Develop an App Like Plugshare: Complete EV App Guide

Develop an App Like Plugshare and you tap into one of the fastest-growing segments of the mobility market. With the EV industry projected to reach $1.1 trillion globally by 2030 (BloombergNEF), the demand for smart charging solutions is skyrocketing. 

This stats clearly shows that building an app like Plugshare isn’t just a trend, it’s a long-term business opportunity to meet the charging needs of millions of EV users worldwide.

As Elon Musk once said, “The future of transportation is electric,” and apps like Plugshare are making that future more accessible by connecting EV drivers to reliable charging networks.

This blog will walk you through the complete process to develop an Electric Vehicle app like Plugshare, covering everything from must-have features to monetization strategies.

Key Takeaways

• With the global EV industry projected to hit $1.1 trillion by 2030, creating an app like Plugshare positions businesses in a rapidly expanding market.

• Essential features like station locators, route planning, reviews, payments, and notifications ensure a seamless user experience for EV drivers.

• AI-powered recommendations, AR navigation, blockchain payments, and V2G support are future-ready trends that make EV apps more competitive.

• If you want to develop an app like Plugshare, it can range from $25,000 to $80,000+, depending on design, features, and complexity.

• Businesses can earn revenue through subscriptions, commissions, ads, data insights, and partnerships with charging networks.

• As a trusted electric vehicle software development company, JPLoft delivers custom EV app solutions with scalable tech, advanced features, and end-to-end support to help your business succeed in the green mobility revolution.

What is an App Like Plugshare?

An app like Plugshare is a smart digital platform designed for electric vehicle (EV) users to easily locate charging stations, plan efficient travel routes, and connect with a community of EV owners. 

It not only provides real-time charging station availability but also includes features like user-generated reviews, station ratings, and seamless payment integration to make EV travel smooth and convenient.

With the help of electric vehicle software development, businesses can create robust solutions tailored to local or global markets. Such apps can also integrate advanced features like renewable energy-powered stations, predictive charging availability, and loyalty programs, making them more than just a map.

Why Build an Electric Vehicle App Like Plugshare?

With EV adoption rising globally, businesses are looking for innovative ways to support charging infrastructure. Developing an Electric Vehicle app like Plugshare not only solves real-world challenges but also opens revenue opportunities. 

If you’re exploring unique EV app ideas, creating a solution similar to Plugshare can be one of the most impactful choices.

Here’s why it makes sense to create an app like Plugshare:

• Meet the rising demand for EV charging accessibility – With EV sales projected to exceed 21.3 million units globally in 2025, capturing a robust 24% market share, the need for reliable charging infrastructure is soaring.

• Offer drivers a seamless way to find and book charging stations – Instead of wasting time searching, users can quickly locate available stations, check compatibility, and even reserve a slot in advance, ensuring stress-free travel.

• Build a loyal user base through features like reviews and loyalty rewards – Allowing EV drivers to share reviews, rate stations, and earn points or discounts fosters trust and encourages repeat engagement with the platform.

• Monetize via subscription plans, ads, or station partnerships – Businesses can generate steady revenue through premium app features, in-app promotions, or collaborations with charging networks and energy providers.

• Support sustainability by promoting renewable-powered stations – Highlighting eco-friendly charging stations powered by solar or wind energy not only attracts conscious users but also strengthens your app’s brand value.

• Gain a competitive edge in the fast-growing EV market – By offering innovative features and an exceptional user experience, your app can stand out and capture a strong position in the rapidly expanding EV ecosystem.

In short, when you build an app like Plugshare or launch an EV solution, you position your business at the heart of the green mobility revolution.

Key Features of an EV App Like Plugshare

When you plan to make a custom EV charging station finder app like Plugshare, feature selection is crucial. A well-structured set of features ensures smooth user experience and market success. 

Below is a breakdown of core and advanced features of EV apps:

By choosing to create an Electric Vehicle Charging station finder app like Plugshare, businesses can offer unique and reliable services to EV drivers. 

The right feature mix ensures high adoption, better customer satisfaction, and long-term growth.

How to Build an EV App Like Plugshare: Step-by-Step Process

If you are wondering how to develop an app like Plugshare, the answer lies in a well-structured development process that balances technology, features, and user needs. 

With the rise in electric vehicle adoption, businesses are actively looking for ways to develop an app that not only provides convenience but also ensures scalability and long-term growth. 

Below is the complete process to develop an Electric Vehicle app like Plugshare, broken down step by step.

Step 1: Market Research & Ideation

Before you create an app like Plugshare, it’s important to analyze your target audience, competitors, and industry trends. Explore app ideas that can differentiate your solution, such as integrating renewable energy-powered stations or loyalty programs. 

