Milton Keynes homes picked for EV energy trial

Eight homes in Milton Keynes have received subsided electric cars (pictured) and had charging points installed as part of an initiative to develop new ways of managing energy use. The […]

Eight homes in Milton Keynes have received subsided electric cars (pictured) and had charging points installed as part of an initiative to develop new ways of managing energy use.

The latest phase of the ‘Thinking Energy’ trial aims to understand more about when and how electric cars are charged by their owners and to what extent could renewable energy such as solar panels and batteries help reduce the need for electricity from the grid.

In total, 75 local homes are participating in the three-year trial and have had smart technology installed in their homes so far, which includes systems that monitor gas and electricity usage with the help of smart meters and smart plugs that monitor and control the use of individual appliances such as televisions, computers, washing machines and fridges.

Chris Rimmer, Programme Manager for E.ON’s Thinking Energy project said: “By delving into the detail of exactly how different people use energy in their daily lives, we’re already understanding more about how we can best meet future energy needs.

“We’re delighted to be able to extend this beyond the home and into the area of transportation. Electric cars are still a relatively new technology and we believe there’s still a lot we can learn about how they’ll fit with the homes of the future.”

E.ON will pay for two-thirds of the cost of the trial whilst the householders will be paying the rest.

New figures released recently showed electric vehicles are the fastest growing part of the car market.

Latest Podcast