EDF and Hypervolt to launch ‘virtual battery’ service using EVs to help balance the grid
- Using Hypervolt’s UltraGrid software, the partnership unlocks the potential to deliver the first frequency response services from Electric Vehicles.
- Owners of Hypervolt EV chargepoints will also benefit from EDF’s smart charging EV tariff, which uses low cost, low carbon energy to deliver EDF’s best value offer for frequent chargers.
- EDF Wholesale Market Services’ PowerShift capability creates value and saves carbon for its customers by optimising the flexibility of both grid scale and behind the meter assets.
EDF, the UK’s biggest generator of low carbon electricity, has announced a strategic partnership with Hypervolt, a leading EV charge-point manufacturer and software provider.
With EDF Wholesale Market Services’ PowerShift technology, the collaboration will explore leveraging the capability of Hypervolt’s UltraGrid software to enable a frequency response service from EVs, which will be a first for the industry.
Working with the National Electricity System Operator (NESO), this initiative will use Hypervolt EV chargers to support the grid at times where it is facing challenges maintaining the required frequency.
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 50 Hz and increasing the volume of these services through frequency markets1.
Using its award-winning capability, PowerShift, EDF will automatically adjust the energy usage of Hypervolt EV chargers to help balance the grid during periods of peak demand or excess renewable energy supply. By leveraging real-time grid conditions, EDF will help customers save on electricity costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and maximise the use of renewable energy sources.
Existing and future Hypervolt EV charger owners will also benefit from access to an innovative EDF tariff. The smart charging EV tariff automates smart charging for EVs and delivers EDF’s best value offer for frequent chargers.
Customers who sign up to the tariff always remain in control of 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 through PowerShift, EDF’s virtual power plant. PowerShift unlocks the optimal flexibility value from both grid-scale and behind-the-meter assets, with the use of artificial intelligence, real-time data analytics, and sophisticated algorithms. EDF offers its multi-market flexibility trading capability to EV charge point manufacturers to capture value and reduce costs for all EV drivers.
Stuart Fenner, Wholesale Market Services Commercial Director at EDF, commented: “Our partnership with Hypervolt highlights EDF Wholesale Market Services' commitment to integrating EV solutions into our award-winning PowerShift solution, leveraging our unique capability to create value in all available markets. We look forward to helping more customers optimise their energy usage and actively engaging in the transition towards a low carbon future.”
Flavian Alexandru, Founder and CEO of Hypervolt, added: “We are thrilled to partner with EDF to expand our innovative smart tariff offerings. Together, we aim to deliver unmatched affordability, quality, and user experience, driving forward the energy transition.”
About EDF
EDF is driving the transition towards An Electric Britain – a secure, affordable, low-carbon future for everyone. As Britain’s biggest generator of zero carbon electricity, we are investing more than £100 million weekly in Britain’s electricity infrastructure. We supply millions of customers with electricity and help homes and businesses switch to electricity for heating, transport and industrial processes.
We operate five nuclear power stations and more than 35 onshore wind farms and three offshore wind farms. Since 2009, EDF has invested almost £8 billion in the nuclear fleet to improve reliability and extend station lifetimes. The five generating stations currently supply about 14% of the UK’s electricity demand.
EDF is building the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C. We are an investor in and major supplier to a replica plant at Sizewell C in Suffolk. Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will provide low carbon electricity to meet 14% of UK demand and power around 12 million homes.
It is one of the UK’s leading developers of renewable energy through EDF Power Solutions UK and Ireland. We have more than 2GW of renewable generation in operation and over 10GW in construction, planning and development across a range of technologies including onshore and offshore wind, solar and battery storage.
EDF is enabling its customers, both in business and at home, to choose electric solutions that save cash and carbon, whether it is buying an electric car, generating and storing electricity, selling energy back to the grid or installing solar panels or a heat pump.
We are one of the largest suppliers to British business and a leading supplier of innovative energy solutions that are helping businesses become more energy independent. In addition, the company’s energy services business, Dalkia, one of the UK and Ireland’s largest technical service providers.
About Hypervolt
Britain's most trusted EV charging brand, Hypervolt was launched in 2021 with the bold ambition to transform the EV charging space through a relentless focus on the customer experience, great software, and beautifully designed British hardware.
Sitting atop Trustpilot as the highest-rated EV charging manufacturer in the industry, the brand is proud to have been named Deloitte Fast 50 and EMEA Fast 500 winners alongside DrivingElectric’s Home EV Charger of the Year 2023 & 2024, a testament to their focus on innovation and democratising EV ownership.
Hypervolt’s ultimate vision is to become the world’s leading EV Charging company through a combination of its UltraGrid platform, a last-mile platform to enable flex opportunities at grid scale, Exceptional Product Design and Delightful Customer Service,creating a complete paradigm shift in transportation & energy consumption globally.
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