Manage the network impact of EV charging

About the whitepaper

As EV ownership increases, domestic charging is creating new and more concentrated demand on local electricity networks. When several customers charge at the same time, cables and transformers can reach their thermal limits, while voltage issues and costly reinforcement become more likely.

Drawing on EA Technology’s experience delivering the My Electric Avenue and Electric Nation projects, this whitepaper explores how EV charging affects LV networks and what network operators can do to manage that demand.

It examines the role of smart charging, tariff-based flexibility and vehicle-to-grid technology, as well as the need to align network data with charging behavior. The report also considers how secure data sharing, clear governance and collaboration between network operators and flexibility providers can support the transition to electric mobility.

Whitepaper themes

The impact of EV charging
Understand how clustered EV charging can create thermal overload, voltage issues and new demand patterns on LV networks.

Smart charging and flexibility
Explore how managed charging, tariffs and load control can help reduce peak demand and delay network reinforcement.

Vehicle-to-grid charging
Examine the opportunities and challenges of using EV batteries to support the network through bidirectional charging.

Data alignment and governance
Learn why network operators and flexibility providers need better data sharing, common planning tools and clear data governance.

Key findings

• A typical 7 kW EV charger can match or exceed the evening demand of a UK household.

• Around one-third of LV feeders could require intervention at 40% to 70% EV uptake if charging remains unmanaged.

• EVs are often plugged in for more than 12 hours but typically charge for only 2 to 4 hours.

• 61% of Electric Nation participants delayed charging when offered a financial incentive.

• Smart charging could help defer or avoid more than £2 billion in reinforcement by 2050.