Nanjing Ruifanda New Energy, a professional provider of automotive charging equipment, aimed to lead the competitive EV charger market. They partnered with LKK Design to develop a next-generation charging pile that would transcend basic functionality. The goal was to create a product that set a new benchmark for user experience, combining advanced technology with intuitive and elegant PRTDT charging pile design.

In a rapidly growing market, the primary objective was to transform the charging routine from a mundane task into a seamless and satisfying experience. The key requirements for the PRTDT charging pile design were:

• User-Centricity: Create an intuitive interface that minimizes steps and learning curves.

• Visual and Interactive Innovation: Develop a high-tech, aesthetically pleasing product with clear status communication.

• Technical Integration & Reliability: Seamlessly integrate multiple start-up methods within a robust mechanical structure.

• Market Leadership: Establish a distinctive and desirable product that would become a category leader.

Our human-centered design process ensured every aspect of the PRTDT charging pile design was purposeful and refined.

Design Research
Our team conducted in-depth research into the behaviors and pain points of EV owners. Key insights revealed frustrations with complicated operations, unclear charging status, and compatibility concerns. This led to our core design principles: Simplified Interaction, Clear Status Indication, and Universal Compatibility.

Industrial Design

• Expansive, Unified Interface: We designed a large, seamless display panel that provides comprehensive data at a glance, embodying a pure and futuristic aesthetic.

• Dynamic Ambient Lighting: A signature light ring at the base uses color and rhythm to intuitively communicate "standby," "charging," and "fault" statuses from a distance.

• Universal Compatibility: The form factor and internal architecture were designed to be compatible with 99% of EVs, featuring smart integrations like Tesla's one-touch lid opening.

Mechanical & Structural Design
The mechanical design focused on enabling the core promise of effortless interaction. We engineered four distinct, reliable charging initiation methods:

1. RFID Card Swipe: A familiar and secure tap-to-charge method.

2. QR Code Scan: Users connect to the station's Wi-Fi and scan to start, aligning with modern smartphone habits.

3. Contactless Auto-Charge: The pinnacle of convenience. After a one-time setup, the pile automatically recognizes the user's vehicle and begins charging upon approach—no action required.

4. Plug-and-Charge: When enabled, simply plugging in the gun initiates charging, offering the ultimate in streamlined operation.

Prototyping and Testing
We built multiple functional prototypes to validate our design.

• Functionality Testing: We rigorously tested all four start-up modes for speed, accuracy, and reliability under various conditions.

• Durability Testing: The charging gun, cable, and enclosure underwent extensive stress tests for plug cycles, wear-and-tear, and environmental resilience.

• User Experience (UX) Testing: With real users, we observed interactions with the prototypes, refining the UI, sounds, and physical feedback to ensure an intuitive and frustration-free experience.

The PRTDT Tianma Xing charging pile, born from this comprehensive design process, was met with immediate market acclaim. Its outstanding performance and sophisticated appearance resonated strongly with consumers. The product's success was definitively proven when it secured the #1 top-selling spot in the fast-charging pile category on Tmall.

This project exemplifies how LKK Design's integrated approach to PRTDT charging pile designcreates tangible business value. By fusing user-centric design with robust engineering, we delivered a product that is not only a commercial success but also a significant step forward in the EV charging experience.