A new app helps drivers decide if switching from a petrol-driven car to an electric car is a viable solution for them – and which vehicle model would be best suited to their individual requirements. It was developed by engineers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum under the auspices of Prof Dr Constantinos Sourkounis. Using the smartphone app, drivers can record their typical routes while, for instance, using their petrol-driven car. Based on the gathered data, the program generates a list of vehicle models that would meet the driver's requirements, for example cars with sufficient range. Information pertaining to cost saving can also be provided.

The multilingual app for the smartphone operating system Android is available for download at elektromobilitaet.rub.de. A limited version is free of charge; the complete version costs 1.50 euros. The complete version, moreover, will be supplied on request to representatives of the media for a testing period of 20 days.

Optional individual configuration

Philip Dost developed the app together with Master's student Christoph Degner at the Institute for Power Systems Technology and Power Mechatronics headed by Constantinos Sourkounis. "The app has been designed to enable both interested parties and sceptics to figure out if an electric vehicle or a hybrid car would work for them," says Philip Dost, who was in charge of the project. "Moreover, users could also use it to find out if an e-car sharing scheme in their neighbourhood might be sufficient to meet their requirements."

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