2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The goal of this project is to develop an interactive, immersive virtual reality (VR) training module for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that will enhance user comprehension and safety procedures. After parking their car close to a virtual charging station, users are guided through a series of instructions that are shown on the EV charging monitor. These pre-charging guidelines make sure that customers secure their car, turn off the ignition, and connect the charging cable correctly, among other correct practices. The monitor changes to provide crucial safety instructions and real-time charging progress as soon as the connection is attached. Using VR controllers, users may interact with the charging port and cable, getting visual feedback to guarantee correct handling and connection.
The dynamic charging capabilities simulate the charging procedure by providing real-time percentage updates on the display and looping safety notifications to keep the user aware. By accurately simulating the charging cable's behavior, realistic physics enhances immersion and hands-on instruction. Users are directed to unplug the cable and instructed to put it back in its place once the charging process is completed.
This project's technological implementation consists of the Oculus Interaction Toolkit for controller-based interaction, Autodesk Maya for 3D modeling, and Unity for VR interaction and environment integration. To ensure compatibility and peak performance, the VR application is installed on Meta Quest devices with Android Build Support. Future development plans call for adding several charging units, changing the surroundings to mimic outdoor charging stations, and incorporating failure modes to mimic typical user mistakes such as improper cable connections and power outages.
This dynamic and engaging virtual reality module provides a risk-free, useful means of instruction that reinforces safety procedures while assisting users in gaining critical skills in EV charging procedures. This project has the potential to improve EV user training and encourage safe charging habits in public and private places by simulating real-world settings and typical problems.
Keywords: Virtual Reality (VR), Electric Vehicle (EV), Immersive Training, Dynamic User Guidance, Safety Instructions