Whether you’re using your sweet EV to commute, drive around town, or plan a road trip, there’s probably something always on your mind: keeping your battery juiced up.
Fortunately, there’s a whole range of apps that can help you locate charging stations — and even establish driving routes that fit them in along the way…
Free, convenient, and user-friendly, here’s our list of the best charging apps available today.
PlugShare
PlugShare helps you browse nearby charging stations, or bookmark them along a route with its built-in trip planner.
It also boasts a wide range of convenient features, including user reviews, station ratings, and real-time updates and availability. At some locations, you can even pay for charging using the app.
Joyously, it also works worldwide.
You can find the app here.
ChargeHub
ChargeHub lists all the charging stations in the US and Canada, offering advanced search features, filter options, and customizable notifications. For example, you can get an alert when a new public charging station opens in your area.
The app also allows you to find power points along your route via Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze.
If you opt in, you can also connect with other EV drivers through in-app messaging, allowing you to ask questions about a particular charging station.
Check it out here.
Chargeway
Chargeway uses a number and color-coded system to help EV drivers easily identify the charging station that best meets their needs.
The color scheme corresponds to the different charger connector types: green for CCS, blue for CHAdeMO, and red for Tesla.
The number system corresponds to the stations’ charging speed for a 64km or 321km range. The scale ranges from 1 to 6, with 1 indicating the longest and 6 the shortest charging time required.
Sadly, it’s only available in the US.
If it sounds like a good option, click here.
Open Charge Map
Unlike the previous apps, Open Charge Map is an open source project where users can search for and submit charging stations, ratings, photos, and information about locations.
You can find charging stations worldwide, filter by type of connector and speed, get driving directions to the power point of your choice, and plan your route based on availability.
Find more about it here.
A Better Route Planner
A Better Route Planner is another app that comes highly recommended.
First select your vehicle and enter your destination details. The app then provides you with a trip itinerary, with suggested charging points along the way.
With a $4.99/month-premium account you get additional features, such as the ability to share your routes and see past trips, weather forecast, traffic data, chargers’ peak times, and real-time availability.
Check it out here.
Some more sources to consider
Along with these apps, there are other ways EV owners can find a place to juice up their vehicles.
Individual charging station networks, such as EVgo and Electrify America, have their own apps to locate the companies’ chargers with real-time availability updates. Plus, you can pay for your charging within the app.
Almost all automotive brands also provide downloadable apps for their EV drivers, including Tesla, BMW, GM, Audi, Nissan, Ford, and Volvo.
Did you find this guide useful? Or use an app that wasn’t listed here? Let us know on Twitter.
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