Millions of UK households with driveways could soon harness their electric cars to power their homes, thanks to proposed new regulations on smart chargers.
The government is considering rules that would require all newly installed private EV chargers to have "vehicle-to-grid" (V2G) capabilities. This innovative technology allows electricity to flow both ways—charging the car when energy is cheap, then feeding it back into the home or national grid during peak times.
How Smart Chargers Could Revolutionise Home Energy
These intelligent chargers could transform how Brits manage their household energy:
- Reduce electricity bills by using your car battery during expensive peak hours
- Help balance the national grid by supplying power when demand is high
- Store renewable energy for later use, making green power more efficient
- Provide backup power during outages
The Potential Savings for Households
Early estimates suggest households could save £200-£400 annually by optimising their energy use with V2G technology. The system works automatically, charging your vehicle overnight when rates are low, then using that stored power during the day.
Energy experts highlight this as a potential game-changer: "This turns every electric car into a mobile power station," said one industry analyst. "It's about making the most of assets we already own."
What This Means for the Future of Energy
The proposed regulations align with the UK's net-zero ambitions, creating a more flexible energy system that can accommodate renewable sources. National Grid estimates that smart charging could save the system £3.5 billion by 2050 by reducing the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades.
While the technology is currently more expensive than standard chargers, prices are expected to fall as adoption increases. The government may also introduce incentives to encourage uptake.
For now, the consultation remains open, but if implemented, these rules could put the UK at the forefront of smart energy innovation—all starting with the humble driveway.
