Nowadays, the EV industry is developing faster and becoming an affordable mode of transportation for any driver. This is not only a convenient and comfortable way to travel but also an environmentally friendly, economical vehicle.
The market for EV charging stations will be worth about $111.90 billion by 2028, according to a research report.
As more EV charging stations pop up around the world, investors want to build an EV charging app like ChargePoint. To start the project, you need to know everything there is to know about EV charging apps.
This blog will discuss the technicalities and other nuances that will help develop an EV charging app clone and its popular players. Also, the work process, the reasons behind its popularity, etc.
So, let’s begin!
What is a ChargePoint App?
The ChargePoint app is an EV charging mobile app. It helps people find charging stations nearby, see if they are free right now, and even start and stop charging sessions.
They can also use the app to pay for charging. It often has useful data, like pictures of charging stations and reviews from other EV drivers. It is the best app for EV charging stations.
In addition, it is like having a personal assistant for your EV, which makes charging simpler and easier. However, you can also develop door to door EV charging app for your business to earn maximum profit.
Future Predictions and Projections of EV Charging Service
Source: Statista
- The industry for electric vehicles (EVs) was expected to make a total of $12.6 billion more from charging stations around the world from 2024 to 2029.
- By 2028, it was expected that there would be 32 million public charging stations for electric vehicles around the world.
- The global market for electric vehicles is expected to bring in an amazing $786.2bn in 2024.
- In the coming years, the market is expected to grow at a steady rate of 6.63% per year.
- With this growth, the market is expected to reach $1,084.0bn by 2029.
- The market for electric vehicles is also expected to reach 18.84 million units sold by 2029.
How Does the ChargePoint App Work?
Before you build an EV charging app like ChargePoint, it is vital to know about the working process. So, here is the step-by-step working mechanism of a ChargePoint app explained by an iPhone application development company.
1. Find Charging Stations
Users can use the map in the app to find charging stations close to them. They can find stations based on their type, speed, and availability.
2. Start Charging
Users can use the app to start a charging session. At the EV charging station finder application, they can either scan a QR code. They can use the “Tap to Charge” feature built into the app.
3. Monitor Charging
Now they can keep track of the time, energy used, and cost of their charging session is important.
4. Pay for Charging
Users can use their preferred payment method to easily pay for their charging session through the app.
5. Manage Account
Users can look at their past charges, change their payment information, and change the settings for their account.
Steps To Build an EV Charging App like ChargePoint
Before starting an EV charging app development solution like ChargePoint, it is vital to have a clear plan. It indicates how to proceed further and succeed. Thus, we have crafted below an EV charging development cycle that you can create your own custom app like ChargePoint.
1. Perform Market Research
Doing research on the market for EV charging apps USA and the technologies they use is very important. But it is important to get expert approval on ideas first before you create a mobile application.
Look for possible EV charging stations and write down where they are so you can add them to the app later. If you want people to trust the EV charging service app, you should also check every part of the charging stations. You should also know how your competitors make money and run their businesses.
2. Hire a Development Team
To make more complicated apps, you need to know a lot about making EV charging apps. You will not be able to build an EV charging app like ChargePoint that can compete with the best ones on the market.
So, if you want to build an in-house development team, you should hire mobile app developers. Hiring a top ChargePoint app development company is another way to make an EV charging app like ChargePoint.
3. Design the Wireframe
Draw a wireframe for an app that can find the EV charging app with your development team. Always keep the user interface, icons, screen layouts, and other parts of it complicated and easy to use.
If the UI is crowded, it will be much worse for everyone to use. So, it is a good idea to hire designers who can make different kinds of sketches.
4. Start the ChargePoint Clone Development
Once you are done making things, get help from app developers to start making the EV charging app. To speed up the process and leave lots of room for last-minute changes, you should start making an MVP app.
Build the server and the front end with your iOS or Android app development company. The team and you must work together at the same time to make sure the growth goes well. They will add features and functions to the server and front end.
5. Test Your EV Charging App
It is very important to make sure the app works perfectly on all devices once it is finished being built. For example, you can test your app like PlugShare or ChargePoint on different devices.
You could also make a beta version of the app that only a few people can use to test it. Adjust the app as needed based on what people said, then move on to the next step.
6. Final Release
After you have fixed all the bugs and ensure your EV charging app works right, release it to app stores. There are two app stores, Google Play and Apple App, where people can get the app and use it.
Once your EV charging app development solutions is out there, make sure you market it in a number of different ways. And it is very important to keep the electric vehicle charging station management application up to date.
Key Features to Develop an EV Charging App like ChargePoint
If you were making an app for an electric vehicle, what are the most important things you should focus on? Obviously features! So, below are some features you should add by availing electric vehicle software development services. Read on!
Feature | Description |
User Profile Creation | Users can make accounts, enter information about their vehicles, and choose how to pay. |
Real-time Charging Station Locator | It shows a map with interactive markers for charging stations that are nearby, showing their real-time prices and availability. |
Charging Station Details | Each station’s type of connectors, power output, and amenities are all described in great detail. |
Real-time Availability and Wait Times | It shows each charging station’s real-time availability and an estimate of how long you will have to wait. |
Navigation and Routing | Hire dedicated developers to connect mapping services so that charging stations can be reached more efficiently. |
Payment Integration | You should add payment gateways that work well with credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and in-app purchases. |
Charging Session Monitoring | Users can see how long their current charging session has been going, how much energy they have used, and costs. |
Push Notifications | Users can send updates when a charging session is over, when the battery is low, and other useful information. |
Ratings and Reviews | An EV charging app like Hopcharge lets people rate and review charging stations. It helps other people make smart choices. |
Loyalty Programs and Rewards | You can use rewards and loyalty programs to get people to use your app again and again. |
Best EV Charging Apps like ChargePoint
Before you invest in EV charging app development, it is vital to know about your competitors. It will help you know about their USP and make you stand out. So here are some of the top EV charging applications.
