10-minute wait before car charging

ELECTRIC car charging will face 10-minute delays under new rules to protect the grid by rationing electricity during surges in demand.

From June 30, chargers installed at homes and workplaces must be set up to help reduce the strain on the grid from the shift to greener energy – and therefore the cost to the public of upgrades to the grid. This includes a “random delay” function which means charging can be delayed by 10 minutes, to avoid overwhelming the grid.

It would help avoid sudden surges in demand.

Charge-points must also be capable of operating with a delay of up to 30 minutes in case the rules change.

Chargers will need to be “smart” so they can send and receive data about electricity demand and supply.

The number of electric vehicles on UK roads is expected to soar before the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.

Meanwhile, the growing proportion of wind and solar power generation makes the electricity system harder to manage as supplies are intermittent.

Officials hope car charging can be managed in a way that helps balance the electricity system.