P2P EV Charging Network

P2P EV Charging Network

Domain

Domain

Electric Vehicle

Electric Vehicle

Year

Year

2025

2025

Role

Role

Research

Research

System Design

System Design

Product Design

Product Design

Details

Details

A design concept that turns everyday driveways into EV charging spots - making it easier for drivers in Germany to find a charge when public stations fall short. The system focuses on real user pain points like unclear access, scattered apps, and missed trust cues, offering a simple, structured way to book, charge, and move on.

A design concept that turns everyday driveways into EV charging spots - making it easier for drivers in Germany to find a charge when public stations fall short. The system focuses on real user pain points like unclear access, scattered apps, and missed trust cues, offering a simple, structured way to book, charge, and move on.

A design concept that turns everyday driveways into EV charging spots - making it easier for drivers in Germany to find a charge when public stations fall short. The system focuses on real user pain points like unclear access, scattered apps, and missed trust cues, offering a simple, structured way to book, charge, and move on.

🔍 Background

🔍 Background

Germany aims to have 15 million EVs on the road by 2030. Yet, infrastructure rollout has been slow and uneven. Around 48% of German towns still lack a single public charging station (VDA, 2024), and the average utilization of existing public chargers is only 14.5% at any given time (Clean Energy Wire, 2024).


Compounding the problem are long delays in grid connectivity and the recent shift in political power have made infrastructure planning even more inconsistent (Mobility Portal Europe, 2024).


Fragmented payment systems, often requiring EV drivers to juggle multiple apps, memberships, or RFID cards to charge across networks. These issues lead to range anxiety, especially in unfamiliar areas.

Germany aims to have 15 million EVs on the road by 2030. Yet, infrastructure rollout has been slow and uneven. Around 48% of German towns still lack a single public charging station (VDA, 2024), and the average utilization of existing public chargers is only 14.5% at any given time (Clean Energy Wire, 2024).


Compounding the problem are long delays in grid connectivity and the recent shift in political power have made infrastructure planning even more inconsistent (Mobility Portal Europe, 2024).


Fragmented payment systems, often requiring EV drivers to juggle multiple apps, memberships, or RFID cards to charge across networks. These issues lead to range anxiety, especially in unfamiliar areas.

Germany aims to have 15 million EVs on the road by 2030. Yet, infrastructure rollout has been slow and uneven. Around 48% of German towns still lack a single public charging station (VDA, 2024), and the average utilization of existing public chargers is only 14.5% at any given time (Clean Energy Wire, 2024).


Compounding the problem are long delays in grid connectivity and the recent shift in political power have made infrastructure planning even more inconsistent (Mobility Portal Europe, 2024).


Fragmented payment systems, often requiring EV drivers to juggle multiple apps, memberships, or RFID cards to charge across networks. These issues lead to range anxiety, especially in unfamiliar areas.

🚧 User Pain Points

🚧 User Pain Points

Conducted secondary research - including app store reviews, Reddit threads, EV community forums, and informal conversations - to understand recurring user frustrations:


  • Inaccurate charger information – users often arrive at chargers that are inaccessible or behind locked gates

  • Access ambiguity – no clear instructions on where to park or how to unlock certain chargers

  • Fragmented payments – each charging network has its own app/membership, with some charging nearly 2x for non-members

  • Uncertainty at destination – people want to know: Will I find the charger? Will it work? Where do I park?

  • Hidden fees or usage limitations – price inconsistency and unclear charging durations

Conducted secondary research - including app store reviews, Reddit threads, EV community forums, and informal conversations - to understand recurring user frustrations:


  • Inaccurate charger information – users often arrive at chargers that are inaccessible or behind locked gates

  • Access ambiguity – no clear instructions on where to park or how to unlock certain chargers

  • Fragmented payments – each charging network has its own app/membership, with some charging nearly 2x for non-members

  • Uncertainty at destination – people want to know: Will I find the charger? Will it work? Where do I park?

