Smarter electric vehicle (EV) charging systems that ensure cars are charged during periods of peak supply could save the average owner around £170 a year.

That’s according to new research, which predicts the number of battery-powered cars on UK roads will grow from around 120,000 today to 10 million by 2035.

If battery costs fall faster than expected, the figure could rise to 15 million EVs in 2035.

Aurora Energy Research states adding 10 million EVs will increase overall power demand by 19TWh per year – equivalent to 6% of current power demand.

It adds: “Evidence shows that at present, most EV owners plug in and charge their car when they get home from work, increasing the evening peak demand for electricity.

“If 10 million EVs were added to the grid and charged in this way, it would require 3GW of additional generation capacity at peak times, as well as requiring potentially costly reinforcements of the power network.”

However, it suggests if EV charging is “smart”, the challenges are significantly reduced.

That includes encouraging people to charge off-peak with cheaper tariffs and energy suppliers optimising EV charging to charge at the lowest price.

The research adds either way, EV owners stand to save around £170 per year.