EV’s in long stay car parks could help power nearly 1.3 million homes

According to a new report by UK Power Networks, more than 1.3 million homes in the East, South East and London could be powered as a result of electric cars (EV’s) recharging in long stay car parks during periods of low energy costs and minimal demand.

The study harnessed advanced modelling techniques to predict the forthcoming surge in adoption of EV’s in the UK.

According to the study, long stay car parks like those found at airports offer distinct advantages compared to shorter term solutions, like hotels or supermarkets.

The network operator would be able to gain a precise understanding of available power or capacity whenever needed based on the duration of a vehicle’s stay at an airport car park for example if it could be linked to a flight schedule.

Experts have said that if implemented across the 140,000 long-stay parking spaces within the areas served by UK Power Networks in the southern and eastern parts of England, an estimated £1.3 billion in flexible energy savings could be realised by 2050.

Ian Cameron, Director of Customer Service and Innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “As more and more people begin to adopt green technologies, we’re able to innovate and explore tangible scenarios that could make a real difference on the path to net zero.

“Through Park and Flex, we foresee a world where dormant vehicles can be used as the building blocks for one of the UK’s biggest flex batteries. This dynamic battery, fuelled by thousands upon thousands of EVs could play a massive role in creating a new green energy supply and could do so without customers having to lift a finger.”

As EV’s become more affordable and with the government delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035 last week, this will give the opportunity for more and more people to move to electric.