Sir John Armitt today welcomed moves by energy regulator Ofgem to prepare the UK’s electricity network for the onset of electric vehicles.

The chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission said the proposed initiatives would help ensure current grid capacity is used to maximum effect, and would contribute towards meeting one of the key recommendations from the UK’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment.

Proposals published today include offering incentives to drivers to charge their electric vehicles at certain times – often when renewables like wind and solar power are generating the most power, or when there is lower demand on the energy system.

This was a key recommendation from the National Infrastructure Assessment – the first of its kind in the UK.  But the Assessment also recommended that national and local government work with Ofgem to help develop a national charging network, giving drivers certainty that they will be able to charge their cars quickly wherever they are in the country.

Chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission Sir John Armitt said:

“Our National Infrastructure Assessment highlights the need to take steps now to prepare our roads and our energy system for greater demand for electric vehicles.

“Today’s proposals have the potential to reap the benefits that electric vehicles can bring to the electricity system by ensuring we make the most efficient use of the electricity we already have available, including from renewable sources – and all while keeping costs down for customers.  We look forward to seeing the outcome of this consultation.

“But we also need to see investment in a truly national, visible charging network, so that infrastructure can give drivers the confidence to make the switch from petrol and diesel, and not be the barrier.”

Notes to Editors:

Details of Ofgem’s consultation are published today and can be found here 

The National Infrastructure Assessment was published on 10 July – the chapter, Revolutionising Road Transport, outlines recommendations for preparing the UK’s infrastructure for electric vehicles and can be found here