EV charging services are always time-consuming and require a lot of effort. Remember the last situation when your electric vehicle’s battery was dead in the middle of your journey to some important work, and time was running out to attend your life’s important meeting. That day, you might have decided to quit the electric vehicles and grab your regular fuel-powered vehicle again. Well, no more quitting again.
Recently, a doorstep EV charging service app, Hopcharge, started gaining traction. It’s an app that allows users to schedule EV charging services directly using the app. A technician will be allotted the details that will be sent to the customer's place, including their timing and other information. The service provider will come to their specified location with their setup, charge their vehicle, get payment online, and go. It’s as simple and comfortable as walking on a cake.
The UK maintains incentives for public and private charging installations and expects 300,000 public chargers by 2030.
By acknowledging this concept as beneficial, more and more businesses or enthusiasts are coming forth to build a doorstep EV charging service app, like Hopcharge. This is a brand-new notion; you should pick up the pace and become the first after Hopcharge to provide doorstep EV charging services.
But how can you build an app like Hopcharge? Do not fret; this blog will contain all essential and relevant information. We will discuss the vision in depth, why you should invest, benefits, features, cost, timeframe, tech stack, and more.
Let’s sail in!
A doorstep EV charging service application, like Hopcharge, lets electric vehicle (EV) owners book and get charging service at their desired area; it can be your workplace, home, or almost anywhere.
You should also know what doorstep EV charging service app development is.
When we talk about doorstep EV charging services app development, it’s a process that involves building a mobile app that bridges a gap between electric vehicle (EV) owners and technicians (EV charging service providers) who offer charging services at the user’s preferred location. Thus, EV owners don’t need to travel to their dedicated charging stations, devoting their time and efforts that they would have invested in something valuable.
As you are ground working on creating a doorstep EV charging services app, you should learn about the business model of your about-to-build solution.
In this section, we will unveil the business model of an EV charging services app and let you know the unique value propositions you can provide your customers:
There’s no need for any setup to charge the vehicles, which can be a big hassle and will cost more in monetary and labor terms. The users can schedule their charging service directly using their app, receive details about their technicians (including availability time), meet their charging needs (technicians will come, charge, and go), and pay securely and easily online.
Besides streamlining the job of EV charging, the use of advanced technology helps boost your EV’s battery by increasing its life.
One of the common USPs of almost every app development is time-saving. In this case, the doorstep EV charging services mobile app development will save customers’ time, saving them from the struggle of connecting to nearby EV charging stations, towing their vehicle to that place, and getting their battery charged. The app will ease the entire process, letting you schedule your charging slot, send a technician with their ready-to-plug-in setup, charge your electric vehicle, get payment online, and leave.
A doorstep EV charging services app can help you not to face any unexpected dead car batteries; whether you find your car batteries dead on the road or at your home, you are free to call the EV charging services wherever you are at any time you specify.
The user’s top concern is always convenience. Such an app will aim at the user’s ease and allow them to get EV charging service at their doorstep with no more physical exertion of towing/driving the car to the EV charging station.
Tip*: Considering the business model of your doorstep EV charging services app, EV charging app owners can propose an idea to government bodies asking them to provide subsidies to EV users, incentivizing customers to reduce emissions that will, in turn, increase the number of customers.
Now, let's dive deeper into how the components of the doorstep EV charging services app are structured and how they interact with each other.
So forth, we will get a blueprint and know the best practices for developing it. This architecture will tell you about the app's behavior and ensure it's scalable and reliable.
The chief interface for EV owners is the user app. Utilizing this, users can register and schedule their charging appointments, specify time, date, and location, track the technician's arrival, view the charging history, and pay easily and securely.
EV owners use this panel to streamline service management. The admins easily manage user accounts, allot technicians to user appointments, track technical activity and location, monitor the status, and access charging services reports.
As both users and technicians need location services, this technology uses the EV charging location the users provide and uses it to connect with their nearby technicians. The service providers utilize GPS to reach the user’s location.
