Towards Energy Efficient Driving: Prototyping a Cross-Device Coaching Experience for Electric Car Drivers

Paper in proceeding, 2023

A paradigm shift is taking place in the automotive industry, where combustion engines are being replaced with batteries. Electric cars have a shorter range and are to a greater extent affected by the driver's behavior and other external factors. The need to teach electric car owners about their car's performance has thus emerged. This paper investigates how to coach users of electric vehicles to drive more energy efficiently while simultaneously enhancing the driving experience by utilizing a smartphone and an in-car application. By collecting data about the user group and the contexts, the understanding of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) drivers has deepened. Based on the findings, prototypes were developed and evaluated iteratively with users, enabling further investigation into their needs. This resulted in ten design recommendations, addressing three domains: Feedback, Usability, and Device.