Scientists have created a ‘calculator’ to predict the impact of electric carson the country’s power supplies.

The experts at Northumbria University developed the ‘grid capacity calculator’with a formula to see how electric vehicles (EVs) will affect the national grid.

It measures an area’s existing energy consumption and then works out the likely future effect of increasing numbers of electric cars plugged in for recharging.

The researchers hope the new tool will help planners who are working on smart grids.

Dr Ghanim Putrus, who led the research said: “The resource will help policy-makers, developers and network operators to analyse the impact of electric vehicles in the presence of micro generators and low carbon technologies.

“Any electricity usage scenario can be tested using this tool, giving a picture of what can happen to existing grid infrastructure and helping to plan futurepower networks or smart grids.”

The research was carried out in collaboration with a government programme called ‘Charge your Car’ which is currently installing electric vehicle charging points across North East England.