Why Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement matters for EV fleets
The Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) is a major shift in the UK energy market that could have significant implications if you’re operating an electric vehicle (EV) fleet.
Once MHHS is in place across the country, fleet managers may have an opportunity to take greater control of their EV operations. They may also benefit from smarter charging while contributing to greater flexibility across the grid.
How MHHS could affect EV fleet management
Smarter charging may mean lower costs
Suppliers could consider introducing time-of-use tariffs for their customers, including those with EV fleets. Vehicles that can shift when they charge to off-peak hours – such as overnight or when renewable energy is abundant – may be able to save on their energy costs.
In addition, dynamic pricing models could occur more often and become more granular, giving fleet operators new tools to help them optimise when and how they use energy.
EVs as grid-connected assets
MHHS may also support the growth of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. V2G allows EV owners to discharge the stored energy from their vehicles to the grid at times of high demand when the grid needs it most.
By effectively selling this unused EV power, EV fleet managers could turn their vehicles’ downtime into a revenue opportunity – while also helping to balance the national grid.
Participation in grid flexibility
With their half-hourly consumption data available, EV fleet owners could take part in demand-side flexibility schemes that offer rewards for adjusting demand in response to the grid’s needs.
As the energy market continues to evolve, such schemes are likely to become increasingly valuable – and fleets increasingly well-positioned to participate.
What fleet managers could be considering now
To prepare for the new, post-MHHS world, EV fleet managers can start considering the following:
1. Install HH meters where possible
Even if sites retain non-HH meters, they’ll be charged on an estimated half-hourly basis. It’ll be better to have accurate half-hourly data underpinning bills.
2. Engage with your energy supplier
It’s worth asking suppliers whether they’re currently exploring time-of-use tariffs or other flexibility-focused options.
3. Investigate V2G-readiness
This is another area where a discussion with your in-house or external experts would be of benefit. Make sure you understand what infrastructure, software and other resources you might need to make V2G work in the future.
4. Train fleet and energy teams
Your in-house teams will need to be able to interpret HH energy data and to make data-informed charging decisions. Your EV partner may also be able to help with this.
A new chapter in fleet energy strategy
MHHS may seem like a behind-the-scenes regulatory reform, but it could have implications for the day-to-day management of EV fleets.
By aligning charging activity with real-time grid conditions, fleet operators could gain more control, reduce costs, and play an active role in decarbonising the UK energy system.
Disclaimer
We’ve used all reasonable efforts to ensure that the content in this article is accurate, current, and complete at the date of publication. However, we make no express or implied representations or warranties regarding its accuracy, currency or completeness. We cannot accept any responsibility (to the extent permitted by law) for any loss arising directly or indirectly from the use of any content in this article, or any action taken in relying upon it.
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