Electric Vehicle Charging StationMobile Application
Designed an EV charging app to help users quickly find, compare, and navigate to charging stations based on real-time availability and preferences.
Rangeanxietymeetsinfrastructuregaps
Over the past decade, EV adoption has surged, but the lack of charging infrastructure compared to gas stations has led to range anxiety. We designed a mobile application to understand EV drivers' behaviour and preferences for better station selection.
Understanding the driver
We benchmarked the EV charging landscape and reviewed academic literature to learn how drivers actually choose stations.
Competitive Analysis
- ✦In-App paying methods
- ✦Detailed charger info
- ✦Up to date charging speed
- ✦Unreliable infrastructure
- ✦Restricted access limits utility
- ✦Frequent app switching
Literature Review
- Key FindingsRange anxiety, inaccurate data, lack of real-time info
- FactorsService concerns, perceived utility, built environment
- Decision StepsState of charge → location → availability → cost
- Ideal FeaturesAccessibility, real-time data, cost info, consolidation
- EnhancementsPersonalization, parking, nearby amenities
Aim:Reduce cognitive load, address user issues, respond to unique EV driver needs and improve the overall charging station selection process.
Meet Jennifer
User Background & Driving Habits
Jennifer drives different EVs and works far from home. She checks station availability mid-drive and weekend road-trips with friends — sometimes pushing range to the edge.
“I think I'm pretty confident, but sometimes I can be irresponsible like I've to reach office early and forgot to charge my vehicle at home.”
- Worried about charging range
- Concerned about cost per kWh
- Public station compatibility
- Text & social notifications
- Passengers in the vehicle
- Friends driving alongside
- Reach office on time
- Stay connected while driving
- Locating the nearest station
How can we display availability for quicker selection?
A Likert-scale survey paired with hierarchical task analysis surfaced the priorities EV drivers act on first.
Map Home Screen
Navigation bar for quick access to profiles, history, search.
Profile
Car model, plug type, amenity personalization.
Search Bar
Real-time availability + charger type filter.
Plan Trip
Tailored charging stops by battery level + distance.
Final Prototype
EV-Flow collects data on EV driver thought processes when choosing a charging station.
A look at the complete EV Flow interface
A comprehensive look at the complete EV Flow interface for maximum legibility and ease of use.
Key design details receive optimal focus
Attention Insight software, trained with 70,000 eye-tracking images, tested focus on key elements.
What real drivers said
Online and in-person sessions on Figma prototypes — drivers narrated their station-selection thinking on iPhone & Mac.
Suggested brighter interface, more vibrant charging icons, and changing pinpoint icon to a battery.
I selected that charging station for its availability and cost-effectiveness.
Appreciated the visibility of charging station locations but found the search bar incomplete.
Desired a filter option for charging stations to prioritize preferences.
Usability Testing Data Collection
Scale 1–5: 1 = Poor · 5 = ExcellentBut how did I get here?
Thanks for reading.
Range anxiety, charging clarity, and calm interfaces — this case study covered the full arc. If EV product, research, or UI is on your mind, I'd love to continue the conversation.