‘Electric nation’ is looking for 500-700 people buying or leasing new electric vehicles (including pure electric and plug-in hybrids) to take part in the UK’s largest electric vehicle trial. The trial aims to to ensure the UK can charge electric vehicles at peak times as the numbers of EVs rise.
The project is funded via the Networks Innovation Allowance and managed by includes network operator WPD, along with EA Technology, DriveElectric, Lucy Electric GridKey and TRL.
Participants will use their vehicles normally, and be provided with a smart charger to allow them to charge their vehicle at home. The charger will be used to collect data about car charging habits and some participants will also provide information via the vehicle about the length of journeys that they are undertaking and their battery charge state.
Some customers will receive an App that will receive notifications when their charging has been controlled as part of the trial. The App can also be used by the participant to provide preference information that will help ensure that their car is charged when they need it.
For the first six months of the project (at least) the trial will only take place in certain geographical locations: the WPD network areas in the South West, South Wales, West & East Midlands.