Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining widespread popularity with sustainable practices becoming a priority for consumers and businesses worldwide. Consumers choose businesses with eco-friendly practices integrated into their operations. Plus, governments too are now encouraging businesses to be more mindful of the environmental impact of their actions and reward them with incentives in a bid to reduce their carbon footprint. As EVs proliferate, EV charging station infrastructure is catching up to match the pace of EV adoption. There has been a growth in the number of EV charging stations, and EV charging station contractors specializing in charging services tailored to residential and commercial charging needs have also grown in numbers.
Installing EV charging stations at the workplace, shopping malls, movie theaters, restaurants, and hospitals is a practical decision as it attracts EV drivers which creates additional revenue generation opportunities. Businesses that install charging stations can do well if they have an app to manage the charging sessions. On the other hand, consumers that choose to utilize EV charging apps stand to enjoy multiple benefits. An EV charging station app enables EV drivers to control and manage their EV charging activities that include searching and filtering the nearest charger locations, route planning and navigation, and charging session initiation.
This article will elaborate on tips to choose the right EV charging app for your electric vehicle.
An EV charger app is similar to numerous other applications we use daily. An Electric Vehicle charging app is an application that helps electric vehicle drivers locate and access charging stations. These apps provide information on the location, availability, and status of charging stations, as well as assistance with payment and reservations. EV charging apps can be accessed on smartphones and other mobile devices, making it easier for electric vehicle drivers to find and use charging stations on the go. They also provide insights and data on usage and charging behaviors, which help optimize the charging infrastructure and improve the overall experience for drivers.
A mobile app for EV charging works by providing information on the location, availability, and status of charging stations to EV drivers. Drivers can use these apps to plan their routes, find the nearest charging station, and reserve a charging spot if needed. EV charging apps rely on location-based technology to display a list of nearby charging stations. EV drivers will get information on charge rates, charging station availability, and payment at their fingertips through the app. EV charging apps also help businesses with charging stations on their premises to manage their charging infrastructure more efficiently. Businesses can gain insights into charging patterns and behavior by EV drivers with the aid of the app. This helps them make informed decisions and increase or decrease the number of chargers depending on the current usage patterns.
Drivers first need to create an account on the charging app for electric vehicles. They have to provide information about their EV model and preferred payment method. Once the driver uses the EV charging locator app, it will start storing information about charging sessions which will later give drivers insights into their past charging sessions. EV drivers can also book slots in advance through the app.
An EV charging management app offers benefits both for EV charging station operators and drivers. The following are the benefits of using an EV charging network app:
An electric car charging app provides drivers with real-time information on charging stations' availability, location, and status. This makes it easy for drivers, especially when they are on a long trip, to find a charging station and plan their route accordingly.
An app to find charging stations collect data and insights about usage and charging behavior, which can be used to optimize charging infrastructure and improve the overall charging experience for drivers.
A charging app for electric vehicles allows drivers to book a charging spot in advance and pay for it, which helps reduce waiting times and improves the overall efficiency of the charging process.
EV drivers often dread running out of charge before reaching their destination. An EV charging management app helps reduce range anxiety by providing valuable information on the status of charging stations nearby.
Assessing charging needs is one of the crucial steps to be taken into account when choosing an EV charging app. The factors listed below will help assess your charging needs more accurately:
● Frequency and duration of charging sessions:- The duration of charging sessions is dependent on the EV model and the charger. DC chargers enable fast charging whereas AC chargers are comparatively slower. Depending on your EV battery capacity and your travel requirements, you can select the best app for EV charging.
● Businesses that are looking to install EV charging stations should analyze their current demand. A thorough demand assessment will help businesses make an informed decision when choosing a charging app.
When choosing an app for electric charging stations, you need to choose one that is packed with a host of features. The number of features will determine the number of benefits you will derive from the app. Let's look at the must-have features in an EV charging network app that one should never miss out on.
● Database of charging stations
The main purpose of an EV charging app is to help EV drivers locate charging stations. The app must have a database of charging stations that will help drivers find the accurate location of the station before they set out on their journey as well as during the journey. The app must give a comprehensive view of all stations nearby so EV drivers can plan their journey accordingly and arrange for recharge at predetermined intervals. Most apps are pretty accurate in locating stations as they depend on location technology.
● Availability of stations, pricing, and amenities
EV drivers don't want to halt at a charging station only to realize later that there is a long waiting time. The app needs to show the real-time availability of stations, the rates for charging, and the amenities in the station. EV drivers that have real-time information can make better decisions and make adjustments to their plans, if need be, with the least hassle.
● Station status updates
Real-time data is a critical feature that differentiates the best EV route planner app from the rest. The app should provide station operators with real-time data on the charging stations in use and the busiest charging stations. At the same time, users should get real-time information on the availability of stations nearby to steer clear of any unpleasant surprises on the journey.