  • Hidden fees or usage limitations – price inconsistency and unclear charging durations

Conducted secondary research - including app store reviews, Reddit threads, EV community forums, and informal conversations - to understand recurring user frustrations:


  • Inaccurate charger information – users often arrive at chargers that are inaccessible or behind locked gates

  • Access ambiguity – no clear instructions on where to park or how to unlock certain chargers

  • Fragmented payments – each charging network has its own app/membership, with some charging nearly 2x for non-members

  • Uncertainty at destination – people want to know: Will I find the charger? Will it work? Where do I park?

  • Hidden fees or usage limitations – price inconsistency and unclear charging durations

⚓️ The Gap

⚓️ The Gap

Germany already has thousands of private Level 2 home chargers - typically used only overnight, meaning they’re idle most of the day. This presents a high-potential but underutilized infrastructure.


While public networks are expensive and slow to scale, P2P sharing (like in Airbnb or BlaBlaCar) offers an agile way to improve access. What’s missing is a system that makes these private chargers easily accessible while maintaining trust in the transaction.

Germany already has thousands of private Level 2 home chargers - typically used only overnight, meaning they’re idle most of the day. This presents a high-potential but underutilized infrastructure.


While public networks are expensive and slow to scale, P2P sharing (like in Airbnb or BlaBlaCar) offers an agile way to improve access. What’s missing is a system that makes these private chargers easily accessible while maintaining trust in the transaction.

Germany already has thousands of private Level 2 home chargers - typically used only overnight, meaning they’re idle most of the day. This presents a high-potential but underutilized infrastructure.


While public networks are expensive and slow to scale, P2P sharing (like in Airbnb or BlaBlaCar) offers an agile way to improve access. What’s missing is a system that makes these private chargers easily accessible while maintaining trust in the transaction.

🪜 Opportunity

🪜 Opportunity

Instead of waiting for more public stations to be built, we can design a P2P platform that enables private charger owners to list their stations and EV drivers to book and charge - whether planned or on-the-go.


Designing this system means solving for:

  • Real-time availability

  • Secure authorization (manual or smart)

  • Clear instructions and transparency

  • Seamless user flow for both host and driver

  • Anti-misuse and fallback logic

Instead of waiting for more public stations to be built, we can design a P2P platform that enables private charger owners to list their stations and EV drivers to book and charge - whether planned or on-the-go.


Designing this system means solving for:

  • Real-time availability

  • Secure authorization (manual or smart)

  • Clear instructions and transparency

  • Seamless user flow for both host and driver

  • Anti-misuse and fallback logic

Instead of waiting for more public stations to be built, we can design a P2P platform that enables private charger owners to list their stations and EV drivers to book and charge - whether planned or on-the-go.


Designing this system means solving for:

  • Real-time availability

  • Secure authorization (manual or smart)

  • Clear instructions and transparency

  • Seamless user flow for both host and driver

  • Anti-misuse and fallback logic

Design Strategy and System Thinking

Design Strategy and System Thinking

Designing this solution required more than just an interface - it needed a system that connects verified drivers and hosts, supports both smart and manual chargers, and builds trust through automation, logic, and safeguards.

Designing this solution required more than just an interface - it needed a system that connects verified drivers and hosts, supports both smart and manual chargers, and builds trust through automation, logic, and safeguards.

Designing this solution required more than just an interface - it needed a system that connects verified drivers and hosts, supports both smart and manual chargers, and builds trust through automation, logic, and safeguards.

🙋🏽‍♂️ Key Actors & Roles

🙋🏽‍♂️ Key Actors & Roles

The system revolves around two main user roles - Driver and Host. Both of whom must go through verification before participating. Each connects to a device: the driver to a vehicle (often with car and battery insights) and GPS-enabled phone, and the host to a smart or manual charger.

The system revolves around two main user roles - Driver and Host. Both of whom must go through verification before participating. Each connects to a device: the driver to a vehicle (often with car and battery insights) and GPS-enabled phone, and the host to a smart or manual charger.

The system revolves around two main user roles - Driver and Host. Both of whom must go through verification before participating. Each connects to a device: the driver to a vehicle (often with car and battery insights) and GPS-enabled phone, and the host to a smart or manual charger.

