EDF has announced a strategic partnership with EV charge-point manufacturer and software provider Hypervolt that would use the EV charging points flexibly to support the grid.
The collaboration will use EDF Wholesale Market Services’ PowerShift technology to leverage Hypervolt’s UltraGrid software to enable a frequency response service. Using EVs to provide the service would be a first for the industry, the partners say.
They say the offer “aligns with proposals in NESO’s Clean Power 2030 Report that highlight the need for quicker responses to maintain a system frequency close to 50Hz and increasing the volume of these services through frequency markets”.
Using PowerShift, EDF will adjust the energy usage of Hypervolt EV chargers to help balance the grid during periods of peak demand or excess renewable energy supply. In return customers will save on electricity costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and maximise the use of renewable energy sources. Hypervolt EV charger owners will have access to a smart charging EDF tariff in which they set their charging preferences, including the level of charge in the car and what time of day they need their EV to be charged. Charging will be managed automatically requiring no manual intervention and savings will be shown on the EDF app.
Hypervolt charger owners who are not on EDF supply can also opt in to benefit from flexibility savings.