More people decide to go green these days, so choosing electric cars is one of the first things they want to do. However, figuring out where to charge can be a bit confusing as they are unsure how to find the closest EV station. That's where EV apps for finding chargers come in handy—they make this journey easier. Today, there are many EV charging apps on the market, and finding the best one can be a daunting task. Luckily, we did the research to provide you with the top choices so you can charge up your electric ride effortlessly.
Top EV charging apps
PlugShare
Available on: iOS, Android
Free version: Yes
Rating on App Store: 4.7
PlugShare is the first one on our list of the best EV charging apps with over 3.5 million active users, which makes it the largest EV community. If you ask us: What is the best app to find all EV charging stations?, the answer would be PlugShare. This free app compiles information from more than 250,000 EV charging stations located throughout the US and Europe. Thanks to this, you can search and find detailed station information for every major EV charging network, including Tesla Destination, Supercharger, EVgo, and Supercharger, to name a few.
The app boasts a bunch of convenient features, enabling you to easily find a charging station compatible with your EV and check its current availability. PlugShare has multiple filtering options, so you can add your connector type, car model, and charging speed. You can also check if the chosen carging station offers drinks or food, and plan your trips in accordance with your needs. Users' reviews praise the app because it instantly shows charges from different networks with all charging rates, allowing you to filter by maximum charge rate.
When it comes to payment, PlugShare won't let you down. With this app, EV drivers can securely pay for charging services after the charging is done. The app allows you to pay by using Pay at participating charging stations.
Some EV drivers also share their private residential charging station to assist the PlugShare community on those longer drives between public charging stations. If drivers are preparing for a road trip, the PlugShare Trip Planner helps EV drivers map out their routes to stay reliably charged throughout the drive.
ChargeHub
Available on: iOS, Android
Free version: Yes
Rating on App Store: 4.7
The ChargeHub app nails the essentials for EV drivers, as it is connected to various network stations across the US. The app shows all stations on your trip, even in rural areas where every station counts. On top of that, the app not only shows where the stations are but also their status. When you open the app, there is a small ring inside that changes colors. Green means available stalls, red is taken, and yellow is used when information about the station is unavailable. It's like a traffic light system, simple for anyone to grasp.
ChargeHub works on both Android and iOS, so regardless of the device you use, you can easily find nearby charging spots. It assists with checking charging stations, showing their levels, connector types, and speeds. You can set up the app to show only stations matching your car's fastest charging speeds.
One of the things that makes ChargeHub a top EV charging app is the built-in feature of the ChargeHub EV trip planner. With this, planning your journey becomes a breeze—you can add all the charging stations along your route. You can easily locate your next charging point by using the filter tool and search feature. The app displays information about the next charging points in km or miles, providing you with directions using Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze.
ChargePoint
Available on: iOS, Android
Free version: Free
Rating on App Store: 4.5
Although ChargePoint has its own charging network of over 200,000 charging stations, you are not limited to them. Just like PlugShare and ChargePub, the app allows you to browse among various network providers. However, the number of networks is limited, but yet encompasses the most prominent ones, such as EVGo. The app has more than 1 million downloads and an average score of 4.5 on the App Store, which says a lot about its value.
The app has a clean and easily navigable interface, allowing EV drivers to quickly find nearby charging stations. You can also create a list of your favorite charging spots and check for the most recent charging stations. If a desirable charging point is not available, you can quickly search for alternatives. In the meantime, ChargePoint will notify you once the charging spot becomes open.
Thanks to the recent upgrades, the ChargePoint app has become even more convenient. The app now includes features for starting the process of charging with a tap of your phone. On top of that, you will get detailed information on your charging rates and activity. Drivers can also share photos and reviews of charging stations to assist first-timers, offering valuable insights and guidance for those visiting the station for the first time.
The app’s connectivity to the ChargePoint stations enables EV drivers to pay with a tap of their phone and also receive notifications and check the status of their vehicle’s charge. The app also provides a pricing list with estimated charging rates, ensuring drivers have a clear idea of how much it will cost to charge their EV.