● Charging speeds and potential issues
Your chosen app should be smart enough to notify you of the charging speeds of different charging stations. The app will have your EV model details saved in it and can figure out the ideal time required to complete your charging session. The EV charging locator app should also be able to give real-time updates on any potential issues such as out-of-order charging stations.
● EV models and supporting EV chargers
The app should recommend which chargers are compatible with your electric car. Once you create an account and enter your car details, the app can compare them against its charging station database to determine the stations that best suit your needs. The app should also be compatible with different mobile devices.
Yes! Among the important features that an EV charging infrastructure app should possess is the payment option. EV drivers should be able to initiate payments through the app on completion of charging sessions. The app should have popular payment platforms linked to it. This is a convenient option that eliminates the need to carry physical cards. From locating the nearest charging station and booking slots in advance to completing payment through the app, choosing the right app ensures a hassle-free charging experience.
Nobody would want an app that is difficult to use and time-consuming. An EV charging app's user interface (UI) should be intuitive, with easy-to-use features and clear navigation. From the moment the user opens the app till the time he or she logs out, switching between app features and screens should be seamless. A good app will always use simple and clear language to communicate with the user. The design should be minimalistic with clear and easily identifiable icons, buttons, and navigation options and the user interface should be consistent across all screens. The most important information for the user should be visible right in front, with less important information relegated to secondary screens.
EV charging app reviews and ratings provide valuable feedback and recommendations for EV drivers. The apps should display ratings and reviews so EV drivers can filter charging stations based on these parameters. Some EV charging apps have a specific section where users can view and submit ratings and reviews for charging stations. This allows users to access all the information and feedback in one place, making it easy to make an informed decision about where to charge their vehicle.
Apps that come with additional features offer convenient and hassle-free charging for EV drivers. EV drivers should preferably opt for an electric car charging app that has additional features such as:
● Trip planning
Charging apps offer trip planning features that help drivers plan the best route to their destination while accounting for charging stations and the number of charging sessions necessary to complete the trip. EV drivers can input their starting point, destination, EV model details, and route preferences and the app will help plan your trip and reach your destination as efficiently as possible.
● Charging history
The charging history feature in the EV charging app for Android/iOS helps drivers track their previous charging sessions and monitor their charging patterns. This feature provides valuable data on the amount of energy used, charging time, and cost of the charging session. EV drivers who choose apps with such features can better understand their charging needs and habits, and make more informed decisions about future charging sessions.
● Personalized preferences
It is beneficial for EV drivers to use apps that allow personalization. This feature enables EV drivers to save preferred charging stations that are close to their home or work or based on multiple factors (e.g., station reliability, availability, cost). Users can create a customized charging profile based on their vehicle's battery capacity, charging speed, and preferred charging times. The app will provide accurate charging recommendations based on this. Personalized features also help users set up notifications to receive alerts when their charging session completes or when a preferred charging station becomes available.
● Performance and responsiveness
Any EV charging network app that ranks high on performance and responsiveness is indeed reliable. The app should be regularly updated to fix bugs, improve performance and functionality, and provide a seamless user experience. It should be compatible with a wide range of mobile devices to ensure accessibility for all users.
● Customer support channels
EV drivers need a customer support channel to report issues while using the app. There can be multiple customer support channels for an app. Make sure that the app you choose has all or at least either of the following support channels:
In-app support: In-app support allows users to get immediate help within the app with a live chat feature, an FAQ section, or a knowledge base or tutorial.
Email or phone support: EV drivers can report the issue by sending an email or calling the customer care number.
Social media: Some apps allow users to register their complaints through social media messages.
● Data protection measures
It is recommended to choose apps with adequate data protection measures in place to ensure the security of data stored in the app. The EV charging management app should comply with relevant data protection regulations to ensure that user data is processed lawfully and transparently. The app should have strong authentication and authorization so that only authorized users can access the data. It should not store data unnecessarily and delete data safely when no longer required.
● Reviewing the app's privacy policy
Review the privacy policy of the app for EV charging stations to understand their data collection, storage, and sharing practices. The privacy policy should specify how data collected from users will be managed. It should explain whether user data will be shared with third parties and whether any measures are taken to protect data in that case. Any changes in the privacy policy should be communicated to the users on time.
Though the specific steps to search, filter, and locate charging stations may vary for different apps, most apps offer similar search and filter options to help you find suitable charging stations based on your preferences and requirements. Just navigate to the search section, enter your current location or destination, and apply filters. The best app to find EV charging stations will have filters like plug type, charging speed, etc. to refine your search. Once the filters are applied, you can view the list of charging stations that match your search and filter criteria.
