London, UK – August 2025 – Ohme, the UK’s largest and fastest growing home EV charging company, has awarded more than £400,000 to electric vehicle drivers as part of the recent Winter Crowdflex trial – a major milestone in the nation’s push toward a more flexible, efficient and low-carbon energy system.
The Winter Crowdflex trial, which ran from September 2024 through to April 2025, formed part of the UK’s largest domestic energy flexibility study. Led by NESO, the National Electricity System Operator for Great Britain, and backed by Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund, the trial aimed to test how consumer engagement could support the shift toward grid-responsive behaviours.
Participants in the trial – Ohme customers with home EV chargers – were encouraged to plug in their electric vehicles whenever they were parked at home, particularly during off-peak hours. The results were unequivocal: a 42% increase in overnight plug-in rates and a 53% increase during the day compared to pre-trial levels. These simple behavioural shifts, made possible through Ohme’s smart technology and user-centric platform, translated directly into real financial rewards for consumers.
“Grid flexibility services are estimated to save consumers £10bn per year in energy costs by 2050,” said David Watson, CEO of Ohme. “This research proves that proactive customer engagement is crucial. It not only enables us to meet peak demand more efficiently but also reduces carbon emissions and overall energy costs. At Ohme, we’re proud to be playing a key role in unlocking this potential.”
Crucially, Ohme saw a very low drop-out rate during the trial, reinforcing the idea that consumers are willing to adapt when incentivised appropriately and when given access to intelligent, easy-to-use technology.
Watson added:
“We’ve seen that the impact of our engagement extended well beyond the already active user base. Reaching a broader cross-section of consumers is absolutely essential if we are to meet the Government’s Clean Power 2030 ambitions. While energy suppliers can’t always reach everyone, companies like Ohme can bridge that gap and help scale the benefits of domestic flexibility.”
The Winter Crowdflex trial is part of the broader CrowdFlex programme, which includes partners such as OVO, Centre for Net Zero, ERM, AWS, National Grid Electricity Distribution, and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks. The collaboration brings together energy providers, innovators and infrastructure players to understand and optimise how domestic energy flexibility can be scaled nationwide.
Cathy Fraser, Head of Market Requirements at NESO, commented:
“The CrowdFlex project continues to grow in scope and insight. We’re learning more about what drives consumer behaviour and how best to encourage smarter energy use at scale. The findings will be instrumental in helping us unlock the full potential of domestic flexibility as a vital tool for balancing the grid and delivering value for all consumers.”
Already an established leader in the smart charging space, Ohme is the official home charger provider for major OEMs including Mercedes-Benz, Volvo Cars, the Volkswagen Group, Smart and Hyundai in the UK and Ireland. The company also serves as the exclusive charger provider for customers on the Motability scheme – the UK’s largest vehicle fleet.
In recognition of its continued innovation and customer-focused solutions, Ohme recently picked up two accolades from Business Motoring for Best Electric Charging Point Provider and Best Electric Van Charging Point Provider.
As the UK accelerates its transition to clean, smart mobility, Ohme’s leadership in home charging and energy flexibility is shaping a future where EV drivers are not just vehicle owners but active participants in a more sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem.
