Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 2025-12-18

ChargeHiveEV ("ChargeHiveEV", "we", "us", "our") is a subscription-based mobile and web application operated by Lotus Scientific Solutions. ChargeHiveEV acts as a technology platform that enables electric vehicle ("EV") users to discover, connect, and interact with other EV users who voluntarily share access to their private or home EV charging points.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how your information is collected, used, stored, and shared.

This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your data when you use the ChargeHiveEV platform.

1. Scope of This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to:

• The ChargeHiveEV mobile application
• The ChargeHiveEV website (if applicable)
• All related services, features, subscriptions, and communications

By accessing or using ChargeHiveEV, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2. Nature of Our Platform (Important)

ChargeHiveEV is:

• A host-to-guest discovery and connection platform
• A subscription-based service (for access to platform features)
• Not a payment processor for charging sessions
• Not an EV charging service provider
• Not responsible for charging outcomes, pricing disputes, damages, or safety issues

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide Directly

A. Account Information

• Full name
• Email address
• Mobile phone number
• Password (stored securely in encrypted/hashed form)
• User role (Host / Guest / Master)
• Subscription plan details (if applicable)

B. Profile Information

• Profile photo (optional)
• City and general location (not precise address unless shared by the host)
• EV details (vehicle type, connector type — optional)
• Host charger details (power rating, connector type, availability)

C. Host-Specific Information

• Charger location (approximate, map-based)
• Availability hours
• Pricing set by the host
• Charger photos (optional)
• Pause/activate status

Optional Payment Details (UPI ID):

• Hosts may choose to provide a UPI ID for convenience.
• UPI IDs are shared only for the purpose of direct host-to-guest payment coordination.
• ChargeHiveEV does not initiate or verify UPI payments.

D. Guest-Specific Information

• Booking requests
• Session start/end confirmations
• Ratings and reviews (if submitted)

3.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use ChargeHiveEV, we may automatically collect:

• Device information (model, OS version)
• App usage logs
• IP address
• Approximate location (city-level)
• Date and time of access
• Crash and error logs
• Interaction data (features used, screens visited)

This data helps us improve app performance, security, and user experience.

4. Subscriptions & Billing Information

ChargeHiveEV may collect subscription fees for access to platform features. We may collect and store:

• Subscription plan selected
• Subscription start/end dates
• Subscription status (active/expired)
• Payment confirmation status from third-party app stores or payment gateways (e.g., Google Play Billing)

5. Information We Do NOT Collect

To be clear, ChargeHiveEV does not collect:

• Credit/debit card details for charging sessions
• Bank account credentials for charging sessions
• Electricity billing data
• Charging energy usage data (unless introduced later with user consent)
• Government ID numbers (unless required later for verification and only with explicit consent)

6. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Create and manage user accounts
• Provide subscription-based access to features
• Display hosts and chargers on the platform
• Enable booking requests and session tracking
• Facilitate host-guest communication and coordination
• Display pricing set by hosts
• Maintain ratings and reviews
• Improve platform performance and security
• Detect fraud, misuse, or harmful activity
• Provide customer support
• Send service-related notifications
• Comply with legal obligations

7. Payments Between Hosts and Guests (Important)

8. Reviews & Ratings

• Users may submit ratings and reviews after sessions
• Reviews may be publicly visible
• We reserve the right to remove abusive, fake, or misleading reviews
• Reviews do not represent the views of ChargeHiveEV

9. Host Availability & Booking Controls

• Hosts may accept or reject booking requests
• Hosts can set availability hours
• Hosts may pause or activate chargers at any time

These controls are managed through the platform but executed at the host's discretion.

10. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We may share information only in the following cases:

10.1 With Other Users

We may share limited information between hosts and guests to enable bookings, including:

• Profile name
• Ratings/reviews
• Charger listing details
• Pricing and availability
• Host-provided contact/payment details (such as UPI ID) only if the host chooses to share it

10.2 With Service Providers

We may share data with trusted service providers such as:

• Cloud hosting providers
• Analytics tools
• Crash reporting services

All such providers are bound by confidentiality and security obligations.

10.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by:

• Indian law
• Court orders
• Government authorities
• Law enforcement agencies

11. App Permissions (Location, Camera, Notifications)

ChargeHiveEV may request the following permissions depending on features used:

• Location: to show nearby EV charging hosts and improve search accuracy
• Camera (optional): to upload profile images or charger photos
• Notifications (optional): to send booking updates and important alerts

You can control permissions through your device settings.

12. Data Storage & Security

• Data is stored on secure servers
• Access is restricted and monitored
• Encryption is used where applicable
• Regular security updates are performed

13. Data Retention

We retain personal data:

• As long as your account is active
• As required to provide services
• As required to fulfill legal or regulatory obligations
• For analytics and improvement (anonymized where possible)

You may request deletion of your account subject to applicable laws.

14. User Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Update or correct information
• Request account deletion
• Withdraw consent (where applicable)
• Opt out of non-essential communications

Requests can be made via our support channels.

15. Account Deletion

You may request account deletion by:

• Using the in-app account deletion option (if available), or
• Emailing us at lotussolutions46@gmail.com with your registered phone number/email

Upon verification, we will delete or anonymize your data where legally permitted.

16. Children's Privacy

ChargeHiveEV is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect data from minors.

17. Third-Party Links & Services

The app may contain links to third-party services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

18. Platform Role Disclaimer

ChargeHiveEV:

• Does not own or operate chargers
• Does not provide EV charging services
• Does not guarantee availability, safety, or performance
• Does not process host-guest charging payments
• Is strictly a technology platform to enable discovery and connection

19. Changes to This Privacy Policy

• We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
• Changes will be posted in the app or website.
• Continued use implies acceptance of the updated policy.

20. Contact Information

For privacy-related queries: