Charge electric cars smartly to take pressure off national grid – minister

SSE trials 'demand-side response' where vehicles start charging a few hours after being plugged in, when demand is lower

Electric cars are putting increasing pressure on the UK's power grids, making it vital they are recharged at the right time of day, a minister has said.

John Hayes, transport minister, said it was important that such battery-powered cars were topped up in smart ways to avoid unduly stressing the energy system.