A new UK project is to examine standards for charging electric vehicles, readying the electrical grid for an increase in EV usage.

The project will look to provide a secure electricity network that can support wide-scale adoption of EVs while reducing investment cost

Announced today (12 October) at the Low Carbon Networks Innovation Conference in Manchester, the Smart EV project invites stakeholder views to develop a standardised industry-wide agreement for the connection, charging and control of electric vehicles.

The project’s ultimate aim is to achieve agreement across a number of industries on the best way to help facilitate the roll out of controlled EV charging.

The project is being run by electricity network distribution operator Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and power engineering company EA Technology – funding is being provided through Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance.

Dave A Roberts, director – smart interventions at EA Technology, said: “We need to find a standardised method to control the charging of EVs. The Smart EV project will seek to provide a national engineering recommendation, or equivalent, for the connection, charging and control of electric vehicles.

“We need the input of as many relevant stakeholders as possible – if you are a charging point manufacturer, installer, EV manufacturer, policymaker or anyone involved in the associated supply chain, please take part in the consultation.”

To respond to the Smart EV Consultation on Managed EV Charging, which closes in December 2016, please visit smartEV.eatechnology.com.