Smooth communication between users and technicians is essential. The app allows users to get updates and alerts about their appointments while technicians clarify the details or contact them if necessary.
Integration of payment gateways lets the users pay for the charging services they booked directly using the app. This ensures a seamless and cashless transaction process.
Thus, the application interacts with the entities involved, such as middleware, databases, and other apps.
In between, you might be thinking about why you should invest in developing an app like Hopcharge. Well, we have got you covered. We will talk about the reasons that will state why businesses should build a doorstep EV charging services application, like Hopcharge.
According to Business Research Insights, by 2032, the global EV charging app market will be valued at around $205,267 billion at a CAGR of around 40.5% during the forecast period of 2022-2032.
The EV market is witnessing paced growth. By providing an easy charging solution to the users, your application can expand its user base and let your business catch up with the higher position, making it stay ahead of the curve in the EV resolution landscape.
By developing a doorstep EV charging services app, you can free users from traveling to charging stations, saving them effort and time. This app concept will target key pain points of EV owners and boost the demand for electric vehicles.
Per the records, by 2030, you can expect about 12.9 million EV charging stations available publicly at 1,400 amperes.
Your application can produce revenue by levying an amount for every successful charging appointment. You can also explore providing subscription plans for repeat users or implement dynamic costing based on varied factors, such as energy delivered and location.
The mobile application eases the charging process by automating the jobs, such as technician dispatch, appointment scheduling, and payment processing. This lowers operational costs and enhances complete business efficiency.
The doorstep EV charging services application can gather valuable data on customer behavior, equipment performance, and charging patterns. Analyzing the data, you can optimize service offerings, enhance resource allocation, and make data-driven decisions to boost future growth.
These reasons are enough to show you how beneficial investing in creating a doorstep EV charging services app for your business would be.
After knowing about the EV charging market and relevant anticipations, let’s learn how building a doorstep EV charging services app, like Hopcharge, can benefit your business.
By building an app like Hopcharge, you can eliminate the need for EV owners to reach charging stations and get their vehicles charged. These apps permit the users to charge their electric vehicles at their specified location, which can be work or home within their daily routine. This also helps in reducing users’ anxiety and makes them favor the EVs more.
The EV owners can say goodbye to the traditional ways of waiting in a queue at public charging stations to get their vehicles charged. TUsers can easily book the charging appointments, saving them effort and valuable time and elevating their daily productivity.
The doorstep EV charging services applications offer a user-friendly platform for booking, tracking, and easily managing electric charging needs. Above all, the real-time features and secure online payment options ensure a hassle-free and smooth charging experience.
By elevating EV adoption through ease, doorstep charging services contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, indirectly promoting a cleaner and greener transportation sector.
By providing doorstep charging services, companies can find strategic partnerships with top energy providers to diminish bulk electricity rates, possibly reducing operational charges in the long run.
This application development opens the doors for new revenue streams for enterprises. Service charges for every charging appointment and potential subscription plans for repeat users craft a durable business model.
In the emerging EV market, providing an adaptable and user-centric charging solution makes your business stand competitively in the industry, driving customers and catching up with.
Doorstep electric vehicle charging services apps promote EV usage, a key contributor to sustainable transportation. By lowering dependency on fossil fuels for transportation, such services have a more sustainable future.
The above-mentioned advantages indicate a profitable venture for businesses looking to create a doorstep EV-charging services app, like Hopcharge.
Now, before you start developing your EV charging services app, like Hopcharge, it is time to look for must-have features that you should include in your app to make it useful for the users.
