EDF and Pod Point introduce new smart charging initiative to help balance the grid
- Electric vehicles will remotely sync charging to electricity demand forecasts
- Participants will be rewarded for agreeing to avoid charging at times of peak demand
- The pilot aims to explore opportunities for flexibility and supporting a greener energy system
EDF, Britain's largest generator of zero carbon electricity, is to collaborate with Pod Point, one of the UK’s largest EV charge-point providers to homes and businesses, on a new Smart Charging pilot.
The initiative aims to optimise EV charging schedules based on day-ahead electricity demand forecasts. By shifting customers’ electricity use to off peak hours, the product will help reduce carbon emissions and support a greener energy system.
As part of the initial six-month pilot period, selected Pod Point customers will be incentivised for participating in the pilot, which will enable Pod Point to adjust charging schedules and pause charging sessions by up to four hours between 16:00 and 20:00 when wholesale energy demand is typically at its highest.
The partnership will serve as a crucial avenue for advancing how these assets engage with the energy system. Additionally, it will provide insights on the extent of flexibility these assets offer.
Stuart Fenner, Wholesale Market Services Commercial Director at EDF, said: "We are delighted to partner with Pod Point on this Smart Charging pilot, which combines EDF's expertise in energy forecasting and commitment to helping Britain achieve net zero, with Pod Point's innovative charging solutions. Through the optimisation of EV charging, our aim is to help customers save cash and carbon, whilst at the same time, advancing the transition to a greener future.”
Commenting on the pilot, Pilgrim Beart, VP Grid at Pod Point said: “We’re delighted to gain access to EDF’s powerful flexibility trading capability, and we’re excited to contribute to the innovations in this space as the world of EV flexibility continues to grow and evolve.”
By harnessing the power of data and innovation, EDF continues to lead the way in delivering sustainable energy solutions that benefit customers and accelerate the transition to more low carbon and renewable electricity sources.
The results of this initial product pilot will play a crucial role in shaping future offerings for EV drivers, aiding the comprehension of customer behaviours and how EVs can adapt to real-time market fluctuations. Aggregation stands as a pivotal facilitator of household flexibility, and this initiative will offer EDF the opportunity to assess fundamental procedures and data streams on a collective EV scale.
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 £9 billion in the nuclear fleet to improve reliability and extend station lifetimes. The five generating stations currently supply about 12% 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 a minority investor (12.5%) 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. EDF Group companies Framatome and Arabelle Solutions have a presence in the UK and manufacture critical equipment such as reactor pressure vessels and turbines.
EDF is enabling its 5 million 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. In 2025, EDF’s Customers business was ranked as one of the Sunday Times’s Best Place to Work.
It is also 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.
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, is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest technical service providers.
About Pod Point
Pod Point was founded in 2009. Driven by a belief that driving shouldn’t cost the earth, Pod Point is building the infrastructure needed to enable the mass adoption of electric vehicles and to make living with an EV easy and affordable for everyone. To date the company has shipped more than 226,000 charge points* in the UK and is an official charge point supplier for major car brands.
Pod Point is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “PODP.”
Related articles
EDF reduces its fixed prices with new tariff matching April price cap
EDF sets out support for customers ahead of RTS switch-off in the South East
