Swiss based electric vehicle charging specialist Juice Technology AG has launched the j+ pilot app to bundle relevant vehicle, driving and charging data in a single tool. The new app is intended to make it easier for drivers to adopt and understand electric vehicles. 

j+ pilot is designed to bring together relevant information on the electric vehicle, driving behaviour, charging operations and energy consumption. The app can also serve as a trip logbook recognised by tax authorities, and as a key to charging stations due to integrated activation and control functions.

The app can be used on smartphones (iOS and Android) as well as laptops, and is available in a web-based version for view and editing on desktop computers. 

Telemetry data can be presented in tabular form and graphics, and is designed to be visually appealing in views that can be individually customised.

To improve electric driving efficiency, j+ pilot visualises how much power the car consumes and how much regenerative braking energy is recovered on any given trip. The app’s aim is to encourage drivers to drive more economically.

j+ pilot also optimises charging behaviour to reduce the effects of “vampire drain” (battery drain during standing times). By monitoring battery degradation, the app shows the effect of slow-rate charging and fast-charging stations, and helps EV drivers prioritise use of electricity self-generated at home from solar power to charge the EV when available.

The j+ pilot app features an integrated trip logbook which can be used for managing business travel and fleet vehicles, including for taxation reporting requirements.

“The electronic trip log feature makes life easier for thousands of people, eliminating the need for tedious follow-up documenting of journeys travelled. The j+ pilot app renders obsolete physical paper logbooks in the glove compartment or any separate for-pay app,” said Christoph Erni, CEO of Juice Technology AG.

The app is initially compatible with eight models of vehicles from various automakers: the Audi e-tron, Opel Corsa-e, Peugeot 208, the Tesla models S, 3, X and Y, and the i3 from BMW. The app is not bound to specific automotive manufacturers and can be used with other vehicle models. Soon, an optionally available OBD2 plug enables connection to additional vehicle models, including gas-fuelled cars.

The j+ pilot is now available as a free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (Beta version). While the app is currently available in German and English, further language versions, functions and vehicles will be added on a continuous basis.

j+ pilot is suited for use by individual e-drivers and fleet managers. The app is usable independently of Juice-brand devices.