Scottish and Southern Electricity Network (SSEN) Distribution has utilised the National Chargepoint Registry data to map out chargepoint availability within the Power Track app. The Power Track app allows users to report and view live power cut information, in addition to local public electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints. By combining power cut and key chargepoint information, EV owners will be guided to locations to charge their cars if there is a power cut.
As the number of EVs on UK roads increases, having up-to-date information about the nearest chargepoint will be increasingly important. SSEN has been working to incorporate EV chargepoint information from the National Chargepoint Registry (NCR) in its Power Track app and website.
The Power Track app will now display EV chargepoint information from the NCR in the event of a power cut. When a power cut occurs, users of the app will be able to locate, filter and get directions to the nearest EV chargepoint. Over 13,000 public charging locations are being added, creating one of the most comprehensive and accurate databases of EV chargepoints in the UK.
The incorporation of the data from the NCR is an important part of the journey to net zero. Data sharing and cooperation will play a vital role in ensuring preparedness for the forecasted rapid uptake of low carbon technologies. SSEN's recent report, Distribution Future Energy Scenarios, forecast there could be over 5 million EVs across its distribution area alone by 2050.
The Power Track app, which has been downloaded almost 100,000 times, was the first app to be released by a network operator that allowed members of the public to report damage to the electricity network, track power cuts, and share photos of any issues directly with the SSEN's teams. The app is available to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Richard Hartshorn, SSEN's EV Readiness Manager said:
"The incorporation of the National Chargepoint Registry data into SSEN's Power Track app and website provides an exciting opportunity for data sharing and cooperation, which will benefit consumers across our distribution area.
"We have incorporated this EV chargepoint data in the Power Track app and our website with consumers in mind. As the number of EVs increases, users will be able to quickly filter and navigate to the nearest public charge point, helping support their EV journeys and providing EV drivers with greater ease of use."
Chargepoint information is available on the Power Track app for Apple and Android devices and will be available by July 2021 on SSEN's website.