The best apps for finding your nearest EV charging stations
Charge ahead
Story byIoanna Lykiardopoulou
Ioanna is a writer at TNW. She covers the full spectrum of the European tech ecosystem, with a particular interest in startups, sustainabili(show all)Ioanna is a writer at TNW. She covers the full spectrum of the European tech ecosystem, with a particular interest in startups, sustainability, green tech, AI, and EU policy. With a background in the humanities, she has a soft spot for social impact-enabling technologies.
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PlugShare
PlugSharehelps 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 apphere.
ChargeHub
ChargeHublists 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 outhere.
Chargeway
Chargewayuses 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 forCCS, blue forCHAdeMO, 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, clickhere.
Open Charge Map
Unlike the previous apps,Open Charge Mapis an open source project whereusers 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 ithere.
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 outhere.
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 asEVgoandElectrify 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 onTwitter.
