Your guide to finding the best app for locating EV charging stations

Is charging an electric car a real challenge on the road?

One of the main barriers to adopting electric vehicles is the uncertainty surrounding charging on the go. Yet, the charging network in the UK has significantly expanded. As of December 20, 2024, there were 73,421 public charging points available. (Source: The Guardian)Many drivers worry about not finding an available charging station, facing compatibility issues, or encountering unexpected charging costs. However, these challenges can be easily overcome with a reliable app to locate charging stations nearby and along your route.

The fear of not finding an available charging station

Arriving at a charging station only to find it occupied or out of service is one of the most dreaded scenarios for EV drivers. Without reliable information on availability, it becomes difficult to plan charging stops and travel with peace of mind.

Concerns about connector and charging card compatibility

Not all charging stations are compatible with every vehicle or charging card. A driver may arrive at a station only to realize they can’t use it due to an incompatible connector or payment method.

Anxiety over charging costs

Charging prices vary across networks—some charge per minute, others per kWh, and additional fees may apply. Without price transparency, it becomes difficult to anticipate the actual cost of a charging session.

How does Chargemap simplify EV charging on the go?

To overcome these challenges, the Chargemap app offers a comprehensive and user-friendly solution:

✅ Interactive map with real-time updates – Check charging station availability, operational status, and user reviews to avoid unnecessary trips.
✅ Advanced filters – Sort charging stations by connector type, power rating, accepted charging card, and networks for optimal compatibility.
✅ Transparent pricing display – Get full visibility on charging costs to avoid unpleasant surprises and compare the most cost-effective options.
✅ Smart route planner – Optimise your journey based on your vehicle’s range and available charging stations along the route.

Find public charging points on your journeys at a glance.
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7 key questions to choose the best EV charging app

1. Does the app cover a wide network of charging stations?

The larger the network covered by an app, the easier it is to find a charging station wherever you are. An app limited to just a few networks may force drivers to juggle multiple services, complicating the user experience.

The Chargemap app lists over 750,000 charging points and covers most European charging networks. Thanks to its extensive coverage, users can easily locate charging stations in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, as well as Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and many other European countries. Whether for daily commutes or international road trips, Chargemap ensures a seamless charging experience wherever you go.

2. Does it provide reliable and up-to-date information?

There’s nothing worse than arriving at a charging station only to find it out of service or already occupied. To ensure a stress-free charging experience, the app must display accurate and regularly updated information.

Thanks to user contributions and real-time updates, the app provides detailed insights on each charging station, including accessibility, availability status, driver reviews, and recent photos. This ensures that you always have the most reliable information at your fingertips.

3. Can you easily filter charging stations based on your needs?

Every electric vehicle has its own specific requirements—from connector types to maximum supported charging power—and not all networks are compatible with every charging card. A reliable app should allow users to refine their search based on these criteria.

The app provides multiple filtering options, allowing you to select charging power, stations compatible with the Chargemap Pass, locations offering discounts, free charging points, and more.

4. Does the app offer a route planner?

When traveling, planning charging stops in advance is essential to avoid any stressful situations caused by low battery range. With the Chargemap Route Planner, you can map out the optimal route based on your EV’s specifications and personal preferences, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey.

↪️ Read more about: Long trip by electric car – your checklist for carefree travelling

5. Can you check charging prices directly on the app?

The cost of charging can vary depending on the network, power, and billing method. Having a clear view of pricing before starting a charge helps avoid unexpected costs and allows for better budget management.

With Chargemap, you get full price transparency detailed charging rates are displayed on station listings for those compatible with the Chargemap Pass. You can even estimate the charging cost based on your EV model, making it an essential tool for managing your charging expenses.

↪️ Read more about: What is the cost of charging an electric car?

6. Is the app available on multiple platforms?

Being able to use a charging app directly on your vehicle’s screen makes it safer and more convenient to check charging information while driving.

Thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, you can access Chargemap’s features directly from your EV’s dashboard, ensuring a seamless and ergonomic experience on the road.

7. Is the app free or paid?

Chargemap’s core features are completely free. You can access the charging station map across Europe and plan your journeys with peace of mind—at no cost.

Do you frequently charge your EV on the go? Discover Chargemap Boost, an optional premium service that lets you charge your electric vehicle with the Chargemap Pass without any commission fees. Say goodbye to ads and enjoy exclusive discounts on charging sessions. Plus, unlock the “Most Economical” alternative route option in the route planner to optimize your charging costs.

Find out more about this electric car charging subscription.

Facing the challenges of charging on the go, having the right app makes all the difference. With Chargemap, you have everything you need in a single app!

Discover all the features of the Chargemap application!