What happens if there's a power cut while my EV is charging?

A power cut during electric vehicle (EV) charging can cause inconvenience, but understanding the scenario and taking appropriate actions can minimize disruptions. Here’s what you need to know:

Impact on EV Charging

• Immediate Effect: When a power cut occurs, the EV charging process will stop immediately. This is because EV chargers require electricity to operate.
• Safety Features: Modern EV chargers, especially smart ones, often have built-in safety features to prevent damage or unsafe conditions. However, the charging session will still be interrupted.

Practical Steps During a Power Cut

If your EV is charging when a power cut occurs:

• Stop Charging: The charger will automatically stop due to the lack of power.
• Check Status: Wait until power is restored to resume charging.

Planning Around Power Cuts

To manage power cuts effectively:

• Use Power Cut Notification Services: Services like Powercast provide updates on planned and unplanned power outages, helping you plan your charging sessions.
• Alternate Charging Options: Identify nearby public charging points as a backup option if a power cut is scheduled or happens unexpectedly.
• Smart Charging Apps: Utilize apps that allow you to change automatic charging schedules, such as ev.energy, to charge immediately before a planned power cut.

Benefits of Smart EV Chargers

Smart EV chargers provide several advantages during power cuts:

• Real-Time Updates: Receive notifications about power cuts and schedule your charging accordingly.
• Adjustable Charging Times: Can change charging times based on power availability.
• Efficiency: Smart chargers often make better use of energy when power is available.

Common Mistakes and Considerations

• Relying Solely on Smart Charging: Do not depend entirely on smart charging apps during power cuts, as these may not automatically adjust during interruptions.
• Lack of Backup Plans: Not having a backup plan for alternative charging points can cause delays.

Current Developments in the UK

Recent improvements in the UK, such as UK Power Networks' Powercast software, have enhanced the ability of EV users to manage their charging schedules around power cuts. This includes receiving updates and planning charging sessions based on power availability. These changes aim to increase confidence in EV charging by providing users with reliable information about power outages and restoration times.