Inspiration
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, we saw the need for a tool that simplifies journey planning for EV drivers. Our goal was to create a solution that not only calculates optimal routes based on vehicle model and destination but also identifies nearby charging stations along the way.
What it does
uOCars is a route planner designed specifically for EVs. It takes into account factors such as vehicle model, battery life, and destination to provide users with accurate estimations of their journey duration and the optimal times to charge their vehicles. Additionally, it locates nearby charging stations to ensure a seamless travel experience.
How we built it
We built uOCars using a combination of Django for the backend logic and JavaScript for the frontend interface. We integrated Google Places API to identify charging stations along the route and implemented algorithms to calculate battery life and charging requirements based on the user's input.
Challenges we ran into
Google Places API Integration: Difficulty integrating the Google Places API to retrieve data about charging stations efficiently.
Client Input Retrieval (POST Method): Spent significant time retrieving client input for the POST method, indicating challenges in data submission and processing.
Battery Life Prediction: Struggled with accurately predicting battery life, indicating challenges in modeling and forecasting battery usage.
Optimal Charging Time Determination: Faced difficulties in determining the best charging times based on various factors, highlighting challenges in optimization and decision-making algorithms.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud to have developed a functional and user-friendly tool that addresses a real need in the EV community. Our solution not only provides valuable information to users but also promotes sustainability by encouraging the use of electric vehicles.
What we learned
Throughout the development process, we gained valuable insights into EV technology, route planning algorithms, and API integration. We also improved our skills in frontend and backend development, as well as project management and interdepartmental teamwork.
What's next for uOCars
In the future, we plan to further enhance uOCars by incorporating advanced features such as real-time traffic updates, EV charging station availability, and integration with smart navigation systems. We also aim to expand our coverage to include more regions and support additional EV models. Overall, our goal is to continue improving the user experience and making electric vehicle travel more accessible and convenient for everyone.
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