Electric Vehicle Charging APP
Development of a Prototype for an Electric Vehicle Charging App
The prototype for the electric vehicle (EV) charging app was designed to provide a seamless and intuitive experience for EV owners. The goal was to create a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of locating, reserving, and paying for charging stations in real time.
The client's main challenges are:
- Difficulty in locating charging stations
- Complexity in the charging process
- Lack of visibility regarding the condition and availability of charging stations
- Uncertainty about battery range
THE PROCESS
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Desk Research - Since I had no prior knowledge about electric vehicle charging, I needed to conduct thorough research on the entire process, from locating suitable charging stations to reserving chargers, waiting, monitoring the battery through the car, and making payments. It was essential to understand the shift towards electric vehicles, their significance, and the associated environmental and economic issues.
Competitor Analysis - I researched not only charging apps but also the apps of the vehicles themselves, which provide battery information and other controls.
Key Discoveries: Insights that influenced the design include the existence of different types of chargers, varying by installation location, charging time, charger power, and especially user needs. There is a wide variety of apps aimed at facilitating more efficient charging by showing charging stations and their availability. Apps developed specifically for certain brands/models may offer better connectivity with the vehicle's status and even provide remote controls.
User Journey Summary: Finding suitable stations - reserving a charger - plotting a route to the station - making a payment - charging.
Home
The HOME provides estimates of battery range, displaying nearby charging stations to ensure that users can avoid running out of charge. This feature enhances user confidence by offering a sense of security and convenience, allowing them to plan their routes effectively and access charging options easily.
Finding Charging Stations
The map suggests the nearest charging stations based on the user's location, allowing them to plot a route to the selected station. Users can also check the types of chargers available, along with ratings and their current availability.
How to recharge?
As a relatively new service, especially in Brazil, a simple and straightforward tutorial is essential to assist new users in the process. This tutorial should guide users through the key steps.
Reviews
Reviews are essential in the app, as chargers may be disabled, offline, or in poor condition.
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Notifications
The option to reserve is important because charging takes a long time compared to refueling. Notifications are there to ensure that the user doesn't miss their reservation and is informed when the charger becomes available!
Checkout
Practical and complete payment with information about the entire process.
Thanks!