01 Case study · Energy and mobility
Smart EV Charging Experience for Electric Vehicle Drivers: PlugXo
icitech designed and built the PlugXo mobile application, giving electric vehicle drivers a single place to compare charging options and plan their journeys with confidence. Map-based station discovery, transparent pricing, and route-aware planning are brought together in one coherent user experience.
01Challenge
Project: Simplifying the Charging Decision for the Driver
For an electric vehicle driver, choosing the right charging point involves more than finding the nearest station. Route compatibility, price differences, travel time, and the time required to charge all have to be weighed at once. When that information is scattered across disconnected sources, the decision takes longer and driver confidence erodes. In the PlugXo project, icitech placed this problem at the centre of the design brief: a mobile experience that surfaces the right information at the right moment, making the decision faster and more straightforward.
02Approach
Map Interface, Price Comparison, and Journey Planning
The solution developed for PlugXo presents station discovery on a map, open price comparison across networks, and origin-to-destination journey planning within a single user flow. Drivers can view charging options along their route side by side, filtered by price and location, which makes evaluating alternatives on longer journeys considerably more practical. The ability to switch between map and list views, logically grouped filters, and a clear information hierarchy at the point of decision make the interface equally suited to everyday local use and longer planned trips.
The solution developed for PlugXo presents station discovery on a map, open price comparison across networks, and origin-to-destination journey planning within a single user flow.
03Solution
User-Centred Design Decisions
In EV charging applications, a high density of technical data can quickly overwhelm the user. icitech's design approach for PlugXo was built around surfacing the most critical information at the moment of decision, rather than presenting every available option simultaneously. Logically grouped filters, an interaction model that supports safe use while driving, and transparent tariff presentation are the tangible outputs of that approach. User feedback was incorporated into the design process as the primary learning source shaping subsequent versions of the application.
04Result
Data Quality and Ecosystem Reliability
Location, tariff, and availability data from different charging operators varies in format and update frequency. In the PlugXo solution, data integrity was addressed in parallel with interface design: how inaccurate or out-of-date records are managed and communicated to the user has a direct bearing on the reliability of the mobile experience. Making it easy for drivers to report incorrect locations or changed tariffs creates a continuous improvement loop for data quality, and positions PlugXo as a platform that learns from experience rather than simply presenting information.
05Result
Scope of the Engagement
icitech's contribution to PlugXo spans user needs analysis, mobile application design, development of the map-based station discovery and price comparison components, and delivery of the journey planning feature. The resulting digital experience, designed to simplify the decision-making process, was delivered as a tangible product output aimed at building user trust within the electric vehicle ecosystem.
03 FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
01Which platforms does the PlugXo application support?
PlugXo is available on both iOS and Android. All features are accessible via smartphone.
02Is an internet connection required to find charging stations?
Map-based station discovery requires an active internet connection. Previously saved stations remain accessible at a limited level without connectivity.
03Can I compare prices from different charging networks on a single screen?
Yes, the application lists current tariffs from multiple charging networks in one view. This allows drivers to identify the most suitable option quickly.
04Does journey planning suggest suitable charging stops along the route?
The application automatically identifies charging stations along the selected route and suggests appropriate stops. This helps drivers organise longer journeys more reliably.
05Is station availability shown in real time?
The application delivers live availability data for charging units at each station. This information helps drivers avoid unnecessary waiting.
06Is PlugXo compatible with any electric vehicle, regardless of make?
The platform is designed to be brand-agnostic, so any EV driver can use it. A connector type filter makes it straightforward to match stations to a specific vehicle.
07Can I pay for charging directly within the app?
PlugXo supports initiating a charging session and handling billing through integrated payment options within the application. Multiple payment methods can be saved to the account.
08Can I track my charging history and expenditure?
Completed charging sessions and associated costs are recorded in the personal account section. Monthly electricity spend can be reviewed and analysed there.
09How frequently is station data updated?
The data set is continuously monitored and refreshed at regular intervals to maintain ecosystem reliability. User-submitted reports of inaccurate or outdated information are also incorporated into the update process.
10What role did icitech play in this project?
icitech led both the design and software development of the product end to end. User research, UX design, and technical delivery were all carried out within icitech.