The best EV charging app shows you working chargers near you, plans charging stops on longer journeys and lets you start a session without hassle. Look at which networks it covers, whether drivers report broken chargers and how it handles payment. Nine apps follow in no particular order, plus tips for stress-free road trips.
Public charging's still the part of owning an electric car that worries people most. Chargers sit on different networks, some need their own app, and nothing's more frustrating than arriving at one that's broken. The right app, or pair of apps, removes most of that worry.
The nine apps below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, from community maps to network apps and route planners. Each description comes from the app's own website or store listing, re-checked today. If your car has built-in navigation, my notes on the MBUX maps update show how in-car maps are catching up.
EV charging apps compared
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own site or store listing describes a free app, Trial only means a time-limited trial and No means neither is stated. The apps are free to use, but charging itself is charged by each network.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Better Routeplanner | EV route planner | Long trips with charging stops | Yes |
| ChargeHub | Charging map | North American charger map | Yes |
| Chargemap | Charging map and pass | Charging across Europe | Yes |
| ChargePoint | Network app | Charging at a large network | Yes |
| Electroverse | Roaming charge card app | One card for many networks | Yes |
| PlugShare | Community charger map | Recent check-ins from drivers | Yes |
| Pod Point | Network app | Supermarket and home charging | Yes |
| Shell Recharge | Network app | Rapid charging at forecourts | Yes |
| Zapmap | UK charger map | Live UK charger status | Yes |
Nine EV charging apps
A Better Routeplanner
Best for: Drivers planning long journeys who want charging stops worked out from their car model and battery level.
ChargeHub
Best for: Motorists in the US and Canada who want a map of public chargers with filters by plug type and network.
Chargemap
Best for: Holidaymakers touring France and the rest of Europe who want a community map and one charge pass for many networks.
ChargePoint
Best for: Commuters who regularly use this network's chargers at work, shops or apartment blocks and want to start sessions from the phone.
Electroverse
Best for: Octopus customers and others who want one app and card to charge on a long list of networks, whoever supplies their home energy.
PlugShare
Best for: Road-trippers who want recent check-ins and photos from other drivers before relying on a charger.
Pod Point
Best for: Shoppers who charge at supermarket car parks on this network or have its charger installed at home.
Shell Recharge
Best for: Drivers who like rapid charging at fuel station forecourts with shops and toilets on hand.
Zapmap
Best for: British motorists who want live status for most public chargers in the country and a route planner built for UK roads.
In the UK, contactless is now the rule
Many drivers download app after app because they assume they have to. GOV.UK guidance on the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 says new public charge points of 8kW and above and existing charge points of 50kW and above must offer contactless, so you can pay without an app or a contract.
What that means for you: in the UK, an app is more about finding and checking chargers than paying. For rapid chargers, a bank card often works, so you don't need an account with every network you might use.
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Maps, network apps and route planners
Community maps cover chargers from many networks and show recent check-ins from drivers, which is the best way to spot a broken unit before you arrive. Network apps let you start and pay for sessions on one company's chargers, often with member deals. Route planners work out where to stop on a long trip based on your car, battery level and the weather.
Most drivers use a map for finding, a route planner for long journeys and one or two network apps they'll use regularly. You don't need them all.
Planning an EV road trip
- Plan stops with a route planner before you set off.
- Check recent driver check-ins for each planned charger.
- Pick a backup charger near each stop.
- Arrive with some charge left rather than running close to empty.
- Charge to a sensible level on rapid chargers rather than full.
- Keep a bank card handy for contactless chargers.
Charging etiquette worth knowing
- Move once you're done. Others may be waiting.
- Report broken chargers. Your check-in helps the next driver.
- Don't block a bay. Only park in a charging space while charging.
- Tidy the cable. Leave it hung up for the next person.
Home charging and the rest of your motoring
Charging apps show each network's session terms, which are worth comparing on routes you drive often. If you've got a driveway, charging at home overnight is usually the easiest option, and you'll rarely need a public charger for local trips. If you still run a petrol car too, my review of whether GasBuddy is legit covers the fuel side.
Do you make an EV charging app? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing EV charging apps
Start with one map app that covers lots of networks, then add the network apps for the chargers you pass most often. That combination covers nearly every journey without filling your phone with logins you never use.
For long trips, a route planner earns its place, because it does the battery maths for you and suggests backups. And always read the latest check-ins before you rely on a charger; a few seconds of checking saves a lot of waiting, and you won't be stuck at a dead charger.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app for EV charging?
Most drivers use a map app for finding chargers, a route planner for long trips and one or two network apps for regular stops.
Are EV charging apps free?
The apps are generally free; you pay the network for the electricity you use.
Do I need an app to charge an EV in the UK?
Not always. GOV.UK guidance says many public chargers must offer contactless, including new ones of 8kW and above and existing ones of 50kW and above.
How do I find a working charger?
Use a map app with recent check-ins from other drivers and pick a backup nearby.
Can an app plan charging stops?
Yes. Route planners suggest stops based on your car, battery level and route.
Should I charge to full on a rapid charger?
Usually not. Charging slows near the top, so stop at a sensible level and continue your trip.
