UK Power Networks has announced what it describes as a ‘UK-first’ step towards accelerating the rollout of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, after becoming the first network operator in the country to automatically approve new connection requests for compatible EV chargers within seconds.
The move, delivered in collaboration with Octopus Energy, is designed to remove one of the barriers to wider adoption of V2G systems, which allow electric vehicles not only to draw electricity from the grid, but also send it back when demand is high.
In practical terms, that means EVs could help support household electricity use or provide flexibility to the wider electricity network during peak periods, turning parked cars into a potential source of distributed energy storage.
The development builds on UK Power Networks’ wider work around low carbon technology connections. The company said that while the national average for automatic approvals is 11%, it already approves 80% of low carbon technology applications instantly, including those submitted online and paper forms processed using AI. That approach is now being extended to V2G-enabled chargers.
Any installation of low carbon technologies such as EV chargers or solar panels requires approval from the local network operator, making connection processes an important part of how quickly new technologies can scale. For V2G in particular, streamlining those approvals could prove important if the technology is to move beyond trials and into broader commercial use.
According to UK Power Networks, the current phase gives manufacturers an opportunity to test their equipment, while the company is also preparing the network for wider deployment by coordinating any cabling upgrades that may be required. Where local electricity infrastructure is already able to accommodate additional connections, installers receive approval by email.
The company added that it has also worked with Octopus Energy teams to ensure all relevant technical and safety standards are met.
Trials are already underway with EV owners in Amersham, Worthing and Enfield, with further participants expected to join in the coming months.
Ashley Southgate, LCT Strategy Project Manager at UK Power Networks, commented, “What makes this work so exciting is that it’s about innovation and collaboration as much as technology. By working closely with Octopus Energy, we’ve been able to safely approve V2G connections automatically – a UK first. It’s a real step forward in showing how networks can enable innovation while maintaining high safety and performance standards.”
Michael Evans, Director of Optimisation and V2G at Octopus Energy Group, added, “Quick and easy grid connections are crucial to making V2G a commercial reality, and UK Power Networks has provided key support to streamline the process. Instant approvals means we can focus on unlocking the full potential of V2G – turning parked cars into flexible, low-carbon power sources.”
While V2G has long been discussed as a way to make better use of EV batteries and support a more flexible electricity system, one of the sector’s challenges has been moving from small-scale trials to a process that can work at scale. Faster approvals will not solve every issue surrounding rollout, but they do remove one administrative hurdle.
