Analysis: The app aims to simplify the decision-making process for would-be EV buyers, with insights tailored to individual driving habits

By Tushar Pramod Choudhari, Brian Caulfield and Margaret O'Mahony, TCD; Ubaid Illahi, ATU Sligo

Electric cars offer better driving performance, comfort, ease of charge, low running cost. More importantly, they produce zero tailpipe emissions and are considered a sustainable solution to achieve Ireland’s climate goals.

But many prospective EV buyers still face two dilemmas. Firstly, will their daily journey align with the car's travel range. Secondly, how can they benefit from fuel savings? To address this, researchers have developed a new app that aims to simplify the decision-making process for those considering an EV, providing insights tailored to individual driving habits.

What does the app do?

The TRACT EV app helps potential EV buyers assess if an EV suits their travel needs. By analysing your real-world driving data via GPS, it offers personalised insights based on your actual trips rather than broad estimates. Users then receive a detailed report on whether their travel patterns align with EV range capabilities, to help answer the question: "Will an EV work for me?"

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The app is particularly useful for individuals who are interested in EVs but hesitant due to range anxiety. Many users overestimate the distances they drive on a daily basis, unnecessarily opting for high-range (and often more expensive) EV models. By providing precise data, the app helps users select a model that balances affordability with practicality.

Understanding your specific travel needs is critical to making a confident switch to an EV and the app helps people to identify whether a switch to an EV is feasible, by highlighting potential cost and emissions savings.

How to use the app

Getting started with TRACT EV is simple. Once downloaded and installed, the app prompts you to enter your vehicle model. It also requests you to activate location tracking and leave it running in the background. As you start riding, this non-intrusive process collects essential data like trip lengths and speeds, all while maintaining user privacy and smartphone battery efficiency.

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After gathering sufficient data, typically a week's worth, the app generates a personalised report. The report (shown below) outlines:

• The travel range of EV that match your driving habits
• Average yet tailored cost savings compared to petrol or diesel vehicles
• The potential reduction in carbon emissions if you switch to EV.

With a few weeks of app usage, you get even better insights about your weekly travel requirements. Such a tailored approach ensures that you receive meaningful and actionable insights rather than generic advice.

What have we learned from the app users to date?

More than 1,200 people have already downloaded TRACT EV app and some are actively interacting with it. When asked about their willingness to switch to an EV, 78% of users seem interested. So far, the app has recorded over 1 million km driven by Irish people that could potentially save 60+ tonnes of carbon emissions (CO2) if they switched to an electric car.

The app also calculates fuel cost saving compared to petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars. In terms of cost savings, these Irish drivers could save about €4.65 per 100km travel if they could charge their EV at home; and €1.05 per 100km travel if they could charge using public charging facility. In the case of home charging, these users could save more than €4.65 per 100km travel with appropriate electricity plan (e.g., charging during nighttime availing cheaper electricity rates).

The road ahead

With over 80% percent of Ireland’s vehicles still relying on fossil fuels, tools like the app are essential to driving behavioural change. The app also serves as a resource for policymakers, offering anonymised data to better understand national and regional travel patterns. This data can inform decisions about expanding EV infrastructure, such as the placement of charging stations.

The number of EV brands and models is ever-increasing, with over 70 vehicle types now available and more coming to the Irish market this year. Over 12,000 people visited the recent EV Show at the RDS in Dublin and a survey with attendees found that 93% are likely to purchase an EV in the next two years.

For those still on the fence, TRACT EV app offers a reassuring guide to this significant lifestyle change. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend traveller, or a mix of both, the app can help you determine if an EV fits your needs.

This project has been supported with financial contribution from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Department of Transport under the SEAI Research, Development & Demonstration (RDD) Funding Programme 2021, Grant number 21/RDD/597.

Dr Tushar Pramod Choudhari is a Research Fellow in the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin. Dr Ubaid Illahi is currently working as Lecturer at ATU Sligo. Prof Brian Caulfield is Professor in Transportation at TCD. He is a Research Ireland awardee. Prof Margaret O’Mahony is Professor in Transportation at TCD.

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