Key Takeaways
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What is an EV charging app?
An EV charging app is a user-friendly, self-service tool that gives EV drivers full visibility into and control over all EV charging functions. The app provides real-time, personalized information on EV charger locations and availability, as well as charging-related data for EV drivers, such as charging session reports, billing plans, transactions, and more. An EV charging app is often complemented with an online web portal that offers similar functionality.
How does an EV charging app work?
An EV charging app operates in much the same way as the commercial apps we use in our everyday lives. Through an intuitive user interface, the app lets EV drivers seamlessly control and manage all their EV charging tasks, including:
- searching and filtering the nearest charger locations
- determining what connectors stations support
- making informed decisions about where and when to charge
- reserving chargers, planning routes, and navigating
- initiating charging sessions
- viewing transactions, making payments, and managing EV billing plans
- leaving station reviews, commenting on the charging experience, and reporting issues.
Why do drivers need an EV charging app?
As more charging stations are built and the number of EV drivers grows, an EV charging app helps drivers find a fully functioning, available charger that suits their individual needs. This self-service driver tool is a critical component of today’s EV landscape and will become even more essential as the industry expands. With automakers committing to electrification and governments investing billions in EV infrastructure, charging apps help drivers confidently navigate a rapidly growing network and support a future in which EVs become the standard.
| EV Charging App Capability | Driver Benefit |
| Charger search and navigation | Find and reserve chargers |
| Charging session management | Initiate, monitor, and end charging sessions |
| EV billing and payments | Make mobile payments and manage subscriptions and billing plans |
| Driver communications and support | Receive messages and charging updates, and report issues |
| Roaming across interoperable charging networks | Charge across multiple networks when traveling using one familiar app and account |
EV charging app benefits for service providers
An EV charging app empowers eMobility service providers (EMSPs) and EV service providers (EVSPs) to accelerate growth in their EV charging businesses. Here are some ways charging service providers can benefit.
- A flexible application with advanced features drives seamless, reliable charging, significantly boosting revenue and reducing churn.
- Charging stations from multiple networks can be offered through a single app.
- Comprehensive data analytics about driver behavior informs the service provider about new feature adoption, promotions, and billing plans.
- Charging providers can engage with drivers through apps by sending messages and notifications to maintain open communication and offer any needed support.
- A white-labeled EV charging app enables service providers to differentiate their value proposition by customizing the tools to their company’s brand, increasing customer loyalty.
How can an EV charging app support fleets?
Electric fleets can also benefit from EV charging apps. These tools offer seamless charging for fleet EV drivers, whether they’re charging at home or at public stations. Drivers can easily swipe their phone to charge without needing to think about payments. When drivers charge at home, an app lets them use smart charging to reduce fleet home-charging reimbursement costs by scheduling charging to begin when energy prices are low.
EV charging apps and roaming
EV charging apps also play an important role in supporting eRoaming by exposing drivers to chargers across interoperable charging networks. Through eRoaming agreements, charging providers can expand charging access across multiple networks while allowing drivers to use one familiar app to:
- locate and access chargers across participating networks
- authenticate themselves and initiate charging sessions
- view charger availability, pricing, and charging information in real time
- manage payments, subscriptions, and billing across networks
- “charge anywhere” without needing multiple accounts or apps
For service providers, roaming capabilities help expand market reach, improve customer convenience, increase charger utilization, and support EV charging monetization across multiple interoperable networks.
How do EV charging apps integrate with EV charging management systems?
EV charging apps can be part of an EV charging and energy management platform. Integrated with the charge point management system (CPMS) via internal or public APIs, these tools enable drivers to locate chargers, start and stop charging sessions, manage payments, access subscriptions, and view charging history.
Driivz EV charging app and web portal
Driivz self-service driver tools are an integral part of Driivz’s EV Charging and Energy Management Platform and include an EV charging app and web portal. They give drivers full control over their EV charging experience, from easily finding charging stations to making mobile payments. Charging providers can white-label the app and online portal, communicate with subscribers to build brand loyalty,, and support fleets to ensure a reliable charging experience for fleet EV drivers. The app and online portal are part of the greater Driivz EV Charging and Energy Management Platform, allowing charging providers to monetize EV charging and scale their businesses.