There are three panels for EV owners, technicians, and admins; we will talk about each panel’s features separately:
Feature | Description |
User Registration | Users create an account with basic details (name, email, phone number, vehicle details). |
EV Charging Request | Book charging appointments by specifying the date, time, and location. |
Real-time Service Tracking | Track the technician's arrival on a map using the app. |
Multiple Payment Options | Pay securely for charging services via integrated payment methods (e-wallets, credit cards). |
Schedule Charging Services | Book charging appointments in advance to ensure the availability of technicians at their preferred time. |
Service History and Invoices | Easily access charging sessions conducted in the past with details like cost, duration, and energy delivered. |
Ratings and Reviews | Rate and review technicians depending on their experience. |
Notifications and Alerts | Get updates about charging appointment confirmation, technician arrival, and charging service completion. |
Customer Support | Seamless access to a dedicated customer support channel using the application for inquiries or assistance. |
Loyalty Programs | Get discounts or earn rewards for frequent use of the charging service. |
EV Charging Station Locator | Locate public charging stations as a backup option. |
In-App Chat Support | Communicate directly with customer support reps within the app. |
Feature | Description |
Technician Registration and Verification | Secure process for technicians to register using the mobile app, including verification of related licenses/certifications and background checks. |
Service Request Management | Capability to view, accept, and manage future charging service requests allocated by the system. |
Navigation to User Locations | Integrated GPS navigation to assist technicians in efficiently reaching user locations for charging appointments. |
Service Completion and Invoicing | Useful to log the completion of charging service, including recording EV charging details and creating invoices for users. |
Payment Management | Secure system for technicians to receive payments electronically for completed charging services. |
Availability and Schedule Management | The app allows technicians to set their availability and handle their work schedules. |
Notification for New Service Requests | Real-time notifications to alert technicians about new charging service requests in their location. |
User Profile Access | Restricted access to user profiles to check relevant details, like vehicle type and preferred charging location. |
Feedback and Rating Management | Capability to view user feedback and ratings, permitting technicians to monitor their performance and locate any concerns. |
Inventory Management (Optional) | Permit track and manage inventory of portable charging equipment and accessories (if relevant). |
Troubleshooting Support | Access to support channels and resources for technicians to troubleshoot technical problems or user concerns during charging services. |
Reporting and Analytics | Access to necessary reports and analytics on finished service requests, allowing technicians to optimize their work and identify areas for improvement. |
Feature | Description |
Dashboard for Overall Performance Tracking | Unified view of key metrics, such as daily/weekly charging requests, technician performance, revenue generated, and user feedback. |
User and Technician Management | Create, edit, and handle user and technician profiles, including verification status, account information, and activity logs. |
Service Request Allocation | Effectively assign charging service requests to available technicians depending on location, workload, and user preferences. |
Payment Gateway Integration | Secure payment gateway integration to easily process user transactions and technician payments. |
Content Management System (CMS) | Manage app content, such as service descriptions, FAQs, and promotional offers, to keep users informed. |
Review and Approval of Technician Profiles | Review technical profiles and approve registrations, ensuring they fulfill qualification criteria and background checks. |
Real-time Monitoring of Service Requests | Track real-time status of ongoing charging requests, including technician location and estimated service completion time. |
Reporting and Analytics | Generate detailed reports on various aspects, such as user demographics, technician performance, service usage patterns, and revenue streams, to inform decision-making. |
Notification and Alert Management | Send targeted alerts and notifications to users and technicians relevant to appointment reminders, service updates, and important announcements. |
Loyalty Program Management (Optional) | Design and manage a loyalty program to reward frequent users and incentivize app usage, promoting customer retention. |
Integration with EV Charging Networks (Optional) | Explore potential integration with EV charging networks to boost service reach and provide users access to wider charging infrastructure. |
Customer Support and Dispute Resolution | Implement a robust customer support system to identify user queries and resolve any disputes relevant to service problems or payments efficiently. |
These were the basic and must-have features that you should include in your doorstep EV charging services app and kickstart your journey expanding your user base and increasing revenue streams.
After you find your app thriving in the EV charging market, you should upgrade it, introduce advanced features to your users, aim for their pain points (review their feedback), and hold the top position in the market.
We have curated a table of advanced features of the doorstep EV charging services mobile app.
