Driving Smarter: Must Have Apps for Every Electric Vehicle Owner

Hey there, fellow EV owners! Whether you're a long-time electric vehicle owner or new to the electric world, having the right apps at your fingertips can make your EV experience smoother and more convenient. We're Ellena and Josh from @e.vantures, and we're here to help you discover the best apps for EV owners. From finding charging stations to optimising your routes and managing your home charging, we've got you covered.

EV Charging Apps

1. Zap-Map

• Cost: Free (with premium features available at an extra cost)
• Supports: Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (with premium)
• Overview: Zap-Map offers different subscription plans, but the free version provides all the basic information you need to locate public charging points. It allows you to view and filter charging stations by connector type, payment options, and availability. The app also facilitates payments at compatible charging stations.
• Pros: User-friendly, offers a wide range of filters, supports payment.
• Cons: Some premium features come at an additional cost.

2. PlugShare

• Cost: Free
• Supports: Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Overview: PlugShare is a globally popular EV charging app. It features a map that displays EV charging points worldwide and includes filters for connector type, payment options, and availability. You can also make payments at compatible charging stations.
• Pros: Extensive global coverage, user-friendly interface.
• Cons: No premium features available.

3. BP Pulse

• Cost: Free (subscription available)
• Supports: Smartphones only
• Overview: BP Pulse operates one of the UK's largest charging networks, with stations located at BP petrol stations and other locations. The app helps you locate BP chargers and enables in-app payments. Their subscription plan offers a reduced tariff, making it attractive for frequent users.
• Pros: Extensive network, potential discounts on drinks at BP stations.
• Cons: In-car app not available.

4. Various Other Networks

• Overview: Many other charging networks, such as Shell Recharge, Octopus Electroverse, and Instavolt, offer similar apps. Some of these apps may also provide subscription plans that unlock cheaper tariffs or in-store discounts.
• Pros: Variety of options and potential discounts.
• Cons: New EV owners may have to install many apps for different networks.

Parking Apps

1. RingGo

• Cost: Free
• Supports: Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Overview: RingGo is a versatile parking app that supports both EV and non-EV drivers. For EV owners, it includes a filter for parking spaces with available chargers.
• Pros: Broad coverage, in-car support, EV charger filter.
• Cons: EV charging payments cannot be made with the RingGo app.

2. JustPark

• Cost: Free
• Supports: Smartphones only
• Overview: JustPark allows people to rent out parking spaces and even EV chargers. However, it's important to note that renting out your home charger may void your warranty.
• Pros: Opportunity to earn by renting your charger.
• Cons: In-car support not available.

3. Other Parking Apps

• Overview: Several other parking apps offer similar features to RingGo and help you find parking spaces with available chargers. However, most lack in-car support.
• Pros: Options for parking with EV charging.
• Cons: Limited in-car compatibility.

Navigation Apps

1. A Better Route Planner (ABRP)

• Cost: Free (Premium subscription available)
• Supports: Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (with premium)
• Overview: ABRP is a navigation app tailored for EVs. It factors in your vehicle's make and model to calculate battery usage and optimal charging stops on longer journeys.
• Pros: Precise EV-specific navigation, premium features.
• Cons: Some premium features come at a cost.

2. Google Maps

• Cost: Free
• Supports: Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Overview: Google Maps, the go-to navigation app, allows you to search for chargers along your route. The in-car version can estimate your battery percentage on arrival and prompts you to charge if needed.
• Pros: Extensive coverage, integration with in-car systems.
• Cons: Some EV features not available on the smartphone app.

These apps will help you navigate the electric vehicle landscape with tasks such as planning a long trip, finding a place to charge your car, or making your everyday drive more efficient. Have fun charging your car and exploring new places with your electric vehicle!