Trials of innovative EV charging technologies to start in Milton Keynes

Trials of innovative EV charging technologies to start in Milton Keynes

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Zapmap
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Electric vehicle drivers in Milton Keynes are being invited to take part in a trial that will test smart chargers, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) chargers, and home battery energy storage.

Those taking part in the project will have the chance to keep the equipment at the end of the trial, as Milton Keynes Council aims to try out a range of charging technologies.

The Domestic Energy Balancing EV Charging project will use CrowdCharge’s digital charger and battery energy management platform, and Flexitricity as the energy demand response partner.

Participants will receive an incentive of £10 per month should conditions be met, such as charging their EV for a full cycle at least ten times per month over the 12-month trial.

They will also be able to keep the equipment for just £100 for the smart charger, £250 for the V2G charger, and £250 for the home energy storage system.

Assessments will look at the technologies used, and how they can work together effectively to balance load on the grid by using EVs as a mobile energy storage device.

The learning from the project will be used by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and the electricity industry to manage peaks in electricity demand in future, with EVs having the potential to help with increased demand as more plug-in cars hit the road.

A limited number of drivers of any make or model of electric vehicle, who are resident in the Milton Keynes Council area, can apply to take part in the Domestic Energy Balancing EV Charging project. Those that want to take part in the V2G element of the trials need to have a Nissan EV – Leaf or e-NV200 – with a battery capacity of 30 kWh or more.

Councillor Martin Gowans, Milton Keynes Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport, says: “The Domestic Energy Balancing EV Charging project is one of four pioneering trials which will place Milton Keynes at the forefront of developments in electric vehicle charging technology.

“The trials, which are part of the city’s Go Ultra Low programme, will focus on advancing and testing new technologies. They will run in the city until December 2021 and the results will be published in early 2022. The trials have the potential to impact on the charging options available to consumers in the future.”

For more information and to apply to join the project visit crowd-charge.com.