On my current research and hands on experience with Chargers, I noticed that public charging infrastructure hasn’t caught up in terms of user experience and inclusivity. In this post i just want to dive little bit deeper and for that I did a small desk research. Here’s what’s going wrong:
Inconsistent User Interfaces & Unclear Feedback
- Every station looks and acts differently. Menus vary wildly, icons are confusing and messaging like “Error 47” doesn’t explain much. Users often struggle to initiate charging or interpret unclear statuses
- No real-time clarity. Displays frequently fail to show clear information like charging progress or estimated time remaining—making users feel uncertain and anxious
Accessibility Design Gaps
- Physical barriers: No ramps or extra-wide spaces for wheelchair users. Many stations have high-mounted screens and stiff, heavy cables that require extra strength to operate .
- Cable issues: CCS and other fast-charging cables are weighty and inflexible due to cooling needs. They’re often too short or too long making them hard to plug in for many users.
Environmental & Spatial Constraints
- Tight, unprotected spaces: Narrow bays, poor lighting, lack of shelter, all uncomfortable design choices, especially in bad weather or for vulnerable users
- No tactile or audio support: Stations rarely include braille, haptic feedback, or voice prompts, ignoring users with visual or dexterity issues
Technical Unreliability & App Dependency
- High failure rates: About 27% of public fast chargers are out of commission at any given time -> broken screens, failed connectors, or payment system glitches
- App-only access: Many chargers demand app use for payment or activation, making usability dependent on the quality of the app and user connectivity
- Multiple apps, multiple frustrations: Switching between brand-specific apps for each station is a constant headache for EV drivers
So why it is important to think of
- Creates anxiety & frustration
Unpredictable errors and poor guidance lead to “range anxiety” and erode trust in the EV charging system. - Excludes vulnerable users
People with disabilities, seniors, or those less tech-savvy often find stations unusable, limiting EV adoption. - Undermines wider EV adoption
If charging remains cumbersome, many potential EV drivers will stick to fossil fuels, slowing sustainable transport progress.
What needs to Change
To make EV charging intuitive and inclusive there are some steps to consider:
- Standardized UI elements: Clear steps like “Plug in, Tap to Start, Charging…” with robust feedback via visual, auditory, and haptic cues.
- Inclusive hardware design: Adjustable screen heights, lighter cables (or cable reels), tactile buttons, braille labels, and wide, ramp-equipped bays.
- Safety & comfort enhancements: Covered, well-lit stations with seats or resting areas especially important for longer charging waits.
- Reliable offline access: Card readers plus app options, chargers that work even without mobile signal
- Unified interfaces across networks: Consistent flows and minimal apps, drivers shouldn’t have to learn a new system at every station
Next Step: Rapid Prototyping
With these insights, my next step is to build or sketch something quick and to test it and iterate of course. With this i mean low-cost prototypes, sketches, cardboard interfaces, or simple physical models to validate ideas, also thinking about lego prototype:
- trying out a height-adjustable screen mock-up with clear call-to-action buttons.
- maybe simulating cable-handling ergonomics with also light feedback threw makey makey
- Test feedback designs (LED, sound, or haptics).
- Role-play station use in cramped or wheelchair-accessible scenarios.
These hands-on prototypes will reveal what truly makes charging intuitive and comfortable giving valuable, user-driven data before moving to high-fidelity design.
Clifford, J., Savargaonkar, M., Rumsey, P., Quinn, C., Varghese, B., & Smart, J. (2024). Understanding EV Charging Pain Points through Deep Learning Analysis. Idaho National Laboratory. SSRN. https://ssrn.com/abstract=5031126
https://kempower.com/user-experience-ev-charger-design