Mal, Smart meters on their own don't reduce consumer consumption, as the advert says "consumer action required." All they do is highlight when you are using energy. With a bit of forethought, simple measures will save anyone (smart metered or not) energy. This includes not leaving laptops or phones on charge when they don't need to be, switching off lights, using low energy bulbs, switching plugs off when not in use (including the TV that's always on standby)... none of these are "managed" by a smart meter, it only alerts you that power is being consumed. This is part of why I believe they are there for the suppliers benefit, not the Consumers. On your battery front, agreed that most modern electric cars do have a bigger battery but as, in London for example, so few people have crossovers and off street parking at their property then the ability to store excess electricity in your car battery is limited to those who can park on their own drive. Looking down most streets here, thats not a feasible concept.