EV Charging Station Locations Apps PlugShare vs ChargeMap vs NextCharge ... and 11 more
Edited by Jay, VC, Maria Quinney
Electric vehicles or, EVs are becoming more popular as the world is looking to reduce its use of fossil fuels. Most industrialized countries (cough-cough, most...), all agree that a collective effort is immediately required by EVERYONE to help reduce the world's dependence on environment stressing, carbon-based fossil fuels and pollutants.
With a rise in EV usage, the need for organized apps that help users find charging stations is also growing. Although there are thousands of EV plug-in stations throughout the world, finding them while on-the-go can sometimes be challenging.
Below we discuss a variety of apps that are all designed to help EV owners locate public and semi-public charging stations. Please keep in mind that a lot of the EV charge locator apps below are relatively new, and as such, may not have a lot of ratings/reviews. Because of this, we encourage you to test out as many as you can and to leave feedback when possible.
Method 1: PlugShare
PlugShare is one of the most trusted and used EV charging station locator apps worldwide.
With 90,000+ plug stations covering the largest EV networks in both the US and Europe, PlugShare comprises the largest community of electric vehicle drivers in the world.
- 1Maps & NavigationType.
- 2Features.
- Easily pay for charging directly with your device.
- Filter station results by electric vehicle compatibility.
- 400,000+ user reviews.
- PlugScore™ ratings give users detailed station reviews, ratings and photos.
- Pay for charging directly through your phone.
- Quickly add new stations as you find them.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 2: ChargeMap
ChargeMap for Android and iOS is a helpful app for EV drivers with 135,000+ plug locations across Europe.
ChargeMap users have contributed over 100,000 images, and posted thousands of comments about various charge stations covered by ChargeMaps.
- 1Maps & NavigationType.
- 1Features.
- Fluid and easy-to-use interface.
- Easily save preferred locations.
- Check plug availability in real-time (most locations).
- Compatible with a ChargeMap Pass.
- 2Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 3
Method 3: NextCharge
NextCharge by Go Electric Stations is a comprehensive charge point location app that covers 100,000+ locations.
With two easy-to-view modes, map or list, NextCharge makes navigating smooth and effortless.
- 1Maps & NavigationType.
- 1Features.
- Quickly find charge points in your vicinity.
- See reviews, availability, and itinerary.
- Add new locations with easy button format.
- Supports four languages; English, French, Spanish and Italian.
- 2Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 3
Method 4: EV & Tesla Charging Stations
The EV & Tesla Charging Stations mobile app is a great tool for US and Canadian based EV owners.
In addition to an intuitive and smooth user interface, this app provides users with information on surrounding amenities to help pass the time while their EV's charge up.
- 1Maps & NavigationType.
- Covers over 40,000 EV charging locations across Canada & the US.
- Rate and add comments to plug locations you visit.
- Supports color-coded, real-time availability on the following EV charging networks; Blink, Hydro Quebec's Circuit Electrique, Chargepoint, and AddEnergy ReseauVER.
- View traffic conditions on routes to and around charge stations.
- 2Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 3Download/Install.
- The EV & Tesla Charging Stations app can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
Method 5: ChargePoint - Find EV Charging
ChargePoint is another widely used EV charge station app that allows Android users to tap their devices to begin charging.
Users can see up-to-day information on thousands of plug locations, all in real-time on an interactive map.
- 1Maps & NavigationType.
- 1Features.
- Smart search locates charge plugs closest to you.
- Create a favorite list of charge spots for quick access in the future.
- User can receive real-time notifications on the status of their charge.
- With selected devices, users can tap their phone at a location to begin charging.
- Satellite view available.
- 2Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 3
Method 6: Azra Resea
Azra Resea invites users to join one of the largest private networks of fast-charging EV stations in Canada.
With a strong ideology in EV technology as a means to a greener future, Azra Resea takes pride in the fact that each member contributes to a cleaner world.
- 1Maps & NavigationType.
- 2Features.
- View on a map station availability on various networks near you.
- Safely and securely transfer funds and view transaction history.
