Challenges
A Switzerland-based company that specializes in creating innovative EV-charging solutions came to Elinext with the idea to create iOS and Android mobile apps. Their product represents a new generation of EV-charging solutions and, at the moment is new and unique. The company required the apps that would be used with the company’s EV-charging devices to make the process of charging electric vehicles clearer for the owners of green cars.
At first, the company planned to do the UX design in-house, but in the end, they delegated this task to Elinext.
The main requirements for the apps included:
- Adding and managing the device
- Visualizing energy levels
- Charging scheduling
- Intuitive UI and UX
Module 1. iOS: Device management
The app is made for the owners of green cars who use the company’s device for charging their vehicles.
The devices have a card with a QR code that is used to install the app and add their device, which is compatible via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Unique QR codes ensure every user’s device is individual and the app can’t access the devices of other users.
The app’s multiple screens show:
- The device’s status (charging, charged, overheated)
- Current strength
- Options to choose a specific current strength (e.g., 10A) to send to the device
- Total energy
- Charging duration
- Power
- Voltage per phase
- Charging history (the log of every charging activity by the date that includes downloadable PDF reports)
App’s settings include:
- Additional controls and charge restrictions
- Device management ( Wi-fi, options to delete/reset the device)
Module 2. Web app for telemetry
The Dashboard has three tabs: SMARTDevice, cars, and power services.
SMARTDevice’s tab has management features. It allows the user to charge multiple cars simultaneously, while the device is capping the total power and distributing it among individual consumers.
The cars tab shows all information about cars (car parameters, charging levels, range, average speed, status, total energy consumption).
The power services tab shows an animation of where the energy is coming from (e.g., a hydroelectric power station ). User statistics show how much energy they have bought and how much there is left to use ― the green energy credit, number of charges, first date charged, average kWh per charge, and kWh consumed to date. This tab also shows the charging history with all the details.
Results
The app was released in April 2021 and updated in October 2022 with full functionality. It was a challenging, fully custom solution that is quick, flexible, and supports the device’s functionality. New features may go into development in March 2023.
EV charging is a crucial part of the green energy revolution. It allows electric vehicles to be powered by renewable energy sources, turning electric vehicles into more accessible and affordable means of transport. It’s also the kind of technology that’s constantly improving, and we were very grateful for being a part of this improvement.
