For most electric vehicle (EV) owners, a dedicated folder to EV charging apps is not out of the ordinary. It can quickly become a hassle to go through a multitude of icons for charging station information when needed most. While these apps intend to simplify the EV charging process, the reality is far more complex.
EV charging apps connect drivers and the charging infrastructure. Their primary goal is convenience: to help users effortlessly locate stations, initiate charging sessions, and manage payments. Ideally, one intuitive app would provide all the necessary information, from real-time availability and pricing to connector types and charging speeds. For drivers, apps mean less range anxiety. For charge point operators, apps mean efficient management for their customers.
When Convenience Hits a Wall
However, convenience sometimes falls short. Drivers may rely on a jumble of built-in navigation systems, general map services, and charging provider-specific applications. Based on user reviews for various EV charging apps, common limitations are:
Technical difficulties: Users report login failures, slow performance, and connection problems with charging stations.
Inaccurate information: Incorrect display can mean arriving at a seemingly available charger only to find it out of service or paying a different amount than listed.
No real functionality: With the lack of essential filtering options, such as sorting stations by price, identifying locations of the appropriate charger becomes difficult.
Continued inconveniences erode the users’ trust in the charging system. These issues may arise from causes beyond an app developer’s control, including underlying infrastructure problems, faulty user connections, and hardware malfunctions.
A Reliable Route to a Full Charge
In the face of such challenges, EV drivers embrace chargers with consistently good apps or the apps for their go-to chargers (typically DC fast chargers near home or work). For these predictable charging needs, the app should be a reliable service.
The barriers in charging apps highlight the importance of reliability, helping avoid errors that delay charging time. The viveEV charging station management platform and its accompanying app provide real-time charger status that allows you to see which and how many chargers are available, charging, or faulted, minimizing wasted trips. Navigating the perfect charging station becomes easier with the filter page in the viveEV app, where you can set filters such as available stations, free parking, connector types, and charging speed. The paramount advantage of reliability in viveEV’s platform offers accurate information from detailed database management on charger details, operational status, and account management to safeguard your charging journey.
Charge conveniently today with viveEV’s mobile app.