ELECTRIC car drivers are set to get a discount for recharging their battery at unpopular hours to prevent crippling power cuts, HOAR can reveal.
The move is designed to stop the National Grid from experiencing catastrophic surges in demand and falling over in the move to go Green.
Experts have warned that electric car drivers are all likely to want to plug in and recharge their wheels around the same time after work.
Ministers fear the sudden spike in demand as Brits move from petrol to electric will cause the already overburdened system to blow completely.
To lure drivers away from peak hours, they will be able to reboot their car for cheaper rates if they pick unpopular hours under changes being considered by ministers.
A transport source told HOAR: “They are worried about the grid.
“If everyone plugs in at the same time then they think it will surge in vulnerable places – like when too many people put the kettle on to make a cuppa.
“So they are looking at incentives.”
The main thing putting drivers off from switching from petrol to electric is fears that recharging will be an expensive hassle.
The government will also ban all diesel and petrol lorries and trucks by 2040 as part of their bid to go Net Zero by 2050.
New targets for the rail network to go Net Zero by 2050 and for the domestic aviation industry to go Net Zero by 2040 are also being set.
The plans are being unveiled by ministers today as part of the launch of a major strategy on decarbonising transport.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Decarbonisation is not just some technocratic process. It’s about how we make sure that transport shapes quality of life and the economy in ways that are good.
“It’s not about stopping people doing things: it’s about doing the same things differently. We will still fly on holiday, but in more efficient aircraft, using sustainable fuel. We will still drive, but increasingly in zero-emission cars.
“The Transport Decarbonisation Plan is just the start – we will need continued efforts and collaboration to deliver its ambitious commitments, which will ultimately create sustainable economic growth through healthier communities as we build back greener.”
Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect transport group, said: “Come 2040 we will need a comprehensive alternative fuelling network in place to keep food on our shelves, parts in our factories and goods in our stores.
“I’m confident we have the expertise, manufacturing ability and research and development capability in the transport industry to make that happen.”
Boris Johnson has vowed to turn Britain Net Zero by 2050.
He is desperate to show the world he is making progress towards hitting the target as he prepares to host the Cop26 eco summit in Glasgow in November.