- Get notifications upon charge completion.
- Save all your favorite locations.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 7: Zap-Map - EV charging points UK
Zap-Map by Next Green Car is a great tool for UK EV owners to pinpoint charging stations with ease and precision.
Supporting over 400 locations and 6000 devices, Zap-Map displays information on both larger and smaller EV plug networks across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
- 1Maps & NavigationType.
- 2Features.
- 4000+ stations, 6000+ devices and 12,000+ connectors.
- Detailed information on; network, location, charging power, connector type, pricing, etc.
- Easily navigate to locations with Google Maps integration.
- Dynamic network availability status supported for the GeniePoint and POLAR network (more coming).
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 8: e-kWh
Another handy mobile app for European EV owners, e-kWh can quickly locate thousands of public and semi-public charging stations.
Users can activate a station using SMS verification via the app, to enable quicker transactions.
- 1Maps & NavigationType.
- 2Features.
- See the next available station closest to your location.
- Interactive and dynamic map of thousands of charging stations.
- Easy hassle-free billing.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 9: Superchargers For Tesla
Superchargers For Tesla is the mobile app that connects users with a dynamic database of worldwide Superchargers.
Aggregating its info from SuperCharge.info, the app adds some nice mobile-optimized features for the savvy EV owner.
- 1TravelType.
- 2Features.
- Variable range circles inform users on how far they are from each Supercharger.
- Detailed status updates; see availability and number of free charge stalls.
- View photos of locations and surrounding taken by other users.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 10: Alternative Fueling Stations
The Alternative Fueling Stations mobile app helps users locate non-traditional fuel source stations, directly from their mobile device.
Find stations by current location, or perform a custom search to extend the results radius.
- 1Maps & NavigationsType.
- 2Features.
- Locates stations that offer; electricity, natural gas, ethanol (E85), propane, hydrogen, and biodiesel.
- View stations in either map or list view.
- See location information; phone number, address, hours, accepted payment, etc.
- App collects data from the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4Download/Install.
- The Alternative Fueling Stations app can be downloaded from Google Play and iTunes.
Method 11: EV Stations Hawaii
EV Stations Hawaii by NIN Inc is a mobile optimized tool for finding available EV charging stations on the four major Hawaiian islands.
Hoping to alleviate the anxiety of EV distance challenges, EV Stations Hawaii gives users a real-time tool to ensure they can always locate a charging station.
- 1Maps & NavigationType.
- 2Features.
- Locate stations nearest you or do a map or keyword search.
- Search for charge station on all four major islands; Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 12: LEAF EZ-Charge
Powered by PlugShare, LEAF EZ-Charge accurately locates public EV charge stations by network and charger type.
Users can quickly find plug stations that deliver up to an 80% charge in 30 minutes, with a few swipes and taps.
- 1Maps & NavigationType.
- 1Features.
- Simple to setup route planner to get to charge locations with ease.
- Stay up-to-date with new charge stations near you.
- Browse reviews, rating and images of charge sites.
- 2Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 3
Method 13: Open Charge Map
Open Charge Map by Webprofusion provides users with an extensive registry of public EV charging stations around the world.
Based on the open source project, openchargemap.org, all information shared by users is publicly available and fully transparent.
- 1Maps & NavigationType.
- 2Features.
- Easy user interface with built-in Google Maps.
- Create favorite locations for future visits.
- Search locations via satellite view.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 14: EV APP - Electric Vehicle Charging Controller
This particular app is designed for users to control their personal charging stations remotely, from anywhere with their iPhone or iPad.
MAGNUM CAP's EV APP gives users total control of their EVs charging system with useful operational settings and features.
- 1BusinessType.
- 2Features.
- Real-time controls of charging/discharging.
- Schedule automatic charge operations in advance.
- Get detailed data reports on various variables such as charge/discharge speeds.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Although still in its infancy, EVs are a huge step in the right direction of moving away from non-renewable energy sources. Mobile apps that locate charging stations are a huge plus for EV owners, as traveling long distances is an ongoing challenge and can deter people from making the change.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
