Ban on conventional cars ‘will not strain power grid’

A 2040 ban on conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans would push up UK electricity demand by less than 10% by midcentury, analysis shows.

Concerns have been raised that the shift from combustion engine cars to electric vehicles (EVs), signalled when ministers announced the end of sales of conventional petrol and diesel models in 2040 to tackle pollution, will strain the power grid.

There have been fears people coming home from work and plugging in their electric cars to charge would greatly increase peak demand and require more power plants.

But analysis by Cambridge Econometrics suggests annual electricity consumption would rise by 40 to 45 terrawatt hours by 2050, upping overall power use by less than 10%.

And evidence suggests electric car drivers will not put undue strain on the grid, even at peak times, according to the Carbon Brief website, which reports on climate science and energy policy.

Some EV users already take advantage of cheaper overnight tariffs to charge their cars, or plug them in to public charging units while at work.

UK power demand could see an 18 gigawatt increase by 2050, thanks to electric cars.

National Grid expects UK vehicle sales to be 90% electric in 33 years.

Electric cars could increase peak UK power demand by 18 gigawatts in just over three decades, according to the National Grid.

In its 2017 Future Energy Scenarios report, it predicted electric cars will make up 90% of vehicle sales in 2050 – meaning a much larger demand for energy.

It expects the effect of a predicted sharp rise in EV sales will see electricity demand increase by eight gigawatts at peak times by 2030, with that figure rising to 18 gigawatts by 2050.

Peak demand for electricity in Britain is currently around 60 gigawatts.

The report also predicts that in a world where cutting greenhouse gases is a priority, driverless car sharing could account for 50% of vehicles on the road.

Although the rapid growth in the numbers of electric vehicles would increase the demand for energy, the National Grid also predicts advances in technology to reduce charge times and consumption need would mean less of a demand increase compared to what today’s technology would provide.

Marcus Stewart, head of energy insights at National Grid, said: “Electric vehicles are one of many new technologies that are rapidly transforming the energy sector.”

Meanwhile, drivers of the new black cab will save on average £100 per week in fuel costs. London Taxi Company has relaunched itself as London EV Company, and alongside the rebrand presented its final design for its new electric taxi.

Called the TX, its battery electric powertrain is linked to a small petrol generator that allows a range of more than 400 miles – including 70 miles with zero emissions.

This range could see the TX travel from London to Edinburgh without having to stop for fuel.

New cab on the block: The TX is expected to save on average £100 per week.