Intuitive navigation to the charging plug
Navigation does not end when a charging location is reached; it guides the driver to the exact charging point. The navigation system also knows the direction of entry to the property, the side of the road and the best route to the charging point. The availability of the charging points and the position of the charging connection on your vehicle are taken into account so that you always arrive at the right side of a free plug. This pinpoint navigation eliminates the frequent problem of having to find your way around the parking lot and ensures a smooth start to the charging process.
Seamless vehicle-to-EVSE communication
Once in the correct position, the key to an efficient charging phase is seamless communication between the vehicle and the charging station (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, EVSE). Wireless technology enables the vehicle to be authenticated. The most cost-effective tariff is automatically selected for the driver without having to navigate through various apps or maps. Integration into the "pay" phase of the customer journey is essential as it ensures a seamless and worry-free experience. More on this in our next blog post in this series.
Avoiding the infection of technologies
To further simplify the charging process, the use of charging robots comes into play. These automated systems plug in the charging cable as soon as the vehicle has authenticated itself and positioned itself correctly.
This means that drivers no longer have to handle the cable manually, which is a great advantage, especially in bad weather or for people with limited mobility. The charging process starts seamlessly and the driver can leave the vehicle without any worries. In simple terms: arrive - get out - go.
Stay informed during the charging process
A key component of the optimal customer journey is continuous communication about the progress of the charging process. Drivers receive updates via the vehicle app, smartwatch or other connected devices containing information about the current charging status, including range, charging speed, expected charging time and costs incurred. The charging time to the desired state of charge (SOC) is calculated taking into account the predicted charging curve, based on the SOC, battery temperature and other dependencies, and predicted as accurately as possible. This transparency provides a sense of security and control over the charging process without having to be in the vicinity.
Proactive notifications avoid inconvenience
Another innovative function is the proactive notification of drivers when their vehicle has almost reached the desired SOC or when blocking fees are due soon. The required return route to the vehicle is taken into account and warned accordingly in good time. These timely notifications allow drivers to move their vehicles before additional costs are incurred and contribute to the efficiency of the charging station by ensuring that charging points become available for other users.
Optimization of loading times through advanced technology
Another important aspect is optimizing the charging time. By using fast-charging technologies and taking the battery's state of charge into account, the charging process can be made as efficient as possible. Some charging stations now offer the option of monitoring and dynamically adjusting the charging process in order to maximize battery life while minimizing charging time.
Summary
The charging phase of the eMobility customer journey is ripe for innovations that can significantly improve the experience. The combination of intuitive navigation, seamless vehicle-to-charging station communication, automated plugging and continuous information provision will create a state where electric vehicle charging becomes not only easier, but also an integral part of a smooth, seamless driving experience. In the next article in our series, we look at the final stage of our journey: payment (PAY). We'll explore how technology and design can make payment as efficient, secure and user-friendly as possible. What do you think: What will the future of shopping look like when these technologies become widespread?
About doubleSlash
At doubleSlash, we have made it our mission to make e-mobility even more user-friendly. To this end, we develop future-oriented and user-centered software along the eMobility customer journey. Together with colleagues from eMobility and the Design & Digital Experience team, we are working on a user-centric and optimized customer journey along the eMobility use cases. Follow how we master the challenges of charging together and focus on convenience for users. Because arriving at the charging station & the perfect charging process are only part of an effortless charging experience.
FIND. CHARGE. PAY.
