• Niall Riddell, CEO & Co-founder at Paua speaks to Graeme Cooper from National Grid about the readiness of national power grids in the EV transition, alongside co-host Chris Sass.
• Link in blog to full episode

Diving into the readiness of electricity grids for the increasing demand of electric vehicles (EVs) with former National Grid expert, Graeme Cooper.

The increasing demand of electric vehicles (EVs) means that many consumers may have to wait up to 12 months to receive their orders.

Graeme believes that the grid can handle the surge in demand but emphasises that context is important.

According to his industry knowledge, the UK will need at least four times the current grid capacity to meet the energy demands of a net-zero economy by 2050.

Graeme assures that there is long-term investment in grid infrastructure and generation, and the current energy crunch is a temporary challenge. People are increasingly considering the energy and economic environments when assessing the need for clean energy. The UK is fortunate to have abundant offshore wind resources, which will provide more than enough clean power to decarbonise road transport.

While the transition to electric vehicles presents challenges to the grid infrastructure, it is a gradual process and the energy grid has been evolving over the past 20 years. The grid networks are investing in building wires to accommodate the increasing capacity of offshore wind, and the flexibility of EV charging can help in smoothing out demand.

Looking forward, smart technology and demand-side management will play a crucial role in managing this transition. EVs serve as both storage and transformative transportation options.

‍Active travel, shared urban mobility, V2G, and heat pumps

‍The need to address congestion and promote more active travel and shared urban mobility is key, according to Graeme.

The concept of vehicle-to-grid technology also plays a crucial role, although it is important to consider user behaviour and the limitations of electric cars as grid storage.

Graeme acknowledges the growing adoption of electric vehicles and the visible "hockey stick" trend in EV sales in the UK. The potential impact of decarbonising heat through heat pumps is also of notable consideration.

‍The speed of the EV transition

‍There has been much debate about the pace of EV adoption and the retooling of auto manufacturing plants, and Graeme expresses scepticism about the argument that the transition to EVs will be slow, given the potential for technology advancements and economies of scale.

Premium goods, such as electric vehicles, have the potential to become fast-moving consumer goods.

The global shortage of silicon chips due to the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed car production, leading to an aging fleet. While EV uptake may not be as steep as the latest iPhone, it is expected to be faster than any previous automotive trend.

However, the higher cost of EVs compared to conventional vehicles means they are currently being bought and used by certain types of people in specific locations.

As EV adoption increases, there may be localised impacts on the power grid, which will require upgrades. Technological innovations, such as smart charging and flexible grid management, can help manage the increased energy demand from EVs. Local markets and distribution system operators are also playing a role in managing supply and demand at a local level. The energy sector is undergoing transformation, with new business models and technologies emerging, including the democratisation of energy. However, it is important to note that the democratisation of energy may currently be limited to those who can afford the resources needed to participate in this ecosystem.

‍The democratisation of energy and the transition towards a decentralised power system

There is some discussion around the outsourcing of smart charging and the bundling of heat and light as a service.

Recent innovations in demand response, have led to customers being rewarded for using less energy during peak times. These trials and innovations are seen as building blocks towards a fully clean power system by 2035. The transition is driven by both top-down leadership and bottom-up initiatives, with the convergence of energy, transport, and digital industries playing a crucial role.  The transition to electric vehicles is gaining momentum, with collaboration and government policies playing key roles.

Currently, over 2% of cars on the road in the UK are EVs, with more than 50% of new car sales being company purchases. Government intervention, such as low tax rates for company EVs, has been effective in encouraging adoption. As these company cars enter the second-hand market after a few years, they become more affordable for private users.

‍EV Fleets  

Additionally, companies are reporting their emissions and realising the impact of their transportation choices, prompting them to prioritise cleaner options like EV fleets. National Grid, for example, now has an EV-only company car policy and nearly 2,000 company cars, 917 of which are electric.

This transition, happening gradually rather than abruptly, allows for practical learning and knowledge sharing among fleets. It also enhances credibility and demonstrates commitment to the energy transition. Personal experiences with EVs vary, but Graeme, initially a "petrol head," became inspired by a borrowed Nissan Leaf, eventually driving a Tesla Model S after joining National Grid.  

‍So a final word from Graeme on the EV movement?

Graeme was keen to share the benefits of off-peak electricity charging, low maintenance costs, and feels the transition towards electric vehicles is becoming the norm. Graeme is excited for the future of clean technology and encourage others to join the movement.  

Listen to the full Insiders Guide to Energy EV episode HERE‍