Conducting surveys, studying user pain points, and identifying gaps in existing apps will provide you with actionable insights. The stronger your research, the easier it becomes to design a product that stands out in the competitive EV ecosystem.

Step 2: Define Features & App Flow

The next step in Plugshare-like app development is defining essential features such as station locators, route planning, user reviews, payment integration, and notifications. At this point, you can also decide on advanced features like AI-based recommendations, AR navigation, or blockchain payments. 

Clearly mapping out core and advanced functionalities at this stage helps align business goals with user expectations. Many businesses also collaborate with an AI app development company to integrate cutting-edge technologies like predictive analytics and personalized recommendations, making the app smarter and more user-friendly.

Step 3: UI/UX Design

To make a custom EV Charging Station Finder app like Plugshare, design plays a huge role. A clean, user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation enhances the user journey. App prototyping tools help visualize the app’s flow before development begins. 

Through app wireframing, developers can map out each screen and interaction, ensuring a smooth transition between features. This step also helps in identifying usability issues early, saving time and cost during development.

Step 4: Choose the Right Tech Stack

A robust technology stack ensures performance and scalability. Selecting frameworks like React Native or Flutter, combined with powerful backend systems like Node.js or Python, makes it easier to build an EV charging station finder app that works seamlessly across platforms.

You should also consider cloud services like AWS or Google Cloud for reliable storage and faster processing. Additionally, integrating AI and machine learning models can help personalize recommendations and optimize charging routes for users.

Step 5: Development & Integration

Now comes the core stage where you create an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Finder App like Plugshare by coding its frontend and backend, integrating APIs for maps and charging data, and setting up secure payment systems. This is where your idea transforms into a working application.

To ensure smooth functionality, developers must also focus on scalability, so the app can handle a growing number of users and charging stations. Proper integration with third-party services like navigation tools and IoT-enabled charging hardware will further enhance app efficiency and user convenience.

Step 6: Testing & Quality Assurance

No matter how powerful the app is, it must undergo rigorous app testing. From functional and performance testing to cross-platform compatibility checks, this step ensures your app is bug-free, reliable, and user-ready. 

Beyond technical checks, usability testing helps refine the overall user experience by identifying navigation issues or design flaws. Security testing is equally crucial to protect sensitive user data and prevent potential breaches. 

Step 7: Launch & Deployment

Once tested, the app is ready for deployment on iOS and Android app stores. A strong launch strategy, including marketing campaigns, user tutorials, and promotional offers, can boost adoption quickly.

When you submit an iOS app to App Store, ensure it meets Apple’s strict guidelines for performance and security. Similarly, when you publish an app to Google Play Store, optimizing descriptions, visuals, and keywords can significantly improve discoverability and downloads.

Step 8: Post-Launch Support & Upgrades

After launch, it’s important to keep updating your app with new features, bug fixes, and improvements. Regular updates and app maintenance service will ensure your app remains competitive in the EV space. 

Beyond bug fixes, you can introduce new functionalities like real-time pricing updates, loyalty programs, or AI-based route optimization to enhance user experience. If you’re aiming to make an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Finder app like Plugshare, consistent upgrades and innovations will be the key to sustaining user trust and long-term growth.

By following this complete process to develop an Electric Vehicle app like Plugshare, you can enter the growing EV ecosystem with confidence. This step-by-step approach ensures long-term success. The best mobile app development company can help you not only create an App like Plugshare but also scale it into a global platform.

Tech Stack for Developing an EV App Like Plugshare

When you plan to create an app like Plugshare, choosing the right tech stack is critical to ensure scalability, security, and performance. The tools and technologies you select will directly impact how well your app functions, integrates with charging stations, and delivers a smooth user experience. 

Below is a suggested app tech stack to build an app like Plugshare:

Selecting the right tech stack will help you create an EV Charging Station Finder App like Plugshare that is scalable, reliable, and feature-rich. With the right combination of frontend, backend, APIs, and cloud services, you can build an app like Plugshare that meets both user expectations and business goals.

Cost to Develop an App Like Plugshare

When planning to develop an app like Plugshare, one of the most important considerations is the budget. The cost to build an EV software generally ranges between $25,000 – $80,000+, depending on factors like features, complexity, design, platform choice (iOS/Android), and the development team’s expertise. 

A simple MVP version may be more affordable, while a fully-featured Electric Vehicle app like Plugshare with advanced integrations such as AI recommendations, V2G support, and blockchain payments will be on the higher end of the range.

Here’s a basic cost breakdown:

The total cost will vary based on your app’s scope, chosen tech stack, and business goals. Whether you want to create an app like Plugshare for startups or enterprises, investing in quality development ensures long-term success. 

A well-planned Electric Vehicle app like Plugshare not only boosts user engagement but also positions your business in the fast-growing EV ecosystem.

