It was recently announced that Waze has added a feature that will save the day for all EV drivers! Users are now able to find charging stations along their drive that suit your EV. All you need to do is share your car make and model with Google and Waze will show you chargepoints compatible with that make and model.
This got us thinking what are, in our opinion the Top 10 apps that every EV driver should consider downloading. In this blog we have given you our picks for everything from charging, parking, cost comparison and travel.
We’ve briefly outlined what each app does, the cost and it’s current rating on the App Store.
Just Park
Not only does this app allow users to find car park spaces, they can also rent out their driveway and EV charger. Doing this enables them to generate additional cash and help neighbours out who don’t have access to a driveway.
Drivers find that using Just Park can save them both time and money. This prevents them from having to find an empty space in a public car park. When using the Just Park app, you can book your space in advance.
Cost – Free
Use – Charging / Parking
App Store Rating – 4.8
Zap-Map
Enables drivers to find public chargepoints that can be searched through a wide range of filters such as connector types, size of charger and payment type. Zap-Map also provides a real time update on whether chargepoints are being occupied or not.
If you choose a paid subscription, you have the opportunity to integrate the app with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This makes it much easier and safer to find a free chargepoint whilst out on a long journey.
Cost – Free (Plus and Premium subscriptions available at £4.99 or £7.99 per month)
Use – Charging / Navigation
App Store Rating – 4.6
Waze
A very popular navigating app that is now even more popular amongst EV drivers with the charging station integration. Waze is a community driven data facility that relies on users to provide real time updates on traffic conditions.
Waze supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and if you drive a Tesla, the Tesla Waze interface can be used on the display unit within the car.
Cost – Free
Use – Navigation
App Store Rating – 4.8
BP Pulse
One of the most common public charging apps that gives you access to over 8,000 points across the UK. The newest version of this app enables you to initiate a charge on the app (subscription member only) and members get free access to many BP chargepoints.
This app is very user-friendly and it allows the customer to top up their credit whilst their vehicle is charging.
Cost – Free (subscription available at £7.85 per month)
Use – Charging
App Store Rating – 4.5
Pod Point
Another common chargepoint app due to the number of public Pod Point chargepoints there are across the country. This app enables users to easily top up their account using Apple Pay for example to ensure you can quickly initiate a charge as soon as you park up at a point.
Very user friendly that records, all previous charging sessions and at what location as well as enabling you to input your vehicle information to provide accurate data.
Cost – Free
Use – Charging
App Store Rating – 3.1
PlugShare
One of the easiest EV apps to use and why it’s so highly regarded. The World’s largest EV driver community app that gives you information on chargepoints across many different countries. Data is community led, therefore accurate reviews and information is provided by those that uses them.
The enhanced filtering option within the app allows a driver to find the exact chargepoint to suit their vehicle and there is an option to search by in-use stations and locations that require payment.
Cost – Free
Use – Charging
App Store Rating – 4.6
EV8 Switch
This app is perfect for those that are considering making the switch to an electric car. This app will help you decide if an EV is right for you. Simply tell the app about your current car and sign up to the service, the app will monitor your driving habits for 14 days before informing you how much money and how much better it will be for the environment if you switched to an EV.
Cost – Free
Use – Review
App Store Rating – 3.1
Optiwatt
A great app for EV drivers who are looking to save money whilst charging your car. The app will automatically schedule charging when electricity rates are lowest, such as during off-peak hours to ensure your car is charged at the cheapest price possible.
The advanced features on Optiwatt allow you to set up planned departures and ideal battery levels, as well as an option to precondition your car prior to setting off.
Cost – Free
Use – Navigation
App Store Rating – 4.1
A Better Route Planner (ABRP)
A navigation app that specialises in journey planning for EV drivers. By telling the app about your car, the starting state of charge and charging stop frequency, a route will be calculated to inform you when you must stop and how long you will need to stop to get your car charged to the level you need to be at.
The premium version enables Apple CarPlay / Android Auto integration and real-time traffic updates. A very handy app for long journeys to places you aren’t familiar with.
Cost – Free (Premium subscription available at £4.24 per month)
Use – Navigation
App Store Rating – 3.2
Octopus Electroverse
This app has the purpose of trying to simplify electric vehicle charging for everyone. Drivers have access to a wide range of chargepoints throughout the UK.
The app allows you to find local chargers that work with Octopus, but you are able to see ones that aren’t partnered with them yet. The search features allow you to select chargepoints based on charging speeds, networks and socket types.
Cost – Free
Use – Charging
App Store Rating – 4.7
Comments