🛜 Smart Charger Flow: Seamless Automation

🛜 Smart Charger Flow: Seamless Automation

Smart chargers (for eg. Wallbox Pulsar Series, Easee) can be controlled remotely using APIs. This means charging sessions can be started, stopped, and monitored directly from the app, allowing for a smooth and contactless experience. Further on by connecting the host’s charger account through OAuth, the platform can sync data from the original charger app, making it easy to manage everything in one place.


Flow Steps:

  1. Driver searches based on time, location and charger type for the EV connected or added to the app.

  2. Books a slot and pays in advance

  3. Arrives → App verifies time slot and GPS proximity

  4. Taps Start Charging → Command sent to charger

  5. Session begins (time and kWh tracked via API)

  6. Driver can stop early (partial refund)

  7. Session auto-ends after the time slot → Summary shown

  8. Host receives payout

This flow requires minimal host involvement while maximizing safety, accuracy, and trust.

Smart chargers (for eg. Wallbox Pulsar Series, Easee) can be controlled remotely using APIs. This means charging sessions can be started, stopped, and monitored directly from the app, allowing for a smooth and contactless experience. Further on by connecting the host’s charger account through OAuth, the platform can sync data from the original charger app, making it easy to manage everything in one place.


Flow Steps:

  1. Driver searches based on time, location and charger type for the EV connected or added to the app.

  2. Books a slot and pays in advance

  3. Arrives → App verifies time slot and GPS proximity

  4. Taps Start Charging → Command sent to charger

  5. Session begins (time and kWh tracked via API)

  6. Driver can stop early (partial refund)

  7. Session auto-ends after the time slot → Summary shown

  8. Host receives payout

This flow requires minimal host involvement while maximizing safety, accuracy, and trust.

Smart chargers (for eg. Wallbox Pulsar Series, Easee) can be controlled remotely using APIs. This means charging sessions can be started, stopped, and monitored directly from the app, allowing for a smooth and contactless experience. Further on by connecting the host’s charger account through OAuth, the platform can sync data from the original charger app, making it easy to manage everything in one place.


Flow Steps:

  1. Driver searches based on time, location and charger type for the EV connected or added to the app.

  2. Books a slot and pays in advance

  3. Arrives → App verifies time slot and GPS proximity

  4. Taps Start Charging → Command sent to charger

  5. Session begins (time and kWh tracked via API)

  6. Driver can stop early (partial refund)

  7. Session auto-ends after the time slot → Summary shown

  8. Host receives payout

This flow requires minimal host involvement while maximizing safety, accuracy, and trust.

🔌 Manual Charger Flow: Semi Automation

🔌 Manual Charger Flow: Semi Automation

In cases where chargers are not networked, the system also supports manual or dumb chargers using a combination of GPS validation and EV battery data (if linked with car connected). This pseudo automated flow helps maintain usability and trust:

  1. Driver arrives (confirmed via GPS or manual check-in)

  2. Charging starts when the driver plugs in and taps “Start Session” in the app.

  3. The app logs the gained battery % (the State of Charge - SoC) in the booked time slot (if the vehicle is linked via API).

  4. Estimated energy (kWh) is calculated using battery size, vehicle capacity, and charger speed

  5. Session ends via “Stop Session”.

  6. Host is notified, and verifies the session summary. → Gets paid.


While manual chargers are supported, smart chargers remain the default due to their automation, live tracking, and growing adoption across German households

In cases where chargers are not networked, the system also supports manual or dumb chargers using a combination of GPS validation and EV battery data (if linked with car connected). This pseudo automated flow helps maintain usability and trust:

  1. Driver arrives (confirmed via GPS or manual check-in)

  2. Charging starts when the driver plugs in and taps “Start Session” in the app.

  3. The app logs the gained battery % (the State of Charge - SoC) in the booked time slot (if the vehicle is linked via API).

  4. Estimated energy (kWh) is calculated using battery size, vehicle capacity, and charger speed

  5. Session ends via “Stop Session”.

  6. Host is notified, and verifies the session summary. → Gets paid.


While manual chargers are supported, smart chargers remain the default due to their automation, live tracking, and growing adoption across German households

⛔️ Anti-Misuse Framework

⛔️ Anti-Misuse Framework

The system is designed to prevent and respond to typical abuse scenarios - protecting both driver and host.

