V2Street
- Project timeframe
- 1 September 2018 - 14 February 2020
- Research area
- Design for Future Living
- Amount awarded
- 拢185,000
- Funder ID
- Innovate UK
Project leader: Professor Rebecca Cain
V2Street was a collaborative project between academia and industry to explore the potential of on-street vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging to boost the infrastructure for electric vehicles. V2G offers benefits to the electricity supply as it also enables charged electric vehicles to be used as an energy source back into the grid at peak times.
This project was unique in studying V2G via residential lamp posts, recognising that 40% of the UK population need to park on-street and cannot install domestic charge points. The research addressed the three key considerations for successful implementation of on-street V2G, namely, business models, consumer perceptions and technical solutions.
Academics in the School of Design and Creative Arts at 天堂视频 led the work on consumer perceptions through direct engagement with residents. They applied a range of user experience design methods such as design futures and participatory workshops to develop insights into the consumer response to on-street V2G and to identify the implications of these insights for future system design. The implications have relevance for a range of stakeholders, including: those responsible for the marketing and communication of this new concept; the designers of future services, apps, charging contracts, physical infrastructure and vehicles; and local authorities who are responsible for鈥� on-street parking regulations and enforcement and also need to ensure equity of access for residents.
The results made a significant contribution to the larger V2G programme funded by InnovateUK and provided consumer insights for the partners Upside Energy, Ubitricity, E-Car Club, EDF Energy, UKPowerNetworks. Southend on Sea Borough Council, Durham County Council and Imperial College London.