The global electric vehicle market has witnessed significant growth in recent times. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major disruption in various industries, including the automotive industry. Nevertheless, electric vehicles have gained increasing attention during this period. We will explore the fundamental aspects of mobile apps that contribute to the growth of electric vehicles.
What Are Electric Vehicles Charging?
Electric vehicles, also known as battery electric vehicles, are powered by an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. They do not rely on fuel such as diesel, emit exhaust from a tailpipe or have components like fuel tanks, fuel pipes, and fuel pumps. Instead, they use a large rechargeable battery pack to provide power to the electric motor. Tesla, an American electric vehicle company, is a well-known player in the market and is committed to the electric car revolution.
To charge an electric vehicle’s battery, it needs to be connected to a wall socket or electric vehicle supply equipment, also known as charging equipment.
Electronic Vehicle Charging Market Stats
According to industry reports, global electric car sales reached 2.1 million units in 2019, with significant growth in various aspects, including OEM investment in electrified models. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, however, resulted in transportation failures that hurt the global economy and caused labour and raw material shortages in the automotive sector, which in turn slowed the market expansion for electric vehicle charging stations.
China has invested USD 2.4 billion in advanced technologies for expanding electric charging stations, and the Indian government plans to equip 69,000 EV charging stations across the country in the first phase of EV infrastructure development, with a target of 4 lakh charging stations by 2026. The worldwide electric vehicle stock is predicted to reach nearly 140 million vehicles by 2030, accounting for 7% of the global vehicle fleet, leading to new challenges for traditional and new-entrant OEMs, captive investment companies, and dealerships. The EV charging stations market size is expected to increase in the forecast period.
The market dynamics are influenced by low charging prices, high initial costs for fast chargers, government support for electric charging station development, charging time and plug type challenges, and the potential for rapid growth in the Super Charging segment during the forecast period. The Level 2 Charging segment is expected to be the largest part by 2027, with the Asia-Pacific market predicted to hold the largest share by the same year.
Electric Vehicle Apps for Charging and Owners
For electric vehicle owners, mobile apps are essential tools for finding nearby charging stations. About 80% of EV users charge their vehicles at home, but it’s crucial to know where to find a charging point when on the road. Luckily, there are many mobile apps available for both Apple and Android devices that make it easy to locate EV charging stations and customize preferences.
This guide highlights the top 10 EV apps with their features and functions that are valuable for electric vehicle drivers. These apps are useful whether you’re travelling alone, with your family, checking into a hotel, or commuting to work. By using these apps, drivers can have a fully customized set of options at their fingertips to locate the nearest charging station.
Available on Android and iOS through Google Play Store and Apple App Store, Google Maps is an excellent app for finding EV charging stations worldwide. In some countries, Google Maps pulls data from other EV charging station apps, making it an all-in-one solution. To find charging stations, simply search for “EV charging stations” on Google Maps. The app can also identify the type of plug charger your vehicle requires, such as J1772, CCS (Combo 1), Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO, and Tesla.
Available on Android and iOS through Google Play Store and Apple App Store, EVmatch offers a unique business model compared to other apps. It provides a peer-to-peer network that allows users to find, book, and pay for private EV charging stations with ease. It also enables EV owners to install charging stations that can be used by occupants or the public.
Available on iOS and Android through Apple App Store and Google Play Store, ChargeFox is Australia’s leading EV charging network. With 1400 standard DC (22kW), fast (50kW), and ultra-rapid fast charging (350kW) plugs located around the country, it provides real-time information on pricing, charger availability, and functionality. Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Nissan have joined forces with ChargeFox to provide their EV owners with free or discounted charging.
Available on Android and iOS through Google Play Store and Apple App Store, PlugShare is a popular app for locating EV charging stations worldwide. It allows users to find stations based on their vehicle’s charger type, such as DC fast charger, level 2, or level 1. PlugShare provides detailed information on charging stations, including nearby amenities like restrooms, WIFI availability, feedback, photos, and ratings.
Available on iOS and Android through Apple App Store and Google Play Store, ChargePoint is the largest EV charging mobile app player in the industry, operating in 14 countries worldwide. Its network comprises over 114,000 independently owned charging stations. Even though the company has shut down some of its operations in Australia, the app still directs users to charge stations throughout the country and informs them of station availability. The outstanding functionality of the ChargePoint app includes search options and filters to match charging locations with particular EV models.
Covering 34 states in the USA, EVgo is another popular app for locating charging stations. With over 1,000 DC fast charging locations that can recharge EVs in under an hour, this app also offers turn-by-turn route guidelines and real-time updates.
Available on both iOS and Android, Charge Hub helps EV drivers discover charging stations in their local area. The app allows users to post feedback about their experience and communicate with other users, making it easier to find and access charging stations. Customizable profiles and local charging strategies further enhance the app’s usefulness.
Working in Singapore and Thailand, as well as the USA and Canada, Greenlots provides real-time charging updates, history, and balance information. The app also helps users locate local public charging spots and provides detailed information on charger types, such as CCS and CHAdeMO.
Focusing on finding the right charging network for your EV, Chargeway uses colour coding to differentiate between charger types, such as CHAdeMO and CCS. This app is available on both iOS and Android and is useful for EV drivers who want to plan their charging needs.
Available on both iOS and Android, ChargeMap is a universal database of around 166,000 charging stations. Users can diagram their path using colour-coded charging location identifiers, and the app offers a reliable, accurate, and up-to-date database of charging stations.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, it’s important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of owning an EV before making a purchase. Use the information available to determine if an EV is suitable for your lifestyle. If you’re in the automobile industry and looking to develop a mobile app for an EV charging system, it’s crucial to hire an experienced mobile app development company with skilled developers who can help take your business to new heights.
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