A new open data initiative that allows EV drivers to get information on EV chargers out of service due to a power outage has gone live in London, the South East and the East.

94% of customers surveyed wanted to continue receiving power cut notifications beyond the trial

UK Power Networks, an electricity distributor serving approximately 20 million people, has released the country’s first open-source power cut software – and is now encouraging all EV charging suppliers in its area to make the most of its API.

Already trialled with EV.Energy, the Powercast innovation allows customers in London, the South East and East of England to get more reliable information about whether an EV charger could be out of action as a result of a power outage – all through the convenience of their charging apps for the first time.

Using the API enables drivers to make informed decisions on how to manage their charging throughout the day or find alternative charging locations ahead of a power outage.

Users are notified of planned or unplanned power outages, changes to scheduled electricity works, and estimated times for power restoration – plus confirmation when power is restored, helping them plan their charging around any interruptions in service.

It’s seen as a key way to  increase drivers’ confidence in being able to charge when and where they need to – as well as encouraging other drivers to switch away from petrol and diesel vehicles.

Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “The impact the widescale adoption of EVs will have on our climate cannot be overstated. Over half a million of our customers have made the switch already, but we want to enable everyone connected to our networks to make a safe and reliable shift to such low carbon technology.

“We want EV charging providers across our network, and anyone else who may find it useful, to make the most of the extensive data we have available. Together, we can help increase EV confidence, ensuring customers have every available piece of information they need to help make that next step.”

William Goldsmith, director of grid and data services from EV.Energy, said: “Powercast empowers our drivers to make informed decisions about how they charge and helps to minimise disruption caused in the rare event of a power cut.

“We successfully trialled Powercast, with 94% of customers surveyed wanting to continue receiving power cut notifications beyond the trial. Working closely with UK Power Networks, we’ve been able to develop a notification feature that not only simplifies charging for our existing customers, but hopefully helps more people to make the switch to an EV with confidence.”