The UK energy regulator, Ofgem is proposing system reforms to support the electric car revolution, with flexible charging recommended which could allow at least 60% more vehicles to be charged.
In a statement on its website, Ofgem said the reforms will keep costs down and harness benefits to the energy system, while the flexible use of the energy grid will also accommodate more renewable generation and other new technologies.
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The regulator said it has set out the proposals to take forward reforms to support the millions of new electric vehicles forecast on Britain's roads in the coming decades. while keeping costs down for their users and all energy consumers.
It said the more flexible use of the energy system will allow more electric vehicles to be charged from the existing grid and reduce the need for expensive new power stations and extra grid capacity to be built.
Ofgem said it is consulting on plans which will reduce the cost to consumers of meeting the extra demand from electric vehicles as well as connecting them and more renewable generation, battery storage and other new technologies to the grid.
Flexible charging the key
According to its analysis, Ofgem, added if owners use 'flexible' charging - where they only top up outside peak demand times on the grid - at least 60% more electric vehicles could be charged up compared with 'inflexible' charging where electric vehicles are only charged at peak times.
Flexible charging allows electric vehicles to be charged when energy prices are cheapest, for example when wind and solar power is generating lots of electricity or when there is less demand across the system.
Ofgem's proposed reforms will give incentives for customers to charge their electric vehicles at the right time and will free up existing grid capacity to allow new generators, including businesses or other organisations which want to generate their own power on-site, to get connected to the grid more quickly.
Jonathan Brearley, executive director, systems and networks, Ofgem, said: "The way we generate, transport and use electricity - and power our cars - is undergoing a radical transformation in Great Britain.
"Ofgem will ensure that the energy system is fit for this exciting, cleaner future and at the lowest cost for consumers."