Head of EV Smart Charging Policy at Desnz, Simon Munk, to highlight strategies for maximising energy flexibility at the upcoming London EV Show

Simon Munk, the UK’s Head of Electric Vehicle Smart Charging at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), is set to take the stage at the London EV Show, where he will delve into the government’s strategic approach to leveraging EV smart charging technology. As one of the leading voices in the drive towards a greener, electrified future, Munk’s expertise will be pivotal in shaping discussions on how smart charging can transform the UK’s energy landscape while supporting its ambitious decarbonisation targets.

Appointed to his current role at DESNZ, Munk spearheads efforts to implement policies that encourage the integration of smart charging solutions across the country. His work is central to ensuring that electric vehicles (EVs) not only serve as a sustainable transport option but also as an essential component in balancing the national power grid. By maximising short-duration energy flexibility, Munk’s team aims to make EV charging more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable, thereby accelerating the UK’s journey to a net-zero future by 2030.

Munk’s address at the London EV Show is highly anticipated, especially as the event draws industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the globe. His focus will be on how smart charging can reduce peak electricity demand, thereby lowering energy costs for consumers while supporting grid stability. This approach is vital as the nation seeks to decarbonise its electricity supply and reach its 2030 climate commitments.

As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to surge, one of the challenges that comes to the fore is ensuring that the growing demand for electricity does not overwhelm the existing infrastructure. Munk’s strategy involves harnessing smart charging technology to manage when and how EVs are charged, allowing vehicles to pull energy from the grid during off-peak hours or when renewable energy sources like wind and solar are most abundant. This flexibility can significantly reduce the cost of charging for consumers while also reducing the need for costly upgrades to the grid infrastructure.

In addition to outlining these benefits, Munk is expected to unveil new initiatives that the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero has been developing. These initiatives are designed to encourage the uptake of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies, which allow EVs to not only draw power from the grid but also feed it back during times of high demand. This bidirectional charging capability can turn EVs into mobile energy storage units, further enhancing grid resilience.

Munk’s career in energy policy has been marked by a commitment to sustainability and innovation. Prior to his current role, he was involved in various initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the UK’s transport and energy sectors. His leadership in developing and deploying smart charging policies reflects his deep understanding of the intersection between technology and sustainable energy solutions.

The London EV Show is the ideal platform for Munk to share his insights, given its focus on bringing together stakeholders who are at the forefront of electric vehicle advancements. His speech will likely address how the government can work in tandem with private enterprises, local councils, and consumers to create a cohesive EV ecosystem that supports both environmental and economic goals.

One of the key themes of Munk’s presentation will be the role of public-private partnerships in scaling up smart charging infrastructure. By collaborating with technology providers and energy firms, DESNZ aims to accelerate the rollout of smart chargers in both urban and rural areas, ensuring that all regions benefit from the transition to electric mobility. This focus on inclusivity is crucial as the government seeks to avoid leaving any communities behind in the shift to a greener transport future.

Munk is also expected to discuss incentives for consumers to adopt smart charging solutions, including potential subsidies for home and public charging stations. As EV ownership grows, so too does the need for accessible, affordable charging options. By incentivising the installation of smart chargers that can adjust charging times based on grid conditions, the government hopes to alleviate the pressure on the national grid while providing savings for EV owners.

The significance of Munk’s work in EV smart charging policy cannot be understated. With the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles set to take effect in 2030, there is an urgent need to ensure that the UK’s electricity grid can accommodate the influx of electric vehicles. By focusing on smart charging, Munk is paving the way for a future where the UK’s transport sector can thrive in harmony with its energy network.

As the event unfolds, the insights shared by Munk at the London EV Show are likely to stimulate further discussion among industry leaders and policymakers on how the UK can continue to lead the world in sustainable transport solutions. His address will not only highlight the progress made so far but also lay out a clear roadmap for the next steps in EV smart charging and grid integration.

With the London EV Show poised to be one of the most influential events of the year for the electric vehicle industry, Simon Munk’s contributions will undoubtedly inspire new strategies and collaborations aimed at creating a sustainable, net-zero future for the UK.