A Smarter Grid
Coordinate EV charging and export around local network needs, easing peak demand and helping make better use of existing infrastructure.
Inclusive Energy Innovation · Power Wheels
Your car.Your power.Our future.
What if electric vehicles could do more than drive? Power Wheels explores how EVs can reduce energy costs, strengthen our electricity networks and keep essential household equipment running when it matters most.
- 90k+ Motability EVs referenced in initial research
- £98m Modelled 10-year fleet value potential
- ~300 EV participants proposed for Beta
- 20–50 Resilience households proposed for Beta
These figures are research estimates, modelled potential or proposed project scope, not delivered outcomes or confirmed commitments.
01 / The Vision Energy flexibility.
Flexibility Resilience Equality
Energy flexibility.
For everyone.
The clean energy transition should work for people who need it most. Power Wheels brings together electric mobility, local electricity networks and inclusive customer services to unlock a different kind of energy future.
Power When It Matters
Explore how vehicle batteries can safely support essential household loads during power interruptions, with safeguards at every stage.
Benefits Shared Fairly
Put disabled and vulnerable customers at the centre of design, with accessible participation, customer control and opportunities for fair rewards.
02 / Interactive Technology Explorer
One EV. Multiple possibilities.
Select a technology to see how Power Wheels could put vehicle batteries to work.
Charge at the right time.
Electric Vehicle Smart Charger Off-Peak Charging
Shift charging to lower-cost, lower-demand periods while protecting the driver's required charge level and mobility needs.
Potential outcome: lower charging costs and reduced peak demand.
03 / The Journey 01 / Discovery 02 / Alpha 03 / Beta · Proposed
From evidence to impact.
Understanding the Opportunity
Customer research, network simulations and economic modelling establish the case for inclusive EV flexibility.
Testing the Proposition
Develop and validate the technical, customer and commercial approaches needed for practical deployment.
Demonstrating at Scale
A proposed 36-month programme combining network flexibility trials and safeguarded household resilience demonstrations, subject to funding and approvals.
04 / The Beta Programme Track 01 Track 02
Two tracks. One mission.
Flexibility at Scale
Smart charging, vehicle-to-grid services, local DSO signals, voltage management and aggregator integration.
Network BenefitsResilience by Design
Vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-load services, essential-load support, safe islanding and inclusive household trials.
Household BenefitsThe proposed programme includes controlled laboratory validation, customer safeguards, technical integration, field trials and independent evaluation before any wider rollout.
05 / Collaboration
Built through partnership.
Power Wheels brings together energy network expertise, inclusive innovation, mobility and technology delivery. The proposed Beta consortium includes Northern Powergrid, Centre for Energy Equality, Motability, EIC and Energy Systems Catapult, with further partners to be confirmed.
