An OS for the Indian Commercial EV
I worked on designing a proprietary, Android-based infotainment OS tailored specifically for Euler Motors' commercial electric vehicles.
Knowing commercial EV drivers face high-pressure environments, we moved away from generic software to create an in-cabin experience that prioritized safety, comfort, and fleet efficiency.
What does Euler do?
Euler Motors is an Indian electric vehicle company dedicated to developing commercial cargo and passenger EVs, with a strong emphasis on advancing technology to drive sustainable mobility.
Role
Product Designer
Team
Mukul Dimiri (Design Manager)
Aalbin Benni (Product Designer)
The core challenge was ensuring this new system adapted seamlessly across various hardware models—from basic 7-inch displays to 12-inch screens with ADAS. Despite these variations, we successfully delivered a distinct "Euler" brand identity alongside intuitive, zero-learning-curve ergonomics.
Challenge
Designing for a vehicle is fundamentally different from designing a mobile app. The UI is fighting for the user's attention against the road, the weather, and the traffic.
We weren't just designing an interface; we were designing a physical interaction model. We had to account for:
Architectural Foundations & HMI Ergonomics
Before designing a single screen, we established strict ergonomic guidelines based on physical hardware constraints and the layout of an Indian Commercial Vehicle.
Before designing a single screen, we established strict ergonomic guidelines based on physical hardware constraints and the layout of an Indian Commercial Vehicle.
The Right-Hand Bias & Fat-Finger Architecture Because Indian drivers sit on the right, we inverted traditional software layouts. We anchored the most frequent interaction zones strictly to the right edge of the screen, closest to the steering wheel. To combat road vibrations, we established a strict minimum touch-target size and utilized high-contrast typography.
Information Architecture: Structuring the Ecosystem
With the physical rules set, we needed to organize a massive amount of vehicle data and applications without overwhelming the driver.
We conducted Interviews with fleet managers and drivers to map their mental models. The result was a flattened Information Architecture (IA) designed for maximum reachability. We categorized the OS into three distinct cognitive zones:
Vitals & Safety (Zero-Interaction)
ADAS warnings, TPMS, Battery, Speed. (Always visible, no tapping required).
Core Utility (1-Tap)
Maps, Phone, Charging, and Quick Settings. (Housed primarily in the Launcher).
Downtime (Multi-Tap)
Entertainment, Dashcam video exports, and deep vehicle calibrations. (Restricted while driving).
The Core Experience: The Adaptive Launcher
The Launcher is the heartbeat of the OS. Drivers spend 80% of their screen time here. Instead of forcing users to app-switch while driving, we designed a glanceable, 3-pane widget system.
For our flagship 12" models, we evolved this into a horizontally swappable, customizable widget ecosystem, giving power-users full control over their digital environment.
Solving Range Anxiety: Contextual Routing & Charging
For the newly introduced intercity logistics vehicle, the MVP was maximizing range and minimizing charging downtime. Range anxiety is the primary psychological barrier for commercial EV adoption.
Proactive Charging Infrastructure We moved away from making users "search" for chargers. Instead, the OS is spatially aware. When the battery drops, or the vehicle approaches a partnered charging zone, the launcher surfaces a contextual card detailing the offer.
Frictionless Payments We collaborated with charging networks to integrate RFID tap-and-pay directly linked through the infotainment system, creating a true "charge-and-go" aesthetic that dramatically reduced turnaround times for delivery drivers.
Downtime is Driver Time: EulerPlay
Commercial drivers spend a significant amount of time waiting—waiting for cargo to load, waiting in traffic, or waiting for a charge.
We introduced EulerPlay, a dedicated entertainment hub available only when the vehicle is safely parked. Featuring games, streaming apps (YouTube, JioHotstar), and company updates, this transformed the cabin from a mere workspace into a personal lounge. Psychologically, this feature shifted driver sentiment from viewing downtime as "lost time" to "recovery time," significantly boosting overall vehicle satisfaction.
Testing and iterating with feedback!
We got users to try these prototypes, observed how they used them, how they felt, and got tons of valuable feedback.
Key Results
• 42% Drop in UI Mis-Taps: By tracking rapid_successive_taps on bumpy roads, we validated our "fat-finger" architecture. Increasing touch-target sizes by 1.5x and forcing a right-hand bias tangibly reduced driver frustration.
• 91% Screen Time on Launcher: Session logs (screen_view) revealed drivers rarely open the app drawer. Putting Navigation, Vitals, and Quick Actions on the 3-pane surface drastically reduced cognitive load.
• 60% Reliance on Offline UI: Spikes in network_timeout events in dense industrial parks validated our offline-first map caching. Over half of daily navigation sessions successfully fell back to local data, preventing stranded drivers.
• 28% Spike in Feature Adoption: When we moved the intercity RFID Charging tool from a manual app to a contextual "Nearby Charger" pop-up on the Launcher, click-through rates (cta_navigate_clicked) immediately surged.
Have a nice day :)
Made with love in New Delhi, IN
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