A mobile app for EV chargingis a useful tool to collect information about the different types of charging stations and connectors. The app will guide you on plug types, charging speeds, and compatibility with different EV models. Determine which type of charging station and connector you will need based on your EV specifications and your driving needs.
An EV charger app can evaluate the charging station details, including power capacity and charging speeds, for drivers to select the best charging station that meets their needs. Some apps may have individual pages for each charging station which will give a comprehensive view of the power capacity, charging speeds, and other relevant information.
If you are going on a long trip, you would want to know if there are additional amenities and services at charging locations. A mobile app for EV charging will come in handy during long-distance journeys. EV drivers can look for reviews or ratings from other EV drivers who have used the charging stations on the app and check if they mention any additional amenities and services. Users can also contact the charging station operator or support team through the app if they have any specific questions regarding the additional amenities and services offered.
Pulling over at an EV charging station only to know it is out of order when there are no stations nearby is probably the worst nightmare for EV drivers. An electric car charging app is a savior when traveling long distances. It allows you to determine whether a charging station is available and helps you plan accordingly. By checking station availability in real-time through the app, you can avoid wasting time and energy driving to a charging station that is already occupied or out of service, and plan your charging stops efficiently. Real-time information can help you make informed decisions about which charging stations to use, ensuring that you find the most convenient charging stations for your EV.
Waiting at charging stations until your turn comes, especially during peak hours, can be frustrating for EV drivers. How easy would it have been if individuals could skip queues and start charging as soon as they arrive at the station? Electric vehicle charging apps have made this possible. The app helps select the charging station, choose your preferred charging time and duration, and complete the reservation process.
While apps help book charging slots in advance, EV drivers have to reach the charging station at the scheduled time. Most apps have a specific time limit for holding a reservation and you will miss your turn if you arrive late. It is important to learn the reservation process and time limits beforehand so you can make the most of these features.
Now that you are acquainted with the EV charging app's functioning, features, and uses, let's get started with the charging process. Here is a brief overview of the steps you will need to follow to initiate the charging process:
You can use the app to start the charging session and monitor the progress of your charging session. Follow the steps below to start the charging session:
EV drivers may encounter some issues during the charging process. Here is what you can do if your charging session is interrupted due to any reason:
Once you plug your EV, you can monitor the charging progress and estimated completion time.
Setting up notifications or alerts helps monitor your charging status easily and efficiently. This can help you avoid overcharging your EV, minimize charging time, and ensure you are aware of any potential charging issues.
● Charging history: Apps have features that provide a detailed history of your charging sessions, including the start and end times, the amount of energy delivered, and the charging speed. Some apps also display the total cost of each charging session.
● Energy consumption: Charging apps allow users to view the total energy consumed during the charging sessions. This will help them understand how much power is being consumed over a period of time.
● Cost tracking: You can also track the cost of charging your EV over time, by tracking the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and viewing the total cost of each charging session.
Yes. There are several EV charging apps available loaded with highly beneficial features. Let's have a quick look at some of the popular and reliable charging apps: Tata Power EZ Charge: With a network of more than 500 charging stations in India, this app allows you to locate and reserve a charging station, start a charging session, and track your charging history. It also offers features for setting charging reminders and tracking your energy usage and cost.
● EVFLO Mobility: EVFLO Mobility is known for its cutting-edge EV charging solutions with advanced tech. It offers a user-friendly mobile app to find the nearest Electric car charging station, reserve time slots, make payments, and track your car’s charging history.
● Ather Grid: This app offers a network of more than 350 charging stations for Ather electric scooters in India and allows you to track your energy usage and cost.
● Magenta ChargeGrid: One can view a list of over 100 charging stations in India through this app which is safe, reliable, and convenient to use.
While electric charging apps make the charging process more convenient for EV drivers, on the other hand, the app serves as a useful tool for charging station operators to manage their chargers. The electric vehicle charging station market was valued at USD 26.3 billion in 2022 and is set to grow at over 24.7% CAGR from 2023 to 2032. With EV adoption increasing at an accelerated pace, EV charging stations and apps offered by charging service providers are also growing exponentially. Let's recap the important points discussed in this article.
By choosing an app that meets your needs and preferences, you can optimize your charging schedule and minimize energy costs. Additionally, some apps offer rewards programs, which can provide additional benefits for frequent EV drivers. Therefore, it is important to research and choose the right app for your specific needs to make the charging experience more seamless and convenient.
Businesses that wish to install EV charging stations should always look for charging service providers that provide app facilities. Apps can take care of fleet management, energy management, user management, and secure payment, enabling businesses to conduct charging sessions smoothly.
EVFLO Mobility is a charging station service provider that caters to residential, commercial, and outdoor installations with cutting-edge technology. Get in touch with us now to leverage robust charging services.
