Why does smart EV charging matter to energy suppliers?
Smart EV charging gives energy suppliers an opportunity to coordinate electricity demand around customer needs, suitable tariffs and energy-system requirements.
As more customers adopt EVs, charging becomes a larger part of household and business electricity consumption. Managing when vehicles charge can create opportunities beyond simply supplying electricity.
What can energy suppliers do with smart charging?
Depending on their business model and technology partners, energy suppliers may use smart charging to:
- Offer charging propositions: Connect suitable tariffs with compatible charging controls.
- Shift flexible demand: Encourage charging during selected periods when conditions are favourable.
- Support flexibility services: Coordinate eligible charging assets to respond to market or grid signals.
- Improve customer experiences: Help customers manage charging around their vehicle requirements.
Not every supplier or platform supports all these capabilities. Integration, customer consent and programme rules are important.
Why does technology integration matter?
Delivering smart charging at scale requires communication between vehicles, chargers, customer applications and energy-management systems.
Suppliers should assess compatibility, data access, customer permissions and how charging controls will respect user requirements.
They should also evaluate whether the service provides measurable value to customers and whether the operating model supports the intended flexibility programme.
Where does Electric Miles fit in?
Electric Miles develops EV charging and energy-management software, including solutions for smart charging and flexibility.
Energy suppliers evaluating technology partners should confirm the specific capabilities, integrations and market services available for their intended use case.
Explore Electric Miles to learn more.
NESO’s flexibility programme provides useful context on the role of flexible demand in the wider electricity system.
Frequently asked questions
Can energy suppliers use smart charging to reduce peak demand?
Smart charging can shift eligible charging away from selected periods, subject to customer requirements and the system’s capabilities.
Does smart charging require a special electricity tariff?
Not always. Tariffs can be one input, but smart charging may also respond to other signals or charging requirements.