Feature | Description |
AI-powered Battery Management | Leverage AI to analyze battery health, anticipate charging requirements, and suggest optimal charging schedules. |
EV Compatibility Check | Seamlessly integrate a database to confirm compatibility between the user's EV model and the mobile charging unit. |
In-App Chat with Technician | Implement a chat function for direct communication between technicians and users during appointments. |
Pre-payment Options | Permits users to prepay for EV charging services to ease the appointment process. |
Geo-fencing for Automated Booking | Set automated charging triggers depending on location. The app schedules a charging session automatically upon arrival. |
Gamification and Rewards | Integrate gamification elements, such as challenges and badges, to incentivize eco-friendly driving and regular charging service usage. |
EV Education and Maintenance Tips | Offer educational content relevant to EV charging, battery care, and tips for maintenance within the app. |
Partnership Integration | Integrate with EV service providers or other mobility platforms to provide bundled services or discounts. |
Smart Charging Integration | Smoothly integrate with smart home systems to automate EV charging based on optimized charging or energy pricing during off-peak hours. |
AR (Augmented Reality) Technician Support** | Use AR for remote technician assistance. Technicians can recommend users through troubleshooting steps virtually. |
These were the advanced features of the doorstep EV charging services app that you can integrate while upgrading your solution.
At this point, you have the understanding of why to invest in building a doorstep EV charging services app and what features to include, now, we will discuss major aspects to aim at while developing the app.
While finalizing the technical specifications, carefully pick the app development platform, whether you want to go with Android, iOS, or both.
Ahead, consider robust features, such as reliable data security measures, secure payment integration, and real-time tracking, all in one place.
Remember to define your varied revenue streams, like subscription plans, service charges, and the pricing strategy.
Partner with EV manufacturers or energy providers to add value and possibly negotiate on diminishing operational costs.
Craft a separate plan for technician hiring, training, and background verification. Ensure the establishment of effective booking and dispatch systems to maximize service delivery and effectively manage resources.
Create a targeted marketing strategy to expand your reach to EV owners. Choose to connect with car rental brands, EV dealerships, or green energy initiatives to boost brand awareness and conversion rates.
Harness the caliber of content marketing and social media to train potential users about your app's benefits and the ease of doorstep EV charging.
Craft in-detail financial goals, including app development costs, operational expenses, projected revenue, and marketing investments.
Thus, you can assess the financial objectives of your business venture and secure funding if required.
Create detailed financial projections that factor in app development costs, marketing investments, operational expenses, and projected revenue. This will help assess the financial viability of your venture and secure funding if needed.
These are the crucial technical considerations you need to keep an eye on while you develop a doorstep EV charging services app.
In this section, we will go through a sequence of steps to build a doorstep EV charging services app for your business.
Analyze your competitors, recognize the target user groups, and learn the current charging infrastructure. Also, define core features and consider user needs, technical requirements, and scalability for your app's growth. Choose a best-fit revenue model that goes perfectly with your target audience and operational costs.
Decide what features and functionalities you want to include in your app. You can kickstart with basic ones, and with your app’s expansion, you can incorporate the advanced ones. Thus, it can be a cost-effective decision to build an app like Hopcharge.
Choose the tech stack, programming languages, and frameworks you need to develop your app the way you want. Your app’s concept and objective will help you impact your technology selection.
A user-friendly and intuitive user interface for users and technicians, ensuring a flawless and hassle-free experience. Create aesthetic designs for your app considering the budget you have fixed. Later, you can improve it with your app’s growth.
Now, it’s time to develop your doorstep EV charging service app, like Hopcharge. Opt for a suitable development plan depending on your target audience and planned budget. Use existing libraries and APIs and add functionalities.
Perform rigorous testing of your app on varied operating systems and devices to ensure your app performs as required, keeps data secure, and functions perfectly on varied platforms.
Now, as you have developed an app like Hopcharge, launch it by submitting it on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
After getting approval, launch your app on the respective app store and make it available for the end users.
Your app development job doesn’t end here. You should consistently maintain your app to ensure it is properly working, identify risks, if any, and release updates with new features or to enhance security.
These were the steps of building a doorstep EV charging services app that you can follow sequentially to emerge with a successful product.
You need to put forth the requirements of your app development project, like the app’s complexity, size, features, and more, to know the actual cost.
