Most EV drivers would like charging apps to offer more services
Most EV drivers would like charging apps to offer more services beyond just charge point location and payment options, according to a survey by EV payment specialist Paythru.
Conducted in partnership with The EV Café, the survey of 200 EV drivers showed 80% of EV drivers liked the idea of apps that provided discounts at local cafés or shops while they charge.
Nearly as many, 73%, would welcome a loyalty programme that rewards them with points, discounts, or other incentives. 75% also said they would like apps to include social features that allow them to share tips with other users, rate charging stations, and report issues directly to charge point operators.
In addition, 70% liked the idea of smart recommendations on the best times and locations for charging, and 58% would like the ability to reserve a charging point in advance.
For drivers on work business, convenience is not just about charging, but about managing expenses, with 40% stating it would be helpful to sync their app of choice with their company’s accounting or expensing software to upload payment information and receipts directly.
The survey’s findings also highlight a desire among EV drivers to use data to be as sustainable as possible. More than half, 59%, said they would like information about the sources of the electricity used at charging stations through their app, and 51% wanted an app that could track CO2 emissions based on how they drive and charge.
Sara Sloman, Paythru’s Chief Strategy Officer, said:
“Such services are a no-brainer. Not only do customers want them, but they create a wide range of new revenue streams for charge point operators”.
“For example, operators could give drivers bonus points every time they charge their vehicles. Additionally, by collaborating with retail and hospitality chains, they could provide drivers with discounts or giveaways, such as a free drink or discounted meal at a nearby café or restaurant while they wait for their vehicle to charge.”
“Sustainability is one of the key reasons for the adoption of EVs, especially among fleet owners. It’s understandable, therefore, that many drivers are interested in tracking their vehicle’s environmental impact.”
“A cloud-based payment platform and associated software enables operators to implement additional features and link them to the EV payment.”
“At Paythru, we see this as similar to the transformation that retail has gone through. Once they just had a payment device issued by a major card issuer. Now, thanks to innovators like Square they can offer all sorts of customer services in one connected digital package. EV charging can do something similar thanks to integrated software and payment solutions designed around its challenges.”
“The services covered in our research are just the tip of the iceberg – we see many more opportunities to build added value services around EV payments – even going beyond apps. Open-loop digital wallets and cards, for example, will allow fleet operators to offer their users additional services on top of EV charging payment, for greater flexibility and a more satisfactory experience.”
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