Tis will undoubtedly be an important part of the UK’s 2050 Net Zero ambitions, but there are also other important factors to consider.
Rise of home charging While the operation of an EV produces no tailpipe emissions, it still requires energy. Fortunately, here in the UK, approximately 58 per cent of our energy generation comes from low-carbon sources. Tis is predicted to grow to around 99 per cent by 2035. Tis means that the vast majority of EV miles in 2035 will have no direct emissions from usage.
10 March 2025
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
s recently as 2015, just 2.8 per cent of car sales in the UK were electric and hybrid vehicles. Fast forward to 2024, and there were 550,000 new
At the same time, however, it is
important to understand behavioural trends among EV drivers. Currently, 85 per cent of all EV charging is said to take place on the driveway. Tis makes the widespread installation of home chargers an integral part of EV adoption and the backbone of future personal transportation. Fortunately, in mid-2022, Part S of the Building Regulations came into effect. Te regulation requires all new homes and buildings to be fitted with a smart EV charger. But with all these new EVs, PHEVs and
home chargers drawing power from mains supply, how will the grid be able to manage the load?
Bearing the load Tis cumulative demand presents a significant challenge, particularly considering that most motorists will want to charge their car aſter returning home from work. Tis sharp peak, which coincides with pre-established evening energy peaks is one of the reasons why the UK legislated a requirement for all EV chargers to be equipped with ‘smart charging.’ Smart charging was introduced in the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points)
Regulations 2021. It stipulated that chargers must have the ability to schedule charging during off-peak periods or when renewable energy generation is high, thereby reducing demand on the grid during peak times. While this is an excellent stopgap,
there is still a question of long-term grid functionality, necessitating widespread network upgrades and maintenance. Policymakers need to understand that meeting emissions targets and transitioning to EVs will also require investment in energy infrastructure, beyond the building of new renewable generation sites.
Household adaptation While policy decisions remain with those in power, there are proactive options for all of us to consider. One example is the implementation of off-peak tariffs, like those offered by Octopus Energy, which help to further reduce grid demand by incentivising recharging during low- demand periods. Te most effective option for households
is to invest in home energy microgeneration systems, such as rooſtop solar and small wind turbines. When combined with a large
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