New Mobile App Pinpoints Electric Vehicle Stations

QKC Fast Charge Station. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

A new mobile app, unveiled by the State of Hawaiʻi, pinpoints locations and provides mapping directions to the growing network of EV charging stations across the state.

In announcing the EV Stations Hawaiʻi app, Gov. Neil Abercrombie called the device a “great example” of new technology aiding in the advancement of electric vehicle use in the state.

In a government press release, the governor said, “Convenience is key to further the adoption of EVs, which are part of Hawaiʻi’s clean transportation future and move us toward reducing our dependency on imported oil.”

State officials say the app is available for Apple and Android smartphones, as well as mobile devices.

EV Stations Hawaii app icon. Courtesy photo.

It was created by the State Energy Office as part of an open data movement being implemented by the Office of Information Management and Technology, according to information released by the governor’s office.

Here on Maui, the $30 million JUMPSmartMaui initiative, funded by Japan’s largest public research and development management organization, was launched last month.

The app, like the initiative, aims to improve the integration of renewable energy sources into the electrical grid, and prepare the public for the adoption of electric vehicles.

“The adoption of electric vehicles is a key component in the state’s aggressive pursuit of 70% clean energy by the year 2030,” said State Energy Administrator Mark Glick in a statement. “We hope the user-friendly app will help to deflate any range anxiety EV drivers may have by conveniently providing them with public charging station locations on-the-go,” he said.