Final Product Design

Final Product Design

These screens demonstrate how the peer-to-peer EV charging system takes shape in the hands of its users by bridging system strategy with intuitive UX for both the EV driver and the charger host.

These screens demonstrate how the peer-to-peer EV charging system takes shape in the hands of its users by bridging system strategy with intuitive UX for both the EV driver and the charger host.

Driver App Flow

Driver App Flow

Smart Search & Nearby Chargers

Smart Search & Nearby Chargers

The Search tab is the starting point for drivers. By default, it shows nearby chargers using live GPS. Once a user initiates search, it turns into a smart search with three steps - location, time, and car - each designed as collapsible segments for clarity and ease.

  • Where? Select a location or use current position to browse nearby chargers.

  • Time: A slider and date picker help select a time frame without needing full calendars—useful for both urgent and planned sessions.

  • Car: Auto-fills the compatible charger type based on the EV connected during onboarding.

Drivers can also filter for chargers “within battery range” to reduce anxiety. After booking, the selected car and driver info are sent to the host to build trust.

The results are shown in clean cards prioritizing time slot, rate, and distance—just what’s needed at a glance.

Charger Details Screen

Charger Details Screen

Tapping on a charger opens a detailed view with everything the driver needs to decide—designed to feel clear, informative, and not overwhelming.

  • Route Preview: A mini map shows the estimated drive to the charger, giving the driver an immediate sense of distance and direction.

  • Quick Overview: Key details like charger name, area, distance, type, and location category are grouped up top for instant clarity.

  • Slot & Price Info: Shows the selected or next available time slot, date, and total cost with a clear Book CTA. A secondary option lets users browse other slots, each indicating chances of approval.

  • Charger Specs: Includes brand, connector type, power output, and range gained per hour - so the user knows it’s compatible.

  • Trust Markers: Shows things like “Cable included,” “In-app authorization,” and “Access instructions shown after booking” to build user confidence, especially for first-time bookings.

  • Nearby Amenities: Lists actual spots like “McDonald’s - 200m,” helping drivers plan their wait.

  • User Reviews: Adds social proof with recent feedback from other drivers.

  • Transparent Pricing: A breakdown of energy cost, host fee, and parking fee explains exactly what you’re paying for.

  • Cancellation Policy: A short line reminds users that cancellations are possible with refund conditions.

Booking Status Flow

Booking Status Flow

Once a driver selects a charger, the app takes them through a clear, step-by-step booking experience. Each screen is designed to show only what’s needed at that moment by keeping it clean and easy to follow.

Review & Confirm

Before paying, the user sees a quick overview of the charger, time slot, estimated cost, and their connected EV. This lets them double-check everything before booking, reducing chances of error and making the process feel more secure.

Pending Approval

If the host has set bookings to manual approval, the next screen shows that the request is waiting to be confirmed. It includes all the booking details and a clear “Withdraw Request” option, along with a note that the full amount will be refunded if the booking gets declined. This gives the user peace of mind and keeps the experience transparent.

Approved Booking

Once approved either automatically or by the host - the app reveals the full address and access instructions. A map button allows the user to open directions in Google or Apple Maps, and host contact options are shown with a verified badge. A short note also explains when the “Start Charging” button will appear in the Charging tab, so users know what to expect.

These transitions are key moments in the user experience. Clear feedback, status updates, and fallback options help drivers stay informed and confident—while also reducing confusion or no-shows. And if they close the app midway, the same status is always accessible from the Bookings tab.

Managing Upcoming Bookings

Managing Upcoming Bookings

Once a driver has made a booking, sessions are neatly organized under the Bookings tab, split into Pending and Approved sections for clarity. Bookings that have been paid for but not yet approved by the host appear in Pending, with the option to easily Withdraw Request. Once confirmed, the booking moves to Approved, showing the confirmed location, host details, and access instructions.

Each booking card shows key details at a glance - time, location, and car - with primary actions like Directions and Details. This helps the driver stay oriented without needing to dig deep.

