All government-funded home chargepoints for electric cars must use innovative ‘smart’ tech from July 2019, it has been announced.
The move will help the government fulfill its commitment in the Road to Zero Strategy published earlier this year.
As of July 2019, chargepoints must be able to be remotely accessed and be capable of receiving, interpreting and reacting to a signal.
Smart charging can also reduce high peaks of electricity demands, minimising the cost of electric vehicles to the electricity system – and keeping costs down for consumers by encouraging off-peak charging.
“The government wants the UK to be the best place in the world to build and own an electric vehicle, and through leadership and innovation it is paving the way to a zero emission future,” said roads minister Jesse Norman.
The government has also announced that they have maintained grants to install chargepoints at home and in the workplace at their current level of up to £500, making charging easier for consumers and ensuring that plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles can be used to their full potential.
Automotive minister Richard Harrington added: “Today’s measures will make it easier for consumers to move towards electric vehicles, helping us power towards a cleaner, greener future.
“Through our modern Industrial Strategy and Automotive Sector Deal, we are investing to ensure the UK is the leading destination for the innovation and manufacture of electric vehicle batteries and technologies to help all parts of the UK reap the economic benefits of these innovations.”
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme has supported the delivery of domestic chargepoints to consumers since 2014 and has delivered over 60,000 grants to date.