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Updated: 24/4/2023

From the visibility of the charging station to the speed at which drivers can charge, the user experience can make a difference in retaining visitors at one charging station over another. We have selected the key features to consider when designing a DC charging station:

  • Driver Experience and Visibility
  • Driver Experience and Safety
  • Driver Experience and Usability
  • Driver Experience and Accessibility

Driver Experience and Visibility
Before a driver can charge using your DC fast charging station, they need to be able to find it. If you’re building a public charging network, your stations must be visible on various online platforms and charging apps.

Once your public charging stations are visible online, the next step is ensuring they stand out offline as well. Offline visibility depends on the charging station itself: your DC fast charging station can be equipped with LED lighting to help locate the station and LED charge indicators to highlight available charging points.

Driver Experience and Safety
DC Charger Lighting
Charging stations may be installed away from fuel stations or in poorly lit parking lots. At night, finding charging stations can be challenging, directly impacting the customer’s charging experience. That’s why some stations are equipped with LED lights above and on the sides of the chargers to ensure visibility and safety at night.

Cable Management on DC Chargers
Cable management on a DC charging station improves the driver’s experience with the charger (see below), ensures cables don’t touch the ground, and secures their locking mechanism. Leaving a cable on the ground poses not only a tripping hazard for the driver but also the risk of damaging the cable or connector if a vehicle drives over it.

Cable Cooling on DC Chargers
Since DC charging requires significant energy, rapid cable cooling may be necessary to safely maximize the charging station’s performance. Depending on your usage and desired power, there are CCS2 cables that use liquid cooling technology to safely deliver large amounts of direct current.

Driver Experience and Usability
Once the driver locates your station, they approach and interact with the screen. It’s advisable to opt for a touchscreen of around 15 inches or larger to optimize information readability. During the charging session, the screen should display key session details, such as output power and charging duration. Once the charging session is complete, the driver is prompted to return the cable.

Drivers will appreciate the ability to choose from multiple languages and payment options, including charging cards, apps, and bank cards.

The steps to start the charging session should be as simple as possible. With DC charging stations, cables can be heavy. The station’s cable management feature also relieves the driver from bearing the full weight of the cable. It also offers adaptable reach: a minimum reach of four meters is recommended to accommodate all electric vehicles.

During the charging session, the screen should provide key session information, such as output power and charging duration. Once the session is complete, the driver is prompted to return the cable.

Driver Experience and Accessibility
When investing in a DC fast charging station, it’s important to consider the accessibility of your location for all EV drivers.

Accessibility features, including wheelchair access, are not only essential for advancing electric vehicle adoption but are also increasingly necessary to comply with regulations. For example, in France, the Mobility Orientation Law requires a certain percentage of parking spaces (private and/or public) to have charging stations accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM).

Today, the driver’s experience when charging their EV has become paramount. Safety, visibility, usability, and accessibility must be considered when investing in a DC charging station. These factors can make a difference and help you attract and satisfy your customers.