ChargePoint Alternatives | Available Platform | Downloads | Ratings |
Hopcharge | Android | iOS | 100K+ | 4.2 |
PlugShare | Android | iOS | 1M+ | 4.7 |
EVgo | Android | iOS | 500K+ | 4.1 |
ChargeHub | Android | iOS | 100K+ | 4.6 |
Electrify America | Android | iOS | 100K+ | 4.3 |
How Much Does ChargePoint Clone App Development Cost?
It will cost more if there are more people working on the project and it is bigger. So, the cost to build an EV charging app like ChargePoint ranges between $10000-$25000. But it totally depends on your project requirements.
For example, if your idea to create a mobile app with a simple design is small, the cost will be minimal. But if you invest a hefty amount for custom features, then the EV charging management software development cost goes up.
Let’s be more clear with the below table of development costs of app similar to ChargePoint.
App Complexity | Cost |
Basic ChargePoint-like App | $8,000 – $15,000 |
Midium ChargePoint-like App | $15,000 – $20,000 |
Complex ChargePoint-like App | $25,000+ |
Besides, you can simply calculate the ChargePoint app development cost with the below formula.
Total ChargePoint Clone App Development Cost = Developer’s Hourly Rate * Development Time
Now that you know the EV charging app development cost, it is time to consult with a mobile app development company. They will provide you the actual cost as per your requirements.
Why Is It Important to Fix the Budget?
Now that you know cost to make a mobile app, let us talk about importance to set budget. Making a budget helps you understand how everything fits together. It helps you take the right steps to develop your EV charging app. That is why you should remember these things before you start working on the growth of your business:
1. Helps Identify the Actual Needs
Setting a budget for the custom EV charging app development helps you think about what the end users want. So you can give them what they need right now. It will be easy for you to understand what features your app needs and make smart choices.
2. Aids in Market Research
As soon as you think about your budget. You have to go out and do research on the market to find out what the going rates are.
3. You Need the MVP
That meeting with the investors will only happen if you have a minimum viable product. To figure out time and cost of MVP app development, you need to have a budget.
4. Need to Save for Marketing
There is no way you can be sure that your work and expenses will end when the app is finished. The process of development has a few steps left. The real problem is getting the app out there, marketing it, and getting it to the right people.
Even though you can figure out mobile app development cost. It is the costs that come up after the development is done that really affect how well the app does.
How To Monetize Your EV Charging Application?
Now that you know the cost to build an EV charging app like ChargePoint, What now? How will you monetize your EV charging app? Here are the best monetization strategies that you should follow:
1. Pay-As-You-Go Model
Pay-as-you-go is the most common way for charging stations to set their prices. It is also the easiest to understand and use. A popular EV charging app like Electrify America uses this model. This method can be pricey for users, though, if they need to charge their cars often. This type of model is great for companies that need to quickly cover the costs of their EV charging stations.
2. Free Model
With the free model, charging stations are open to everyone and the owner makes money from them. Through sponsorships, ads, or the business growing on its own. This model is perfect for businesses comfortable viewing their charging stations as a long-term investment.
3. Subscription Model
You can make a steady stream of money if you offer subscription plans. Different tiers let users choose based on how often they are charged, which services are prioritized, and other benefits. As an example, a premium subscription could come with faster service, free setup, or lower prices.
4. Service Fees
On top of the cost of energy, some services, such as building, maintaining, and fixing problems, may cost extra. These fees can radically change the overall income. So, if you are planning to develop an electric vehicle charging station app, then you must charge service fees for making revenue.
Final Thoughts
The rising number of EVs on the market is directly linked to the demand for different apps for EV drivers. And based on the current trend, there are no signs that it will soon go down. That is why it can be a good idea to build an EV Charging app like ChargePoint.
To turn your idea into reality, you should consult with electric scooter app development company like Dev Technosys. All you need to do is share your EV charging app idea with us. Our experts help you build an EV charging app like ChargePoint from scratch.
FAQs
Q1. How Much Does It Cost To Develop An EV Charging App Similar To ChargePoint?
The cost to build an application like ChargePoint can range between $10000-$25000. However, there are many factors like app complexity, features, etc. that affect the ChargePoint app development cost.
Q2. How Long Will ChargePoint Clone App Development Take?
The estimated time to develop a ChargePoint clone app will take around 2-5 months. But the actual time depends on project requirements.
Q3. What Are the Benefits To Create An EV Charging App Akin To ChargePoint?
When you create an EV charging app like ChargePoint, you will get the below benefits.
- Time-saving solution
- Cost-effective solution
- Enhanced user experience
- Increased convenience for EV owners
- Environmental impact
- Business opportunities
Q4. How To Develop an EV Charging App?
To make an EV charging app, you need to follow the below steps:
- Conduct market research
- Know competitor apps
- Create a feature list
- Create a user interface
- Develop the app
- Test and deploy
Q5. How To Monetize Your EV Charging App?
You can earn money from the below revenue streams. Let’s have a look at them:
- In-app purchase
- Subscription model
- In-app advertisement
- Freemium model
- Value-added services
Q6. What is the Maintenance Cost of an EV Charging App?
An EV charging app’s maintenance costs are usually between 15% and 20% of the cost of making it in the first place. This includes bug fixes, updates, server costs, and making sure that the system works with new versions of the operating system.