The flow is also built to support task resumption, if the app is closed mid-process, users can return at any time to this tab and continue from where they left off. This reduces mental load and supports continuity, especially during time-sensitive moments.

Charging Session UI

Charging Session UI

The Charging tab acts as a dedicated space for tracking your active session—designed with minimal friction and maximum clarity. It keeps only the essentials upfront so that the primary CTA (Start/Stop Charging) and session progress remain in full focus.

Before Charging Starts:

If the driver opens the app before arriving or before their slot begins, the Start Charging button stays hidden. Once their GPS confirms arrival within the booked time, the CTA becomes active. A progress ring shows how much time is left in the slot. This real-time logic also supports refunding any unused time if the session is started late or stopped early.

During Charging:

When charging begins, the UI transitions to a live session view showing a countdown timer visualized in a ring, aligned with the booked duration. It also includes the power output (e.g. 12.7 kW) and the EV’s live battery level, along with how much was gained during the session (via car API).

A Stop Charging CTA lets the driver end the session early, triggering the refund logic automatically. A secondary link leads back to charger info for reference.

This screen prioritizes focus and feedback, so the driver always feels in control, even when charging in a new, private environment.

Post Charging & Feedback

Post Charging & Feedback

Once the session ends, either naturally or stopped early by the driver - the Charging Complete screen summarizes the session: battery gained, energy delivered (e.g. 5.8 kWh), time used, and total cost calculated based on the actual duration.

Below this summary, the driver is encouraged to leave a rating and feedback. The host’s name is mentioned directly to keep the interaction more personal. By inviting feedback at this stage, the system helps build accountability, encourages quality experiences, and strengthens community trust which is essential for sustaining a peer-to-peer platform.

Host App Flow

Host App Flow

While the driver side focuses on finding and booking, the host side is designed to simplify everything around sharing a charger, right from setup to managing bookings and earnings. The flow is structured to feel clear and approachable, especially for people who may not be tech-savvy.

While the driver side focuses on finding and booking, the host side is designed to simplify everything around sharing a charger, right from setup to managing bookings and earnings. The flow is structured to feel clear and approachable, especially for people who may not be tech-savvy.

Adding a Charging Station

Adding a Charging Station

The host onboarding flow is broken down into guided steps with clear titles, short explanations, and a visual progress bar that nudges users forward. Once someone switches to the host role for the first time, they’re prompted to begin this setup process.

Step 1: Location Type

The host starts by selecting where their charger is installed—like a private driveway, apartment lot, or business space. Each option is explained to make the choice obvious.

Step 2: Address

They can enter the address manually or use GPS to autofill. A toggle lets them keep their address private until a driver books.

Step 3: Authorization Type

If a smart charger is connected, they can log in via OAuth and opt for fully contactless sessions (recommended). If not, they select “manual,” where the host manages plug-in/out or shares access instructions.

Step 1: Location Type

The host starts by selecting where their charger is installed - like a private driveway, apartment lot, or business space. Each option is explained to make the choice obvious.

Step 2: Address

They can enter the address manually or use GPS to autofill. A toggle lets them keep their address private until a driver books.

Step 3: Authorization Type

If a smart charger is connected, they can log in via OAuth and opt for fully contactless sessions (recommended). If not, they select “manual,” where the host manages plug-in/out or shares access instructions.

Step 4: Charger Info (only when Manual is selected)

For manual setups, hosts input the brand, connector type (like Type 2), and power output. If it’s a known charger model, many specs can autofill.

Step 5: Pricing Setup

A default energy price is shown using the local average. Hosts can tweak this and add their own margin. There’s also flexibility to set parking fees either flat or variable depending on time/day. The breakdown makes it clear what drivers will pay per hour.

Step 6: Access Instructions

Hosts explain how drivers will access the parking spot whether it’s open, gated with a code, or requires calling them. They can also leave short notes like “park next to the red bin” or “keypad code is shared after booking.”

Step 7: Upload Photos

Finally, hosts upload clear photos of the wallbox, plug, and parking spot. It’s crucial to build trust and help the driver feel confident about what to expect.

