Taskforce set up to tackle impact of EVs on energy sector

An Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce has been set up to tackle the challenges and new opportunities electric vehicles will have on the rapidly evolving UK electricity supply system.

The LowCVP will facilitate the government’s new Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce which was announced as a part of the ‘Road to Zero’ strategy in July.

The Taskforce will, for the first time, bring together the energy and automotive industries to plan for the changes that will take place as a result of rising electric vehicle use. The Taskforce, for which the LowCVP will provide secretariat functions, is chaired by Phil New, Chief Executive of the Energy Systems Catapult.

The objective of the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce is to put engaging the electric vehicle user at the heart of preparing the electricity system for the mass take up of electric vehicles. It aims to ensure that costs and emissions are as low as possible, and opportunities for vehicles to provide grid services are capitalised upon for the benefit of the system, energy bill payers and electric vehicle owners.

Jesse Norman MP, Electric Vehicles Minister, said: “The UK is a world leader in the low emission and electric vehicle industries, and initiatives like the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce keep us at the forefront of this technology revolution.

“Bringing together government, automotive and energy sectors will help to ensure that Electric Vehicles become an integrated part of the UK energy system, and infrastructure upgrades can be planned in an efficient and sustainable way.”

LowCVP’s Managing Director, Andy Eastlake said: “The Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce is a major initiative as we stand on the brink of dual transformations in the ways we generate and supply electricity and in the energy we use for transport.

“The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership will bring its considerable experience and expertise in facilitating multi-stakeholder agreements to help tackle this issue – one of the biggest challenges and greatest industrial opportunities of our time.”

Phil New, Chief Executive of the Energy Systems Catapult and Chair of the Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce said: “Ensuring the electricity system captures the benefits from the rapid expansion of electric vehicles is a critical challenge for both the transport and energy sectors.

“Working with industry, Energy Systems Catapult technical expertise will help ensure the whole energy system – from charging points to how we balance the grid – works to make life straightforward for energy consumers and EV drivers.”

The Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce has already held a number of meetings and has established an agreed work programme and five initial work packages.