TECHNOLOGY

How to Choose TFT Display Size for EV Charging Stations (Home vs Public Chargers)

Choosing the right TFT display size for EV charging stations is a critical engineering decision that directly impacts user experience, system performance, and HMI usability in both home and public charging environments.

Beyond size selection, the display also influences system integration, operational reliability, and the overall interaction experience of EV charging systems.

This guide explains how to choose the optimal TFT display size for EV charging stations, ranging from 4.3” compact home chargers to 21.5” public charging kiosks, based on real-world application requirements.

 

Why TFT Displays Are Essential in EV Charging Stations

The TFT display is the primary human-machine interface (HMI) in EV charging systems. It directly affects how users interact with the charger and how information is presented.

Key functions include:

  • Charging status visualization (charging / standby / fault)
  • User authentication (QR code, RFID, mobile app integration)
  • Payment interface and transaction flow
  • Real-time power and energy monitoring
  • System alerts and maintenance notifications
  • Branding and advertising display (in public stations)

In outdoor environments, the display must also ensure sunlight readability, long-term reliability, and stable operation under harsh conditions.

 

Home vs Public EV Charging: Key Application Differences

Key Application Differences

Home EV Charger

Public & Commercial EV Charging Stations

Typical environments

  • Residential garages
  • Private parking spaces
  • Apartment communities
  • Shopping malls 
  • Office buildings 
  • Public parking areas 
  • Highway service stations 

Key characteristics

  • Fixed users (owners or family members)
  • Repetitive and simple operation flow
  • Cost-sensitive system design
  • First-time or occasional users 
  • Need intuitive guided interaction 
  • Payment and authentication required 

Display requirements

  • Simple status interface
  • Compact size integration
  • Low power consumption
  • Optional or limited touch interaction
  • Clear step-by-step UI (scan → pay → charge) 
  • High brightness for outdoor visibility 
  • Multi-language support 
  • Real-time charging visualization 
  • Advertising and branding capability 

 

Design focus: simplicity, cost efficiency, and compact integration

Design focus: visibility, interaction, and revenue potential

 

 

Recommended TFT Display Solutions for EV Charging Systems

 

4.3” IPS TFT Display

  • Resolution: 480 × RGB × 272
  • Interface: RGB
  • Features: Cost-sensitive

Ideal for:

  • Home wallbox chargers
  • Residential EV charging points
  • Cost-sensitive compact systems

 

4.3” IPS TFT Display with PCAP

  • Resolution: 480 × RGB × 272
  • Interface: RGB
  • Features: PCAP touch, high brightness, wide temperature range

Ideal for:

  • Home wallbox chargers
  • Residential EV charging points
  • Compact HMI control panels

 

5.0” IPS TFT Display with PCAP

  • Resolution: 800 × RGB × 480
  • Interface: LVDS
  • Features: High brightness, 50,000 hours LED lifetime

Ideal for:

  • Smart home charging systems
  • Semi-public charging stations
  • Compact interactive interfaces

 

7.0” TN TFT Display

  • Resolution: 800 × RGB × 480
  • Interface: RGB / LVDS
  • Features: High brightness, Wide temperature support, IK08 cover lens option

Ideal for:

  • Public AC charging stations
  • Parking lot chargers
  • Outdoor wall-mounted chargers

 

 

10.1” IPS TFT Display with PCAP 

  • Resolution: 1024 × RGB × 600
  • Interface: RGB / LVDS / HDMI
  • Features: High brightness options, flexible system integration

Ideal for:

  • Commercial EV charging kiosks
  • Payment-integrated terminals
  • Multi-function energy systems

 

21.5” IPS TFT Display

  • Resolution: 1920 × RGB × 1080
  • Interface: LVDS
  • Features: High brightness available, large-format interactive display

Ideal for:

  • Highway fast charging stations
  • EV charging hubs
  • Fleet charging depots
  • Advertising-enabled charging kiosks

 

Key Technical Requirements for EV Charging Displays

High Brightness for Outdoor Visibility

Outdoor EV charging stations typically require 800–1500 nits brightness to ensure clear visibility under direct sunlight.

Industrial Reliability for 24/7 Operation

EV charging displays must support:

  • Wide operating temperature environments
  • Continuous 24/7 usage
  • Shock and vibration resistance
  • Long lifetime backlight performance

Capacitive Touch Performance (PCAP)

PCAP touch enables:

  • Fast user interaction
  • Multi-step payment and authentication flows
  • Intuitive UI navigation
  • Better durability compared to resistive solutions
  • Gloves-friendly operation support (project dependent)

Flexible Interface Integration

Common interface options include:

  • RGB
  • LVDS
  • HDMI
  • MIPI (depending on system architecture)

 

Designing the Future of EV Charging HMI

As EV infrastructure continues to expand globally, the TFT display is becoming a key differentiator in system usability and commercial value.

  • Smaller displays optimize cost for home charging applications
  • Larger displays enable user interaction, advertising, and revenue generation in public infrastructure

From 4.3-inch compact modules to 21.5-inch interactive kiosks, selecting the right TFT display ensures both performance and scalability for future EV charging systems.

 

Need Custom TFT Displays for EV Charging Projects?

As a professional TFT display manufacturer, we provide a full range of solutions for EV charging applications:

  • Standard sizes from 4.3” to 21.5”
  • High brightness solutions for outdoor environments
  • Multiple interface options (RGB / LVDS / HDMI / MIPI)
  • Industrial-grade reliability for long-term operation
  • Custom PCAP and cover lens integration

 

Contact us today to discuss your EV charging display requirements.

📩 Email: sales@dlcdisplay.com