DfT Partners with Zapmap for EV Charging Data Access

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In an exciting development for the electric vehicle (EV) landscape in the UK, the Department for Transport (DfT) has recently awarded a significant contract to Zapmap. This partnership aims to enhance the public rapid charging experience for both current and future EV drivers, marking a pivotal step forward in the nation’s journey towards a greener transport system.

Zapmap, a well-known player in the EV charging sector, has been providing invaluable charging data to the DfT since 2017. Over the years, this collaboration has yielded crucial insights into the expansion and utilisation of the public charging network throughout the UK. The new contract, secured through a competitive tender process, promises to take this initiative to the next level by offering enhanced and more detailed open data. This focus will specifically centre on charging sessions and downtime at the level of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

One of the driving forces behind this initiative is the recently enacted Public Charge Point Regulations (PCPR) 2023. Set to come into effect in November 2024, these regulations require charge point operators (CPOs) to provide publicly accessible reference and availability data in a machine-readable format for all public charging points. This is a significant move towards transparency and accessibility in the EV charging sector, ensuring that drivers can easily obtain crucial information about charging stations.

Under the new EV Open Data contract, Zapmap will take on the responsibility of aggregating and supplying all relevant data to the DfT. This will be done on a charge point and CPO basis, enabling the DfT to maintain and develop its official public EV charging infrastructure statistics. More importantly, this data will offer a deeper understanding of usage patterns across various types of charging. Such insights are vital for driving targeted growth in the EV charging network and will help shape informed policy decisions that align with the UK’s net zero goals.

The implications of this data extend beyond government use; it will also be made available to the wider industry through the Zapmap Insights product suite. This means that businesses, stakeholders, and researchers will have access to comprehensive data that can inform their strategies and decisions in the evolving EV market.

Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and chief operating officer at Zapmap, expressed enthusiasm about the new contract, stating, “The availability of this data to government will support them in their decision-making and policy development, which in turn should help organisations and EV drivers make the switch to EV with confidence.” Her insights underline the importance of data transparency and accessibility in fostering a thriving EV ecosystem.

This new phase of collaboration between Zapmap and the DfT not only enhances the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging but also signifies a commitment to a sustainable future. As the UK aims for ambitious net zero targets, ensuring that EV drivers have access to reliable information about charging availability is crucial.

In conclusion, the partnership between the DfT and Zapmap is a commendable stride towards a more efficient and user-friendly EV charging experience. By prioritising open data and fostering collaboration across the industry, the UK is paving the way for a more sustainable transport system that will benefit everyone. As we move forward, it is essential for all stakeholders to engage with this data, ensuring that the shift to electric vehicles is not only viable but also seamless for all drivers.

This rewritten article captures the essence of the original news while ensuring a reader-friendly tone suitable for the ‘Net Zero News Network’ audience, maintaining a focus on sustainability and community engagement in the electric vehicle sector.