User-friendly EV chargers are pivotal for accelerating electric vehicle adoption, crucial in combating climate change. In a competition hosted between Imperial College London and Ohme EV, the redesign of Ohme's charging cable box aimed at enhancing usability and design takes a significant step towards encouraging electric vehicle adoption

Project Context

The competition that this product was developed from was setup between Imperial College London and Ohme EV. It entailed the redesign of the box section of the Ohme charging cable, aimed at facilitating intelligent power distribution to users' vehicles during periods of optimal electricity pricing. Addressing various technical specifications stipulated by Ohme concerning manufacturing and design was imperative, with a focus on endowing the product with a contemporary aesthetic and positioning it as an industry frontrunner.

Key Design Features

Ohme's design philosophy strikes a perfect balance between innovation and integration, effortlessly blending sleek aesthetics with diverse architectural settings. Its colour scheme, predominantly black and white, is carefully chosen to seamlessly blend into any environment, with subtle pops of the company's brand colours adding a touch of vibrancy. A transparent plastic layer not only protects the display and LED components but also adds a refined visual appeal.

A soft LED bar illuminates the transparent casing, creating an elegant ambiance. Through an RGB LED, the device communicates dynamically with users, offering colour cues ranging from green for optimal conditions to red or amber for critical alerts. Additionally, the display can adapt its appearance to reflect specific fault conditions, enhancing user awareness and interaction.

Designed for convenience and durability, the product features invisible wall mounting, facilitated by a purpose-designed bracket, making installation as effortless as sliding a battery cover onto a remote control. Constructed from durable thermoplastics, all components are robust and resilient, ensuring longevity and easy handling. The device's two-part casing, with precision draft angles, simplifies manufacturing processes while providing ample internal space for seamless integration of essential components, showcasing a dedication to both form and function.

Device Screen Features

The 3.5-inch standard 240×320px display screen elegantly integrates essential user statistics while maintaining a focus on technological details relevant to tech-savvy users. Consistent with the company's branding, vibrant colours permeate the interface. At the top, users can easily assess 4G connectivity strength through signal bars, accompanied by indicators for smart charging or maximum charging, and real-time temperature display. In the middle section, crucial information such as current vehicle range, total charge cost, and upcoming charge schedule are prominently featured. The bottom section caters to users interest in more intricate data, complemented by a convenient QR code for further exploration or assistance.