How to Develop an EV Charging Station Finder App?

The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is growing as people are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental benefits and cost savings associated with them. With more EVs on the roads, charging station infrastructure must keep up with this growth to ensure drivers can reliably access a convenient place to charge their cars.

In the year 2016, there were only 301 EV charging stations in the US which surged to almost 1617 in 2021 and the number is rapidly growing in 2023. Furthermore, South Korea has the most number of EV charging stations in the world with 75.2 stations per 100 KM. The other top countries having the most EV charging stations apart from South Korea are the Netherlands, Norway, China, Belgium, and Sweden.

To facilitate this, many companies have started developing EV Charging Station Finder Apps that quickly allow users to find and access nearby charging stations. This article will discuss how to create an EV charging station finder app from scratch.

Leveraging bespoke mobile app development solutions, you can take the first mover advantage and create an app that will enable users to search for charging stations in their area. This article will explore everything you need to know about developing an EV charging station finder app that works flawlessly.

What Exactly is An EV Charging Station Locator App?

An EV charging station locator app is a mobile application that helps users locate and access electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It allows drivers to quickly search for the nearest available charging station and see information such as its location, availability, power output, types of connectors it has, cost per charge, etc.

This makes it easier for them to plan their trips and find a suitable place to recharge when needed. Some apps also offer additional features, such as payment options for public chargers, or even allow users to book spots at private chargers ahead of time.

Such an app can be very useful in helping drivers save time and money on their trips while reducing their environmental footprint by encouraging more people to switch from traditional gasoline-powered cars to EVs.

Getting started with bespoke app development services to build this app can bring various advantages to your business. Let’s dive into some of the key benefits that your enterprise can capitalize on:

How Does an EV Charging Station Finder App Works?

The working of an EV charging station locator app depends on the features it offers. However, there are some key aspects that are used to make this app functional:

Map Integration: The first step is integrating a reliable map API such as Google Maps or Apple Maps with your application. This will allow users to search for nearby charging stations and access detailed information about them such as location, availability, types of connectors it has, cost per charge, etc.

Geo-Location: It is important to ensure that the app is able to accurately detect the user’s location. This will allow it to show the user a list of nearby charging stations, making it easier for them to find one that is conveniently located and suits their needs.

Database: The app requires a comprehensive database of charging stations that is regularly updated to ensure accuracy. This will enable users to access the most up-to-date information about the various charging stations available in their area.

Payment Options: To make the app more user-friendly, you can also add payment options for public chargers. This will enable users to pay for the charging services directly through the app without having to worry about carrying cash or cards.

Why Should You Go For Developing an EV Charging Station Finder App?

As more people are switching to EVs, the need for charging stations is becoming increasingly important. Developing an EV charging station locator app can help bridge this gap by making it easier for drivers to find and access charging stations conveniently.

In addition to this, it can also provide businesses with a great opportunity to monetize their app by adding features such as payment options or even allowing users to book spots at private charging stations ahead of time.

It is estimated that the global electric vehicle charger and charging station market will reach USD 200.4 billion by 2028, making it a great opportunity for businesses to capitalize on.

Developing an EV charging location app will also help reduce the impact of emissions on our environment by encouraging more people to switch from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles to electric ones.

Robust Benefits of Building a Full-Fledged EV Charging Station Location App:

EV is still a nascent industry, and having a mobile app that can pinpoint the location of charging stations in your area will be essential for its growth. Here are some of the critical advantages of developing such an app:

Increased Convenience:

An EV charging station locator app helps drivers save time and effort by quickly finding the right charging station for their needs. In addition, it eliminates the need to search manually, making it easier and more convenient for drivers to recharge their vehicles.

Better User Experience:

When you launch your custom EV app, you can stand out from your competitors by providing a better user experience. With features like suggested routes to the charging station, real-time updates on availability, and payment options, you can make your app stand out from the competition.

Improved Visibility:

By developing an EV charging station app, you can improve the visibility of your business and attract more customers. The app can open up new opportunities for you to monetize, as it will allow users to book charging spots at your station ahead of time and pay online.

It’s high time to hire the best mobile app developers and get started with your EV charging station app development. On this note, let’s look at how you can develop such an app.

How to Build an EV Charging Station Finder App?

Below are some critical aspects to consider while developing your EV charging station finder app:

Selecting The Right Technology Stack:

Before you hire mobile app developers, it’s first important to decide on the technology stack for your app. You can start by researching and identifying the most suitable technology capabilities according to your project requirements. On a broader level, you can either build a native app or go with a hybrid development approach.

A native app is built with the help of specific technologies for a particular platform (iOS or Android). On the other hand, hybrid apps are created using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Selecting the right tech stack can differentiate between a successful and failed app.