Challenges in Developing an Electric Vehicle App like Plugshare

Developing a high-performing EV app is not as simple as it seems. When you plan to make an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Finder app like Plugshare, you’ll encounter multiple challenges that require the right technical approach and expertise. 

Let’s explore the most common challenges in developing EV apps:

• Real-Time Data Accuracy: Ensuring that users get live updates on charging station availability is complex and requires reliable APIs.

• Scalability & Performance: As the number of EV users grows, the app must handle heavy traffic without slowing down.

• Payment Integration & Security: Integrating secure, multi-currency, and fast payment systems is a major challenge.

• Geolocation & Mapping: Implementing advanced navigation with precise station mapping requires strong backend support.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: To reach more users, the app should run smoothly on both Android and iOS platforms.

• User Trust & Engagement: Adding features like reviews, ratings, and gamification to retain users

Overcoming these hurdles is critical if you want to make a custom EV app like Plugshare. With the right partner, you can solve these issues effectively and learn how to develop an app like Plugshare that delivers real value to EV drivers.

Future Trends to Create an App Like Plugshare

The EV industry is evolving rapidly, and businesses planning to create an app like Plugshare must stay ahead of the curve. 

Here are the most promising trends in Electric Vehicle apps to watch out for:

A] Integration with Renewable Energy

A key trend in Electric Vehicle apps is linking users with charging stations powered by solar or wind energy. This not only promotes green mobility but also appeals to eco-conscious drivers.

Adding this feature when you create an app like Plugshare makes your solution more sustainable and future-ready.

B] AI-Powered Smart Recommendations

With the rise of AI, EV apps are becoming smarter than ever. Future-ready apps will use AI to suggest the most optimal charging stations based on battery level, travel route, and real-time availability.

This ensures drivers save time, reduce range anxiety, and enjoy a seamless charging experience.

C] Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Support

V2G technology allows EV owners to sell extra electricity from their vehicles back to the grid. Including this in your app increases user engagement while supporting a smarter energy ecosystem, an important step if you’re exploring how to develop an app like Plugshare.

D] AR/VR Assistance

Augmented Reality (AR) can guide users directly to charging points, while VR can enhance learning experiences. With these features, businesses can make a custom EV app like Plugshare that feels modern and user-friendly.

E] Blockchain-Based Payments

Blockchain ensures secure and transparent payments within EV apps. By adopting this, you can create an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Finder app like Plugshare that builds user trust and supports global transactions.

By adopting these future trends in EV apps, businesses can stay competitive and create an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Finder app like Plugshare that is ready for tomorrow’s mobility landscape.

Monetization Models for Apps Like Plugshare

If you’re planning to develop an app like Plugshare, understanding how to make it profitable is just as important as building it. Here are the best monetization models for EV solutions like Plugshare:

► Freemium Model

Offer basic features for free and charge users for premium services like reserved charging slots or advanced route planning.

► Commission-Based Model

Earn a commission from charging station operators every time a user books or pays via your app.

► Subscription Plans

Provide monthly or yearly plans with added benefits such as unlimited station searches, discounts, or ad-free usage.

► In-App Advertising

Generate revenue by displaying ads for EV accessories, insurance, or partner businesses.

► Data Monetization

Leverage user data insights to provide valuable analytics to EV companies and government agencies.

By following the right steps, you can combine these monetization models to make a sustainable business. 

The ultimate goal is not just to create an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Finder app like Plugshare but to build a scalable, revenue-generating platform that benefits both users and businesses.

Why Choose JPLoft for Your EV App Development?

At JPLoft, we specialize in building next-gen mobility solutions tailored for the electric vehicle industry. As a leading electric vehicle software development company, we understand the growing demand for EV charging station apps like Plugshare and deliver custom solutions that combine innovation, scalability, and performance. 

From intuitive user interfaces to robust backend integrations, we ensure your app is equipped with essential features like real-time charging station tracking, secure payments, and advanced analytics.

With a team of experienced developers, we provide end-to-end services, from app strategy and prototyping to development, testing, and post-launch support. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, we help you accelerate your digital journey and tap into the fast-growing EV ecosystem. 

Partner with us to build a feature-rich EV charging station finder app that drives user engagement and fuels your business growth.

Final Wrap-Up 

The EV industry is booming, and apps like Plugshare are shaping the future of green mobility. If you’re planning to develop an app like Plugshare, it’s essential to understand the core features, development process, tech stack, cost, and future trends. 

With the right strategy and an expert development team, you can create an EV charging station finder app that not only meets user needs but also gives you a competitive edge in the market.

As demand for EV adoption grows, businesses that invest in innovative solutions today will lead tomorrow. By choosing the right development partner, you can bring your idea to life and build a profitable app that supports sustainable transportation.