Sharge Taupānga Tuari Pou Utu Hiko Tūmataiti

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Sharge revolutionizes the EV charging landscape by transforming private charging piles into shared community resources. It enhances accessibility, convenience, and affordability in the EV ecosystem. By addressing the challenges of limited public charging and high costs, Sharge allows hosts to earn extra income and enhances the charging experience for drivers. This innovation promotes sustainability and supports the shift towards a greener future.

Dimensions & Packaging

Sharge is a digital platform designed for mobile and web use. The mobile app is developed using React Native for cross-platform functionality, with backend services built on Node.js and a cloud-based infrastructure for scalability. It integrates Google Maps API for location-based services and Stripe API for secure payments. The platform supports real-time scheduling, video navigation, and a user rating system, ensuring seamless interaction between EV drivers and pile owners.

Tags

EV Charging, Sharing Economy, Sustainability, Decentralized Network, Passive Income, User-Centric Design, Urban Innovation, Resource Optimization, Clean Energy

Production Technology

Sharge was developed using UX research methodologies, iterative prototyping, and user testing to refine the platform. The app interface was designed with Figma for high-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes. React Native ensures cross-platform compatibility, while Google Maps API enables precise location-based services. Video integration and scheduling features were optimized through agile development, ensuring a seamless user experience and scalable implementation.

Design Challenge

The primary challenge involved balancing accessibility, affordability, and trust within a decentralized charging network. Ensuring that private charger owners felt secure sharing their chargers while maintaining a seamless experience for drivers was a key consideration. Social norms, lack of trust, and inconsistent regulations on private charging created additional obstacles. From a technological perspective, developing an intuitive interface with clear pricing, scheduling, and video navigation presented complexities. Addressing these challenges enabled the creation of a smooth, scalable solution for widespread adoption.

Research

User-centered research was conducted to analyze the charging challenges faced by EV drivers and the needs of private charger owners, with the objective of optimizing underutilized private chargers and improving accessibility. The study utilized interviews, surveys, and usability testing to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. A total of five EV drivers and five private charger owners participated, highlighting key issues such as unclear pricing, difficulty in locating chargers, and low utilization rates. Based on these insights, features such as video navigation and scheduling tools were developed to enhance user experience and increase adoption. The findings contribute to business strategy, urban mobility improvements, and sustainability efforts, supporting a more efficient and accessible EV charging ecosystem.

Inspiration

Sharge was inspired by the sharing economy model and the urgent need for accessible, cost-effective EV charging solutions. With EV adoption rising, public infrastructure struggles to keep up, leaving drivers with long waits and high costs. Seeing underutilized private charging piles, we envisioned a community-driven network that optimizes resources, fosters sustainability, and enhances convenience. Our research on user behavior, urban mobility, and green energy shaped the platform’s design.

Project Duration

The project design started in January 2022 and ended in April 2022. The development is ongoing.

Operation Flow

Sharge operates like a community-driven EV charging network. EV drivers use the app to find nearby private charging piles, check availability, and book a time slot. Pile owners list their chargers, set prices, and earn extra income. Video navigation and clear pricing ensure a smooth experience. By sharing underutilized chargers, Sharge reduces costs, wait times, and reliance on public stations, making charging more accessible, convenient, and efficient for everyone.

Patents

Fang Xu
Xuan Shen
Yongwen Dai

Image Credits

Fang Xu
Xuan Shen
Yongwen Dai