The average cost of doorstep EV charging services app development ranges between $30,000 - $350,000. The figure may fluctuate depending on the factors affecting the cost (we will talk about this in the next section).
Partner with an app development company and put forth your project needs to know the cost to build an app like Hopcharge.
Considering the factors affecting the cost of building an app like Hopcharge, you can get an idea about the required budget and timeframe.
With the increasing complexity of your application, the app development cost will also elevate. It would be best to initiate with a simple one and later make it complex, including advanced features for modern requirements.
We discussed the basic and advanced features of the doorstep EV charging services app. You should know, fundamental features are enough to make your app go live with a limited budget. With your app’s expansion, you can append advanced ones also that may demand increased expenses.
The cost to hire a development team depends on the region from where you choose them. Different regions charge different per-hour costs for developers, so select one that suits your needs and budget.
The app design impacts the app development cost. The simple design will not consume much time and will be completed within the timeframe. If you opt for animated or more-aesthetic designs it will take time to craft and include that will impact app development cost.
The list is endless, but these are the major parameters that you should consider while building an app like Hopcharge.
Considering the time needed to develop a doorstep EV charging services app, like Hopcharge, an estimated timeframe is 24 to 28 weeks, depending on the parameters (we discussed above).
Connect to a mobile app development company to know the actual time required to complete your project.
The latest technological stack that you can consider to build an EV charging services app, like Hopcharge.
Component | Technology Options |
User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX) | Figma, Adobe XD, Invision, Sketch |
Front-end | Native Development - Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android * Cross-Platform Development (Flutter, React Native) |
Back-end | Programming Languages (Python, Node.js, Java) Frameworks (Spring Boot, Django, Express.js) |
Database | Relational Databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL), NoSQL Databases (Firebase, MongoDB) |
GPS & Location Services | HERE Maps, Google Maps Platform |
Mobile Payments | Braintree, Stripe, PayPal |
Real-time Communication | Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), Pusher |
Map Integration | Google Maps API, Mapbox |
You can consider these technologies when creating a doorstep EV charging services application. But before you kickstart, aim at your project needs and edit the tech stack accordingly.
You must hire a team of developers and other members to successfully develop an EV charging services app like Hopcharge.
Team Member | Responsibilities |
Project Manager | Leads the development process and manages budget, timelines, and resources |
Business Analyst | Accumulate user requirements, define app functionalities and craft user stories. |
UI/UX Designer | Designs engaging, user-friendly, and intuitive interfaces for both technicians and users. |
Mobile Developers (iOS/Android) | Develop the native app functionalities for the picked platforms (Android/iOS). |
Backend Developer | Creates the server-side logic that manages data processing and required business functionalities |
Database Administrator | Seamlessly handles the database selected for data storage and security |
QA Tester | Tests the app for usability, functionality, and performance across platforms |
DevOps Engineer | Automates the development and deployment process |
Product Manager | Supervise the complete product strategy and ensure the app fulfills user needs. |
Depending on your project's size and complexity, more roles may be required. You can go through the team mentioned above structure and decide per your project needs.
When we start with something new, we aim at success, but did you know we need to confront various challenges that block our pathways?
Let's check out what obstacles you can discover on your way to developing an app like Hopcharge.
Challenge: You can find it tough to pick the appropriate tech stack that can seamlessly integrate with varied components, such as EV charging hardware, payment gateways, and mapping services.
Solution: Conduct deep research on the latest technologies and their compatibility considering the parameters, such as project scope, scalability, and budget. Employ APIs to streamline integration between diverse systems.
Challenge: Sometimes, businesses become incapable of handling an expanding user base and maintaining flawless performance during high demands.
Solution: Opt for cloud-based solutions that hold the caliber to scale automatically depending on the peak hours. Implement caching mechanisms that can diminish server load and boost response times. Conduct rigorous performance testing and optimize code for efficiency.
Challenge: You can find it an uphill battle to safeguard user data, including payment details, vehicle details, and location information, from unauthorized access and cyberattacks.
