Flexitricity and ev.energy have partnered with an intent to register the first domestic electric vehicle aggregated unit in the Balancing Mechanism (BM). Utilising ev.energy’s smart charging platform with over 10,000 electric vehicle assets, Flexitricity will be able to trade this domestic flexibility as a Virtual Lead Party (VLP).
Flexible charging of EVs creates an opportunity for customers to save or even earn money while also helping National Grid ESO balance the growing quantities of intermittent renewable energy needed to achieve net zero. It also enables energy suppliers to deliver renewable energy to their EV charge point customers.
Most electric vehicle owners come home from work, plug in their car, and start charging immediately – during the natural peak in energy consumption. This increases demand at peak times which is expensive, can be high carbon and puts pressure on local electricity networks.
electric vehicle owners using ev.energy’s smart charging app,  can set a ‘ready by time’ to ensure their car is always ready when they need it. During the time before their car needs to be fully charged, ev.energy’s and Flexitricity’s platforms will work in unison to optimise the charging strategy. The smart charging platform automatically reacts to real-time electricity price signals.
The Balancing Mechanism is a profitable market where providers can offer to increase or decrease their generation or demand to help National Grid ESO balance the system. As the country moves towards its 2050 net zero carbon targets, National Grid ESO and Elexon have made changes to encourage smaller, more agile energy assets to contribute. This presents opportunities for flexible energy consumers such as EV users.