5 EV Charging Apps You Need on Your Phone
Purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is a different experience. For starters, you’ll never need to worry about high gas prices or wait in line to pump gas. But if you do own an electric car, SUV, or pickup truck? You may be wondering where to charge your electric vehicle when you’re not at home. This is where you may find EV charging apps helpful.
Surprisingly, many EVs can travel long distances. And as EV battery technology improves, you can expect to travel even longer on a single charge. However, you’ll still want to know where to charge your EV before you head out on your next road trip. Fortunately, Kelley Blue Book listed five popular EV charging apps and the ones you’ll want to keep installed on your Android or Apple smartphone.
1. PlugShare
PlugShare is an app that will help you find EV charging stations nearby, and while you’re out of town. This app features over 600,000 EV charging stations across multiple networks, including Tesla Superchargers. You can filter by plug type, too, which is extremely helpful. In addition, this EV charging app provides users with real-time availability.
Other useful features? PlugShare allows you to plan your roadtrip by bookmarking specific locations on your route. The EV charging app also provides live updates and charging tips from other app users.
2. ChargePoint
ChargePoint is another highly rated EV charging app. It has over 163,000 activated ports, reports Kelley Blue Book, and allows app users to charge their EV at stations from other major networks, including FLO and EVg.
Those aren’t the only benefits to using the ChargePoint app, however. In fact, according to Kelley Blue Book, this app also provides advice from other users about charging stations you can stop at while en route. It also gives you the ability to schedule charging and track usage.
3. Electrify America
Electrify America focuses on Level 3 DC fast chargers. Although it’s not rated as highly as the apps above, it’s a mobile app that’s continuing to improve. Electrify America is also a growing network, and the company plans on building luxury charging stations in the near future, says Kelley Blue Book.
However, there is one thing to keep in mind if you use this app. If you are a Tesla owner, you will need an adapter to charge at an Electrify America charging station.
4. EVgo
If you’re interested in an EV charging app that allows you to reserve a charger ahead of time, then EVgo just might be the perfect EV charging app for you. Not only does EVgo allow you to reserve a charger ahead of time, you can also use the app to filter your criteria by connector and charger type. You can also filter by specific location, which is useful when traveling.
5. Volta
Volta has the largest network of free EV chargers in the United States, reports Kelley Blue Book. Download the EV charging app, and you can use it to locate chargers at various types of businesses, ranging from shopping malls to grocery stores.
“In most cases, free charging is allowed for up to two hours, but you can pay for additional time, too. The app also provides directions to the charger from the app and allows you to report any issues,” Kelley Blue Book added.
Which app should I download to find EV charging stations?
It all depends on your overall preferences. You can’t go wrong with any of the apps listed above, but PlugShare does cover all types of charging stations instead of one specific brand. It’s not a bad idea to download a few and try them out yourself. That way, you can better understand the functionality of each app and determine which is the best EV charging app for you.
