Ministers weigh EV charging credits as critics warn of weaker sales targets

Ministers are considering incentives for carmakers to install vehicle-to-grid technology in electric cars as part of a review of the zero-emission vehicle mandate. The technology lets cars charge when electricity is cheap and return power to the grid during periods of high demand, potentially helping balance renewable energy supply and reducing reliance on gas power stations.

Under proposals in a government consultation, manufacturers could earn credits for selling cars with bidirectional charging, allowing them to sell additional petrol cars without risking fines for missing electric vehicle targets. Critics warn this could weaken the push to sell more EVs, especially because few drivers have the costly chargers needed to use the technology. The National Energy System Operator estimates that, once widely adopted, vehicle-to-grid cars could provide 1.2 gigawatts on demand by 2030, while Octopus Energy says participating drivers could save £620 a year.