SharePlug - Mobile app for better EV adoption
Challenge
The primary challenge for Shareplug was the disconnect between private and public charging networks. There was a lack of integration, with private chargers largely remaining isolated from public directories. This fragmentation limited the availability of charging stations, especially in regions with insufficient commercial charging infrastructure. The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) created a rising demand for accessible and affordable charging stations, but there was a shortage of public chargers to meet this demand.
Additionally, monetization posed another challenge. Charging station owners were unsure how to charge for their services, and the app needed to enable a smooth process for setting rates and managing payments. Shareplug aimed to bridge this gap by allowing private owners to make their chargers available to the public, while ensuring the process was transparent, secure, and beneficial for all parties.
The primary challenge for Shareplug was the disconnect between private and public charging networks. There was a lack of integration, with private chargers largely remaining isolated from public directories. This fragmentation limited the availability of charging stations, especially in regions with insufficient commercial charging infrastructure. The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) created a rising demand for accessible and affordable charging stations, but there was a shortage of public chargers to meet this demand.
Additionally, monetization posed another challenge. Charging station owners were unsure how to charge for their services, and the app needed to enable a smooth process for setting rates and managing payments. Shareplug aimed to bridge this gap by allowing private owners to make their chargers available to the public, while ensuring the process was transparent, secure, and beneficial for all parties.
Solution
Qarbon IT developed Shareplug, a mobile app designed to enhance the EV charging network by integrating private chargers into the broader public charging system. This solution provided an easy way for private owners to share their chargers, helping to expand the availability of charging stations, particularly in underserved areas.
Key features of the app included:
- Authorized Use of Chargers: Private charger owners can legally integrate their chargers into the public network, making their chargers available for others to use through the app.
- Expanding the Network: By facilitating the inclusion of private chargers in public directories, Shareplug helps increase the availability of charging stations, addressing the shortage in regions with limited commercial charging options.
- Personal Guidelines for Charger Usage: Charger owners can set their own terms for sharing their chargers, such as defining availability, remote control, status monitoring, and energy tracking to ensure a smooth and efficient sharing process.
- Charge & Earn: Private owners can rent out their chargers for a fee, allowing them to reduce vehicle expenses while promoting electric mobility and contributing to the network's growth.
- Calendar Settings: Owners can specify the availability hours for their chargers, giving users the flexibility to rent chargers based on their own schedules.
Qarbon IT developed Shareplug, a mobile app designed to enhance the EV charging network by integrating private chargers into the broader public charging system. This solution provided an easy way for private owners to share their chargers, helping to expand the availability of charging stations, particularly in underserved areas.
Key features of the app included:
- Authorized Use of Chargers: Private charger owners can legally integrate their chargers into the public network, making their chargers available for others to use through the app.
- Expanding the Network: By facilitating the inclusion of private chargers in public directories, Shareplug helps increase the availability of charging stations, addressing the shortage in regions with limited commercial charging options.
- Personal Guidelines for Charger Usage: Charger owners can set their own terms for sharing their chargers, such as defining availability, remote control, status monitoring, and energy tracking to ensure a smooth and efficient sharing process.
- Charge & Earn: Private owners can rent out their chargers for a fee, allowing them to reduce vehicle expenses while promoting electric mobility and contributing to the network's growth.
- Calendar Settings: Owners can specify the availability hours for their chargers, giving users the flexibility to rent chargers based on their own schedules.
Results
The Shareplug app significantly improved the availability of EV chargers by bridging the gap between private and public networks. This helped to alleviate the shortage of charging stations, particularly in underserved regions and along travel routes where charging options were limited.
By offering a platform for private owners to share their chargers, the app increased the number of charging stations available for public use, while also creating an additional income stream for owners. The app’s user-centric design addressed common EV owner concerns, such as finding charging stations in less urbanized areas and reducing the cost of charging infrastructure. Additionally, the app's transparent billing and usage rules facilitated a sense of community, encouraging more drivers to "borrow" chargers and share them.
Ultimately, Shareplug expanded the EV charging network, improved the driving experience for EV owners, and contributed to the growth of the electric mobility ecosystem.
The Shareplug app significantly improved the availability of EV chargers by bridging the gap between private and public networks. This helped to alleviate the shortage of charging stations, particularly in underserved regions and along travel routes where charging options were limited.
By offering a platform for private owners to share their chargers, the app increased the number of charging stations available for public use, while also creating an additional income stream for owners. The app’s user-centric design addressed common EV owner concerns, such as finding charging stations in less urbanized areas and reducing the cost of charging infrastructure. Additionally, the app's transparent billing and usage rules facilitated a sense of community, encouraging more drivers to "borrow" chargers and share them.
Ultimately, Shareplug expanded the EV charging network, improved the driving experience for EV owners, and contributed to the growth of the electric mobility ecosystem.