The EV industry is buzzing with innovation—longer ranges, fast(er) charging, and semi-autonomous driving are all the rage. But here’s the real question: is anyone really thinking about the user? While the competition focuses on hardware and horsepower (PS or kW), the companies that truly succeed will be the ones that nail the digital experience.

It’s baffling how much essential functionality has been buried in touchscreen menus, demanding attention like a needy Elon Musk child tugging on your sleeve. It’s as if the UI is shouting, “Look what I can do!”—all while you’re trying to decide if there’s enough time to overtake a tractor before a lorry barrels into you.

Enter fintech, the slick, savvy industry that turned boring old banking into something people actually want to engage with. If EV companies take a few UX cues from fintech, they’ll be well on their way to creating digital interfaces that are as electrifying as the cars themselves.

At Bridge Studio, we’re experts in crafting experiences that people love to use. Here’s what EV companies can learn from the fintech playbook—and how those lessons can supercharge your UX design.

So What Can EV car companies can learn from fintech UX?

1. Onboarding: Roll Out the Red Carpet

Fintech apps are onboarding wizards. They take what should be a bureaucratic slog (hello, financial paperwork) and turn it into an easy, dare we say, pleasant experience. EV interfaces should do the same.

• Customisation on Day One: Your EV’s interface should greet new users like a well-trained concierge. Pre-set preferences based on quick questions, and let them hit the road with minimal fuss.

• Interactive Tutorials: Why make someone guess how to adjust regenerative braking or find charging stations? A quick walkthrough does wonders.

2. Transparency: Keep It Crystal Clear

Money and range anxiety have a lot in common—they both make people panic when things get vague. Fintech has mastered the art of simplifying complex data, and EV companies need to do the same.

• No-Nonsense Dashboards: Present key info like range, charging times, and energy consumption in a clean, digestible format. Bonus points for a touch of visual flair.

• Proactive Updates: Send helpful alerts like “Charging station nearby” or “Optimal time to charge” without sounding like a nag.

Keeping it clear and simple leads nicely into our next point about not distracting the driver's attention too much from the road.

3. Keep It Hands-Free and Distraction-Free

Fintech apps know when to deliver information and, more importantly, when not to. They streamline interactions so users can focus on what matters. EV interfaces need to do the same for drivers—especially while they’re on the road.

• Minimalist Driving Displays: Highlight only the essentials during active driving—speed, navigation, and critical alerts—using clean visuals that don’t overwhelm.

• Voice-First Design: Just as fintech apps use voice assistants for hands-free banking, EV systems should adopt voice-activated controls for key features, like adjusting climate settings or finding the nearest charging station.

• Smart Notifications: Save non-urgent alerts (like software updates or driving efficiency tips) for when the car is parked.

4. Mobile-First Thinking: Don’t Stop at the Dashboard

Much like fintech apps give users total control over their finances, EV apps should let drivers manage their cars anytime, anywhere. After all, the mobile is king these days.

• Remote Access Made Easy: Whether it’s preheating the car on a frosty morning or checking if it’s still plugged in, make these features effortless.

• One-Stop Shop: Create a hub for everything EV-related—charging schedules, service reminders, and even routes optimised for charging stops.

5. Security and Privacy: No Ifs, No Buts

Fintech thrives on trust—it’s hard to sell people on a money app if they think their data might end up in dodgy hands. EV companies face similar challenges as cars become more connected.

• Biometric Logins: Use the latest security features to keep user data safe and make accessing the app a breeze.

• Data Control: Be upfront about how you use driver data and give users the option to opt-out. Transparency builds loyalty.

5. Continuous Improvement: Stay Ahead of the Curve

Fintech apps don’t just launch and leave. They iterate, optimise, and innovate constantly. EV companies should adopt this mindset too.

• Regular Software Updates: Keep interfaces fresh and functional with over-the-air updates that add new features and improve performance.

• Listen and Learn: Actively gather feedback from drivers and use it to refine the experience.

6. Security and Privacy: No Ifs, No Buts

Fintech thrives on trust—it’s hard to sell people on a money app if they think their data might end up in dodgy hands. EV companies face similar challenges as cars become more connected.

• Biometric Logins: Use the latest security features to keep user data safe and make accessing the app a breeze.

• Data Control: Be upfront about how you use driver data and give users the option to opt-out. Transparency builds loyalty.

7. Gamification: Make Driving Fun Again

Fintech knows how to sprinkle a little fun into functional tasks, like saving money or paying off debt. EV interfaces could use a similar dash of excitement.

• Eco Challenges: Reward users for efficient driving with badges or leaderboards. Who wouldn’t want to be crowned the “Greenest Driver of the Week”?

• Milestone Celebrations: Did someone just drive 10,000 miles on renewable energy? Celebrate it with a bit of digital fanfare.

The EV UX Revolution Starts Here

Will EV car companies can learn from fintech UX?

Fintech didn’t just make managing money easier—it turned it into a delightfully intuitive experience. EV companies have the same opportunity to elevate the way people interact with their vehicles. A seamless, engaging interface isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s what will set your brand apart in a crowded market.

At Bridge Studio, we specialise in creating user experiences that drive loyalty and delight. Whether you’re working on in-car dashboards, mobile apps, or charging station integrations, we’ll help you create designs that resonate.

Ready to build the future of EV UX? Let’s chat.