‘Smart City’ development is central to the UAE’s national policies. However, environmental sustainability remains equally important. Electric Vehicles (EVs) are innovative transportation solutions popularising in the UAE. But Charging station availability remains a challenge. Mobile apps can help EV owners overcome this situation effortlessly.
According to a recent article published in Khaleej Times, the UAE’s first English Newspaper started in the 1978, however, Emiratis are adopting Electrical Vehicles (EVs) whole heartedly, but finding fast and reliable charging stations is making the EV owners ‘Anxious’.
The newspaper coins a terms called ‘Range Anxiety’ and explains a real-life case of a young woman named Tahani Abdo Ahmed Alqadiri. Alqadiri is an EV Tesla owner and lives in Abu Dhabi. She has to travel to her parents often living in Al Ain.
She revealed to the newspaper that once she had to use her relative’s car in Al Ain, leaving the EV Tesla to at her parents’ as she suddenly realised that car was not charged enough to move within Al Ain. Al Ain has only one fast charging station and availability might have been an issue for Alqadiri.
Even Reddit comments reveals the frustration of EV owners when it comes to charging the vehicle. Long waiting queues, freezing charging software, poor conditions of the fast chargers, key cards not working, etc. are some common issues faced by all owners.
The research above highlights the following major challenges for the EV owners in the UAE that can lead to a highly negative impact on the demand of Electrical Vehicles:
The number of EV charging station in the UAE is scarce right now. Not only the UAE, but other countries as well are facing the same problem.
Unlike petrol pumps found within the range of 3-4 Kilometers, EV charging stations are only a few. This situation is causing Range Anxiety among the EV owners, shattering their faith and confidence in driving EVs to long distances.
However, the number of EV Charging Stations is limited, enthusiastic EV buyers are rising in number. According to a survey held by Mea Market, a research publication, 63% of respondents in the survey admitted that they will switch to EVs as primary mode of transportation by 2025.
Also, 73% of the respondents have demonstrated confidence in the growth of the UAE’s EV charging infrastructure. However, in the current scenarios, long waiting queues at the charging stations are destroying consumer experience for EV owners.
To use the charging stations, consumers require smart card keys, AKA EV Key Cards, AKA RFID cards. However, some people rant about smart card keys not working on the popular public discussion forum called Reddit.
Physical smart cards are subject to damage by scratches, breakage, drenching and also theft. Eventually, the damage might make the smart card useless, and the owner’s payment might go in vain.
Due to Smart Card Keys that are linked directly to the users’ bank accounts, such cards can be misused by others. Additionally, if damaged, online payment for the charging becomes another issue for the user. Without payment, user can not charge the vehicle.
Thus, the EV manufacturers and Charging Station Installation Businesses need to pay urgent attention to prevent the cost-effective and environment-friendly EV transportation from failure.
The report by Mea Market highlights the interest of Emiratis in adopting EV transportation. This report proves that Emiratis are really excited to adopt Electric Vehicles, in spite of the challenges discussed above. It is because Emiratis have unwavering faith in the UAE’s EV charging infrastructure. The report reveals-
However, if the challenges discussed above are not addressed meaningfully, it can make this great initiative fall flat on the face of manufacturers and Emirati consumers alike.
Internet of Things (IoT) is a popular trend that can help the UAE in her Smart City development vision. Regulating Charging Stations through mobile apps can help overcome the business challenges found during the research.
Ezulix’s team proposes mobile app development as a promising solution to overcome these challenges. Charging stations can be regulated well through mobile apps. Ezulixian mobile app developers can provide the following mobile app features to solve the problems above-
With Mapbox or Google Maps SDK integration, a finding EV charging stations in the UAE through smartphones can become possible. With Map APIs, a mobile application can let the user find nearby charging stations and also get directions with optimised routes.
By integrating Calender and Booking Module to the mobile application, it is possible to let the EV owners know Charging Station availability. Users can book charging slots well-in-advance to avoid waiting in long queues.
Database Management Systems (DBMS) such as MongoDB, PostgreSQL, and MySQL can help storing big data. So, multiple EV owners can download the application, create their profiles, and book slots. The DBMS will store all the data and automate slot booking management.
As physical smart cards are subject to damage and theft, QR tickets or E-Cards can be developed and integrated to the mobile application. This can make the EV charging experience more effortless and fast.
QR code generator technologies like ZXing, ZBar, Expo-QR, etc. can be leveraged for unique QR ticket creation. Camera API can be integrated for QR code scanning.
To avoid payment delays and failure, the development team proposes in-app payment gateway integration for payment digitalization. Online payments are a far better method as compared to card or cash payments.
Additionally, online payment is safer than the existing smart card keys that are directly linked to the user’s bank account. Ezulix can provide PCI-compliant and renowned payment gateways like Razorpay, Stripe, PayTabs, PayFort, etc.
Additionally, to make the user journey personalised and engaging for the EV owner, Ezulix can also integrate Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to gain insights about peak charging hours and provide personalised recommendations to the app owners (personalised and tailored to their charging patterns).
Mobile app development for EV charging station management can have profound benefits for the EV manufacturing industry, EV users/owners, and EV Charging Station Infrastructure providers.
A mobile app can improve the user experience for the EV owners and combat the existing issues by leveraging advanced technologies. The expected outcomes are tabled as below:
| KPI | Before Automation | Post App Launch |
|---|---|---|
| Wait Time Complaints | High | ↓ 70% |
| Average Daily Users | 150 | ↑ 300+ |
| Revenue Per Station | AED 1,500 | ↑ AED 2,800 |
| Payment Errors | Frequent | ↓ 90% |
| Repeat User Rate | 15% | ↑ 45% |
EV Charging Station Management App is just a concept right now. However, certain applications exist right now in the UAE but they are limited to a few regions and most of them have a glitchy performance.
Ezulixian solution seeks to serve the entire UAE during the initial phase and aspires to expand to MENA region in the post-launch business development phase. If you’re an aspiring Charging Station Infrastructure Providing Startup, or find this concept relevant somehow, you can grab this opportunity by collaboration with Ezulix. Connect with Us today and let’s have a genuine discussion on this project.
If you have a more sensational business idea that requires bespoke mobile app development, then you can bring it to us. We provide NDA-assured app development and client-handling. Explain us your project requirements and connect with the top-notch business consulting team in the UAE.
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