Work

Don't charge while you heat! The social potential for flexibility and coordination of energy-intensive technologies in single-family houses

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores the social potential for flexibility and coordination of energy-intensive technologies, specifically electric vehicles and heat pumps – an increasingly common combination in Swedish single-family homes with diverse needs and motivations. As electrification rises and power peaks grow more concerning, the research examines flexibility in everyday EV charging and heating practices, focusing on enabling and hindering conditions. Drawing on 21 household interviews and social practice theory, the study found that flexibility potential was influenced by temporal, geographical, and material conditions, along with values, expectations, and experiences. Alternative charging strategies and frugal heating practices demonstrated flexibility, especially among households valuing environmental care. Foreseeability supported flexibility, while rigid schedules and high comfort expectations posed challenges. Practices centred around care were important but could reduce flexibility, and unfavourable combinations of geographical and material conditions further constrained it, but instead shaped fragility and awareness. Coordinating EV charging with heat pump use and adapting to new power tariffs proved complex. The study highlights the importance of understanding the social dimensions of energy flexibility and offers insights for policymakers and energy providers to support households in managing and coordinating practices related to multiple energy-intensive technologies in response to price signals and power demands.

Source: Energy Policy

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115069

Authors: Carolina Hiller, Hanna Björner Brauer, Magdalena Kania-Lundholm, Erik Lundberg, Therese Olsson

Institutions: RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Dalarna University

Language: English

Topic: Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,940