Solution: Implement strong security measures, such as user authentication protocols, encryption for sensitive data, and routine security audits. Comply with applicable data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
Challenge: Following the legal landscape surrounding utilizing an on-demand EV charging service, incorporating licensing requirements, permits, and waste disposal instructions for used batteries.
Solution: Connect with legal counsel best at offering services for the EV industry. Stay up to date on emerging regulations and ensure your application sticks to all legal requirements.
Challenge: Developing trust with users relevant to the technicians’ reliability, safety of charging processes, and transparency in pricing.
Solution: Implement a rigorous background verification process for technicians. Clearly communicate pricing plans and service details within the application. Offer the best customer support via multiple channels (email, chat, phone) to identify user concerns promptly and develop trust.
These were the challenges and their possible solutions you can consider if you get hit by any difficulty.
Now, you must know how you can monetize your app, and for that, you need to choose the monetization strategy that’s suitable for your business model.
By charging users an amount for every doorstep charging session, you can open up the core revenue stream. This fee may depend on the quantity of energy delivered, the distance that technicians traveled, and the charging speed.
Connect with organizations and businesses, like parking garages, dealerships, or apartment complexes, to provide discounted charging services to their consumers. This increases your reach and drives new users.
Integrate targeted advertisements within the application showcased to users while they wait for their EVs to charge. Partner with brands in the EV ecosystem or relevant industries for related advertising.
Accumulate anonymized user data on location trends, charging habits, and energy consumption modes. Analyze and sell this gathered data to EV manufacturers, research institutes, and charging infrastructure brands to assist them in understanding user behavior and enhancing their offerings.
Provide tiered subscription plans with extra benefits such as discounts on charging fees, priority booking, or extended warranties on charging services.
Sell branded merchandise, such as car care products, EV charging accessories, or eco-friendly lifestyle products, to generate extra revenue.
As your app gains traction, consider replicating your service model in new cities or regions with a growing EV market. This expands your customer base and revenue potential.
Offer extra services relevant to EV ownership, like battery diagnostics, EV-specific roadside assistance, or mobile car maintenance. It crafts a more valuable and comprehensive service ecosystem for your users.
You can choose any of the monetization strategies mentioned above or even in combination to unlock the revenue streams.
Now after you have got every relevant information you need to build a doorstep EV charging services app, it’s time to kickstart your venture and become the first giant after Hopcharge.
Partner with a leading app development company having years of experience and a proven track record of building an app like Hopcharge. One such name that you should consider is PixelBrainy.
One of the reliable app design and development companies, PixelBrainy has been the #1 choice for businesses looking to develop an app for their business.
Key highlights of choosing PixelBrainy for doorstep EV charging services app development:
In the climax, we hope you find this guide easy to understand and best for learning about how to build an app like Hopcharge, what features to include, the budget to fix, the timeframe to decide, monetization models, challenges, potential solutions, and more.
Partner with a mobile app development company to develop a doorstep EV charging services app and make your business stay ahead of the curve.
Yes, we help clients with custom doorstep EV charging services and app development. We aim at customer satisfaction, so by prioritizing your needs we emerge with a custom product for your business.
Of course! Upgrading your existing EV charging mobile app with the latest doorstep features and security patches is the best way to enhance user experience. This will ease them easily and securely book charging appointments directly at their desired location.
Yes, with the doorstep EV charging services app, users can book charging services anywhere in advance via the app. This offers them the perfect ease of having their car charged at their place, home, workplace, or any other location.
About The Author
Sagar Bhatnagar
Sagar Sahay Bhatnagar brings over a decade of IT industry experience to his role as Marketing Head at PixelBrainy. He's known for his knack in devising creative marketing strategies that boost brand visibility and market influence. Sagar's strategic thinking, coupled with his innovative vision and focus on results, sets him apart. His track record of successful campaigns proves his ability to utilize digital platforms effectively for impactful marketing efforts. With a genuine passion for both technology and marketing, Sagar continuously pushes PixelBrainy's marketing initiatives to greater success.
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