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Don't charge while you heat! The social potential for flexibility and coordination of energy-intensive technologies in single-family houses
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Built Environment, Energy and Resources.ORCID iD: 0000-0002-2302-9098
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Built Environment, System Transition and Service Innovation. Department of Social and Behavioural Studies, Högskolan Väst, Trollhattan, Vastra Gotaland, Sweden.ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7597-8359
School of Culture and Society, Högskolan Dalarna, Falun, Dalarna, Sweden.
School of Culture and Society, Högskolan Dalarna, Falun, Dalarna, Sweden.
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2026 (English)In: Energy Policy, ISSN 0301-4215, E-ISSN 1873-6777, Vol. 210Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

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

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier Ltd , 2026. Vol. 210
Keywords [en]
Coordinated flexibility; Electric vehicles; Energy flexibility; Heat pumps; Power peaks; Social practices
National Category
Energy Systems
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-80335DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2026.115069Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105027641292OAI: oai:DiVA.org:ri-80335DiVA, id: diva2:2033135
Note

This research is part of the project \u201CWhen the electric car moves in! \u2013 The social and technical potential with coordinated control of heat pumps and electric car charging in single-family homes\u201D, funded by the Swedish Energy Agency [grant number P2022 \u201300921]. We would like to thank the interviewed households.

Available from: 2026-01-28 Created: 2026-01-28 Last updated: 2026-01-28Bibliographically approved

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Hiller, CarolinaBjörner Brauer, Hanna

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