Choosing The Right Features:

An EV charging station location app should have features like real-time location tracking, a map view of the stations in your area, detailed information about each station (available connectors, cost per charge, etc.), payment options, and booking/reservation features.

Moreover, you can also add features like route optimization, energy-saving tips, and recommendations. The cost of app development will depend on the features you choose to add to your app. The complexity and number of features will determine the time and effort needed for app development.

UI/UX Design:

The success of your app will depend on the user experience it provides to its users. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that your app’s UI/UX design is intuitive and visually appealing. It will help keep users engaged and increase the chances of conversion.

The UI/UX should be designed to help users quickly navigate through the different screens of the app and quickly find what they are looking for. It should also be seamless to ensure a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

Third-Party Integrations:

Integrations like Google Maps API, payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, etc.), and social media platforms can provide a better user experience. It’s essential to keep in mind that these integrations come at an additional cost, which should be considered while developing the app.

You need to hire the best app developers, experienced in iOS, Android, and web application development technologies, to ensure the successful launch of your EV charging station finder app. In addition, such developers should have a comprehensive understanding of the latest development trends and technologies to provide you with an edge over your competitors.

Security Parameters:

It’s essential to keep in mind the security of your app. You must ensure that the app is built with robust encryption protocols and backed up by secure servers to protect user data from potential threats.

The security features should be regularly tested and updated with the latest technologies to prevent malicious attacks or breaches. Some crucial security features that you can add are two-factor authentication, fingerprint access, and secure payment gateway integrations.

App Hosting And Management Support:

Your app should be hosted on a secure cloud service provider to ensure that the data is safe and accessible. You’ll also need an infrastructure to manage and maintain your app in case of any issues or bugs.

Along with the development, post-development maintenance is also an essential factor. The app should be regularly monitored and updated with the latest features and security protocols to provide an enhanced user experience.

Key Features of the EV Charging Station Finder App:

Finding the available public charging stations: Users should be able to find public charging stations nearby, with all the necessary details about each station. The app should include a map view for better orientation.

Real-Time Tracking: The app should provide real-time information about the location of the charging station and its availability. This will help users plan their journey accordingly.

Detailed Information: The app should provide detailed information about the charging station, including available connectors and cost per charge.

Payment Options: The app should offer secure payment options for users to pay for the charging session. It should support multiple payment gateways to provide maximum convenience.

Check-in and Check-out: To ensure a smooth user experience, the app should allow users to check in and check out easily when they arrive at the charging station.

Notifications: The app should send notifications to users about their charging session status, to help them keep track of the process.

Cost For Developing a Custom EV Charging Station Finder App:

On average, you can hire a full-stack developer for around $25 to $120 per hour, and the price of developing your app will vary depending on the complexity and size of the project. The development cost could range anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000, and the following factors influence the price:

Factors Affecting The Cost Of Develop The EV Charging App:

The Number of Developers:

The number of developers working on the project will determine the cost and time needed for development. Hiring a larger team could cost more, but it will reduce the development timeline. Moreover, the location of the developers can also influence the project’s cost.

Features and Functionalities:

The complexity and number of features you want to add to your app will impact the cost of development. The more complex the elements, the higher will be the cost and time needed for growth.

Platforms:

You need to decide which platforms you want your app to be available on Android, iOS, or the web. The cost of development will vary depending on the platforms you choose. Moreover, you’ll need separate developers for each platform, which will add to the cost.

Thus, it becomes crucial to outsource your app development project to a professional company like Auxano Global Services to gain a competitive edge.

Tech Stack Required For Developing EV Charging Station Finder App

The tech stack required for developing a robust EV charging station finder app will include the following:

• Frontend development: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, AngularJS
• Backend development: Node.js
• Database: MongoDB
• Platforms: Android, iOS
• Cloud hosting: AWS, Microsoft Azure
• Payment gateway integration: Stripe, PayPal, etc.

Why Hire Auxano Global Services to Build an EV Charge Station Locator App?

Auxano Global Services is a leading mobile app development company that provides end-to-end custom mobile app development solutions. We have a team of experienced developers who specialize in developing high-quality apps with the latest technologies.

We have extensive experience developing custom apps for different platforms, and our team provides the best-in-class solutions to our clients. With a team of dedicated professionals and an in-depth understanding of the latest development trends, we ensure that your app is delivered within the stipulated timeline and budget.

Wrapping Up!

Developing an EV charging station finder app can be a challenging task, but with the right team of professionals, you can ensure that the project is delivered on time and within your budget. Auxano Global Services provides reliable and high-quality app development services to help you build an innovative and user-friendly app. Contact AGS today to get a free quote for your project!