EV chargepoints must be ‘smart’ to receive EVHS grant
The minister of state for transport, Michael Ellis, announced today (24th June) that all government-funded electrical vehicle (EV) chargers must use smart technology from July 1st 2019.
In order to receive funding from the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), chargepoints will need to be capable of being remotely accessed. This enables devices to adjust according to the electricity demands of the grid, encouraging drivers to charge their vehicles at cheaper off-peak times. Ultimately, this minimises the impact of EVs on the electricity system by reducing demand peaks and preventing EV grid overloads.
Roads minister Michael Ellis said: “The government wants the UK to be the best place in the world to build and own an electric vehicle, with leadership and innovation helping us pave the way to a zero emission future.
“We’re in the driving seat of the zero emission revolution. Our new requirements for chargepoints could help keep costs down, ensuring the benefits of green transport are felt by everyone.”
Around 200 chargepoint models, from 25 chargepoint manufacturers, have currently been confirmed as eligible after July 1st, with this number expected rise in the coming weeks. You can find the government’s chargepoint model approval list here.
As part of the government’s NO2 scheme, no conventional petrol or diesel cars and vans will be sold after 2040, with the government anticipating that almost every car and van will be zero emission by 2050. EVs will play a key role in achieving these goals as we expect to see continued growth in EV sales in the near future. This is made all the more possible by the government funded EVHS which provides grant funding of up to 75% off total chargepoint installation fees (capped at £500).
Through the EVHS, the government has endorsed the installation of over 110,000 domestic chargepoints since 2013.
Mr. Electric is recognised as a government approved installer of EV chargepoints and is partnered with EO Charging and Rolec EV, two of Europe’s leading designers and manufacturers of electric vehicle charging stations. To find out more about the benefits of electrical vehicle chargers for your home, contact our expert advisors at Mr. Electric.
