Chargemap route planner: how to use it properly

How to set up your itinerary in the Chargemap route planner

Let’s discover together how to set up your itinerary step by step.

Departure, arrival, and battery level

Start by defining your starting point and destination. Then, enter your battery level at departure and the desired level upon arrival.

You can add waypoints to your route. However, at the moment, it’s not possible to specify a battery percentage for these intermediate stops.

Vehicle and average consumption

Select your electric vehicle. The average consumption provided by the manufacturer is pre-selected, but you can adjust it based on your experience or weather conditions (e.g. increased consumption in cold weather). This will help refine the predictions of the route planner.

Also read:

• What impact does the cold have on your electric vehicle?
• Electric vehicle in hot weather – the impact on charging
  
  

Other settings and preferences

Here are the available options to customise your route:

• Chargemap Pass / network preferences: you can prioritise the use of the Chargemap Pass charging card, certain charging networks, or limit them
• Agree to reduce speed: the algorithm may suggest driving more slowly on certain sections to optimise your range and avoid a charging stop
• Maximum speed: specify your maximum speed for the entire journey
• Minimum battery level at stops: specify a battery threshold below which you do not wish to go before recharging (default: 15%)
• Avoid tolls / motorways: enable these options if you prefer secondary and/or free roads

Also read:

• Tips for boosting your electric car range with eco-driving
• Electric vehicle battery: 6 mistakes to avoid to preserve its lifespan
  
  
  

How does the route planner work?

The algorithm selects the most suitable charging stations by taking into account:

• Total travel time: the algorithm aims to minimise the number of charging stops
• Vehicle characteristics: battery capacity, average consumption, aerodynamics profile, etc.
• Charging capacity: connector compatibility, maximum charging speed, direct current (DC) charging curve
• Charging station reliability: the algorithm evaluates the stations based on their recent status and the risk of congestion
• Your preferences: The route is optimised based on your choices, while avoiding overly risky compromises
  
  
  

How to customise your Chargemap route

After calculating the route, you still have the option to modify the suggested charging stops.

Modify an existing charging stop

You can adjust the charging time or set a target battery percentage before continuing your journey. To do so, go to a waypoint on the route, then select ‘Edit Step’. The planner will then recalculate the route based on these new settings.

Choose an alternative charging station

Would you rather use another station? Enable the display of available charging stations along your route (click the ‘Stations’ button). By default, only those compatible with your vehicle are displayed, but you can refine your search using the filters. Once you’ve selected a station, click on “Charge at this station” to recalculate the route accordingly.

Optimise your charging budget on the road

With the Chargemap Boost subscription, unlock an alternative route! In the blink of an eye, you can compare the fastest route with the most affordable one 🤩

👉 The estimated charging cost is now displayed on all calculated routes, even those available for free.

Also read: How can you save money when charging your EV?

FAQ

Why does the route planner suggest charging stations from a different network than the one selected?

Your network preference is taken into account, but it’s not strict, it’s merely indicative. If charging stations from a different network are suggested, it is often because:

• The detour required to reach a charging station from the chosen network is too long
• Charging stations from the preferred network have been excluded for reliability reasons (e.g. recurring breakdowns)
• The risk of unavailability is too high (e.g. only one compatible connector at the station)

We are working on improving this setting, particularly by exploring options such as allowing longer detours or the possibility of strict prioritisation.

Why doesn’t the route planner suggest the expected route / stop?

The route planner optimises criteria such as time, cost, and distance (see above). Our team carries out multiple tests to assess and improve the relevance of the results. Among the many routes calculated by our users, some may yield suboptimal results.

If the route doesn’t suit you, try adjusting your preferences or force a stop at a charging station of your choice. If needed, you can contact our support team.

Why does the route planner only suggest one route?

By default, it suggests the fastest route. With the Chargemap Boost subscription, you unlock a second, more economical route.

Is the route planner compatible with electric motorcycles?

No, it is designed exclusively for electric vehicles.

Is it compatible with plug-in hybrid vehicles?

Yes, but in a simplified way: only the fastest route is displayed, without any charging calculations. However, you can still view and filter the charging stations along the route.

Also read: How to charge your plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

Plan your next electric vehicle journey in the Chargemap app.
Download it now for free.