Managing Availability

Managing Availability

After a charger is added, hosts manage availability from the My Chargers tab. Each listed charger has its own card showing key info like charger type, access mode, and pricing and with CTAs to Edit Charger or Set Availability.

Tapping Availability opens a scrollable list of time slots, grouped by day. Each slot is labeled as Open or Booked, and hosts can easily add, remove, or modify slots.

When creating a new slot, they choose a time range and can set it to repeat weekly. If removing a recurring slot, the app smartly asks whether to remove just this week’s instance or all future ones, making it flexible for changing schedules.

The whole experience feels like a lightweight calendar, keeping scheduling quick and low-effort.

Booking Requests & Approval

Booking Requests & Approval

All incoming booking requests appear under the Bookings tab, segmented into Pending, Approved, and All. Hosts can switch to a calendar view for a broader overview or stay in the list view, where each request is shown in a clean card with key details such as driver name, EV model, requested time slot, and estimated earnings.

TapFrom here, hosts can approve or decline with a tap. They also have the option to view the driver’s profile or contact them directly, which is useful for any last-minute coordination, especially with manual chargers.

Once approved, bookings move to the Approved tab, where hosts can monitor upcoming sessions. Cancellations are allowed post-approval but may impact the host’s reliability rating.

The overall flow keeps booking management simple, actionable, and stress-free even for first-time hosts.

Dashboard & Earnings

Dashboard & Earnings

The Dashboard offers hosts a quick snapshot of their activity showing current earnings (with a link to the Earnings tab), the active session if someone is charging, and a preview of the next upcoming booking. A dedicated “View All Bookings” button provides deeper access, while a fixed CTA at the bottom connects hosts to specialized support, a globally recognized UX standard that builds trust by offering real-time help in complex systems.

The Earnings screen makes financial progress visual and digestible. It includes:

  • A bar graph for daily earnings across weekly/monthly views

  • Current balance with percentage change from the last period

  • A transaction list showing session time, EV model, duration, and amount earned

  • A Withdraw to Bank button with current wallet balance and payout options

🔭 Future Scope

🔭 Future Scope

There’s a lot of potential to expand this system further. Usability testing with real EV drivers and hosts would help validate assumptions and refine flows especially around trust, access, and communication. Manual chargers, while supported, could benefit from more automation through GPS triggers, smart battery tracking, or arrival detection.


Security can also be strengthened over time with optional features like camera confirmation or community ratings. And because every parking setup is different, future iterations might explore lightweight hardware like smart locks or signage to simplify physical access.


Even overnight bookings, mainly useful for hotels or Airbnbs which could be added once real-time session tracking becomes more robust.


In short, this platform isn’t static. It’s designed to evolve with real user needs and real-world conditions.

There’s a lot of potential to expand this system further. Usability testing with real EV drivers and hosts would help validate assumptions and refine flows especially around trust, access, and communication. Manual chargers, while supported, could benefit from more automation through GPS triggers, smart battery tracking, or arrival detection.

Security can also be strengthened over time with optional features like camera confirmation or community ratings. And because every parking setup is different, future iterations might explore lightweight hardware like smart locks or signage to simplify physical access.

Even overnight bookings, mainly useful for hotels or Airbnbs which could be added once real-time session tracking becomes more robust.

In short, this platform isn’t static. It’s designed to evolve with real user needs and real-world conditions.

🏜️ Conclusion

🏜️ Conclusion

This project explores a new direction for EV charging that's built on people, not just large-scale systems. Instead of waiting for more public stations, it uses what’s already out there: private chargers in homes and driveways that mostly go unused.


The design connects verified EV drivers and hosts through a clean, trustworthy flow, from discovery to booking to charging. At its core, it empowers everyday people to solve a modern problem that is making EV charging feel less like infrastructure, and more like community.

This project explores a new direction for EV charging that's built on people, not just large-scale systems. Instead of waiting for more public stations, it uses what’s already out there: private chargers in homes and driveways that mostly go unused.

The design connects verified EV drivers and hosts through a clean, trustworthy flow, from discovery to booking to charging. At its core, it empowers everyday people to solve a modern problem that is making EV charging feel less like infrastructure, and more like community.

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