How mobile apps will steer the future of electric vehicle adoption

The automotive industry is in the midst of the biggest transformation since the Ford Model T.

In the dynamic and ever-changing world of electric vehicles (EVs), the role of mobile applications and digital customer experiences has transitioned from a useful convenience to a future-proofing necessity.

We have been deeply entrenched in this space for several years, working on creating EV charging availability maps and the digital infrastructure for energy companies embracing an EV-powered future.

The changes in the tech landscape that we’ve witnessed firsthand during that time have only reaffirmed our belief that mobile app experiences are becoming pivotal to the total driver experience of electric vehicles. This integration is not just about luxury; it’s about functionality, accessibility, and, most importantly, EV adoption.

The mobile experience alongside charging infrastructure is ground zero for the development of EV adoption. In this article, we discuss the six key areas for getting an EV app right.

1. Seamless Integration: The Heart of EV Experience

Seamless integration is really a question of data and API availability. EV mobile apps should connect immediately, securely verify identity, allow drivers to monitor their vehicle’s battery status, control their charging, buy retail goods from the station they are at and even pre-set heating or cooling, making the whole EV charging experience, when static, more manageable and enjoyable.

This level of integration, control and convenience is what today’s consumers have come to expect, setting a new standard for 21st-century drivers.

2. Charging Infrastructure: Navigating the New Landscape

One of the initial hurdles in EV adoption is the perceived inconvenience of charging.

However, mobile apps are swiftly turning this challenge into an opportunity. By providing real-time information on charging station locations, availability, and charging speeds, these apps are making ‘range anxiety’ a thing of the past. Charging is fundementally different to refuelling, and it will continue to be until we hit a tipping point in infrastructure and adoption.

This aspect of managing accessibility is key to increasing consumer confidence in EV technology.

3. Driver Engagement: Enhancing the experience

Mobile apps are not just tools; they are engagement platforms.

They offer personalised driving insights, data-rich trends, maintenance tips and gamified, engaging experiences that reward eco-friendly driving habits.

This level of mobile engagement creates a unique bond between the driver and the vehicle, fostering a sense of community among EV users and the cars that they drive.

4. Data Ubiquity: Shaping Future EVs

Data collected through mobile apps is invaluable. It helps manufacturers understand driving patterns, driver preferences, range, charging habits, and overall vehicle performance.

This digital data transfer will drive continuous improvement in EV design, infrastructure planning, and even the legislation and governmental policies on EVs.

5. Greener and cleaner: The Future is Electric

As we move forward, the synergy between EVs and mobile technology will only grow stronger.

In integrating advanced features like autonomous driving, AI-based personal assistants, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies, we will start to see the impact of this clean technology on our towns, cities and motorways.

These advancements will not just be about driving; they will be about a connected lifestyle that is powered by sustainable, clean energy that aligns with our macro environmental challenges.

6. Our Electric Future: The Role of a Digital Consultancy

As a digital technology consultancy, our role in this electric revolution is crucial.

We are the bridge that connects energy companies, new market entrants, the technology and the users. Our expertise in human-centred design, behavioral science, user experience app development and digital strategy positions us to help shape how consumers interact with their EVs and the businesses that create the complex eco-system within which those EVs have the chance to flourish.

We are not just building apps; we are helping craft the future of intelligent mobility.

Perspective – Personal EV experiences are only one of many hurdles

There are around 900 billion passenger miles travelled every year in the United Kingdom. Personal vehicle and van travel make up around 80% of those miles with buses and coaches covering around 10%.

So whilst a lot of EV focus at the moment is on the open retail market, if you think about buses and coaches travelling 90 billion miles, and then look to HGV haulage which sits around 15 billion miles.

There is a huge challenge across multiple other travel areas.

Another area, which needs to be called out is fleet management, there are around 750K company cars in the UK, driving nearly 13 billion miles per year.

The people who drive cars in these fleets usually use fleet cards, which provide an easy and convenient way for drivers to fill up their vehicles with fuel, which the business then pays through a regular invoice which collates together all of their drivers’ fuel spend.

Fuel expenditure is a large cost which cannot be avoided when running a business which operates using one or several vehicles. Drivers need convenient and easy ways to pay for fuel without having to use their personal resources.

Companies like Bypass are creating the future of EV fleet management and charging by utilising a mobile application.

The solution allows drivers in your company’s fleet can pay at any rapid charger, avoiding range anxiety and the potential for lack of charger coverage. They can pay with contactless at any of the UK’s rapid chargers (50kW and faster) including BP Pulse, Shell and Tesla Superchargers. This then allows for the total cost to be illustrated on a single invoice to claim VAT. Meaning no more chasing receipts.

This is just one of many interesting examples of integration and meta-problem solving that can create the justification for the switch to EVs.

Conclusion – Driving Towards a Sustainable Tomorrow

The future of electric vehicles is exciting and undoubtedly intertwined with the advancement of mobile applications.

As digital innovators in the space, we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this revolution, creating solutions that enhance the driving experience and contribute to a more sustainable world. Electric vehicles are more than just transportation; they are a step towards a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future. And at the heart of this future is the powerful and indispensable mobile app.

If you want to discuss your energy or electric vehicle app ambitions with our team, we’d love to hear from you.