Electrify America
Available on: iOS, Android
Free version: Free
Rating on App Store: 4.5
Owned by Volkswagen Group, Electrify America has its own network of charging stations with DC (direct current) charging points. DC is a super-speedy way to charge your electric vehicle (EV), and Electrify America has one of the best networks for it in the country. With this app, you can easily find stations where you can get a quick charge in just 30 minutes, keeping you on the road without long waits. By 2026, it's estimated that there will be around 1,600 available DC charging stations across America and Canada, approved by this provider.
It is free for a limited time, bringing some handy features to the table for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. For example, it enables you to check charger availability in real-time and receive notifications when one opens up. You can save your favorite charging spots for easy access. Another great option is that you can start and stop your charging session right from your phone. On top, you don't need to stay and wait next to your car to finish charging. You can go for a coffee and monitor your charging progress effortlessly from your phone.
While the app has some limitations, such as lacking route planning features, it does seamlessly integrate with CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can conveniently search for and navigate to charging stations using your mobile phone. If you're a frequent traveler, you might gonna need a built-in comprehensive trip planner, so this app is not the best option for you.
EVgo
Available on: iOS, Android
Free version: Free
Rating on App Store: 4.2
The next one on our list of top EV charging apps is EVgo. Free for iOS and Android users, EVgo already has a large community of satisfied users. One of the main reasons why drivers love it is because it allows them to quickly search and find the closest DC fast charging stations. In addition to this, EVgo partners with Rhythm Energy PowerShift EV plans, which can help you save money and contribute to green energy.
EVgo provides over 850 charging stations, which makes it a significant contribution to the nation's shift toward a sustainable energy grid. If you are into sustainable energy, you'll be happy to hear that these charging points are powered by clean, renewable energy, which proves EVgo's commitment to eco-friendly practices.
In terms of functionalities, this app covers all the bases. EVgo enables you to locate nearby charging stations, and with a glance, identify those with available chargers. The user-friendly features allow you to add your EV (or EVs) to the app and search for stations based on plug type, charging speed, and more. It's a suitable app even for less experienced EV drivers, simplifying the charging experience and putting you as a user in control.
The EVgo app comes with the ability to earn points while charging your EV. If you charge your EV at any EVgo charging station (except partners' stations), you will get point rewards. By reaching 2,000 points, you score a $10 credit to your account. This feature, however, only comes with the paid plan.
EV Connect
Available on: iOS, Android
Free version: Yes
Rating on App Store: 4.6
The last but not the least on our list of apps for finding chargers is EV Connect. With over 100,000 satisfied EV drivers and a network boasting 10,000 connections across the US, it's a trusted choice for a seamless charging experience.
Thanks to its modern and slick interface, EV Connect has become a favorite among many iPhone and Android users. It's not a surprise why the app earned a remarkable 4.6 rating on the App Store, coupled with dozens of positive comments. Simple, yet user-friendly design is functional at the same time, offering drivers to easily search for charging stations.
Like other similar EV charging apps, EV Connect enables you to set filters and find available charging points close to your place, checking their power level and accessibility. on top of that, you can start charging your vehicle by scanning a QR code. When the charging is done, the app will ping you.
When it comes to transparency, EV Connect encourages you to monitor the costs of charging and provide energy, giving you a clear picture of your charging expenses. On top of that, you can leave a review of your charging experience.
Many reviews praise EV Connect's helpful support, so this may be a breakpoint for first-time users. The positive experiences shared by others highlight EV Connect's commitment to providing assistance, ensuring a smooth onboarding process for those new to electric vehicle charging.
FAQ
What Is The Best App For Free Charging Electric Cars?
We've created a list of the top-notch apps that you can use free of charge, which includes PlugShare, ChargeHub, and ChargePoint. All of these free EV charging apps are excellent, but they slightly differ in terms of available networks and functionalities. We recommend you read our reviews thoroughly so you can choose the one that perfectly fits your needs.
Is There A Universal EV Charging App?
PlugShare provides a charging network across the US, collaborating with over 250,000 EV charging stations. This handy app covers all types of charging stations, making it a one-stop shop for electric vehicle owners.
Is PlugShare The Best App?
With its large community of EV drivers, PlugShare is definitely one of the best apps for finding EV charging stations.
