Must-have Apps for EV Cars: Our Top Picks (2025)
There are apps for almost everything, and electric vehicle charging is no exception.
Whether you’re searching for your nearest EV charger, needing to pay for your public EV charging, or looking for a way to charge greener, there’s an app available for your every EV charging need – all at your fingertips.
But, with thousands of apps for electric car charging stations, which are the must-have apps for EV cars?
We’re here to let you know our top EV charging apps in the UK and Europe.
Summary: Our must-have apps for EV cars in 2025 are: Zap-Map, Octopus Electroverse, PlugShare, Google Maps, and Individual charging apps, like BP Pulse and Osprey.
Must-have apps for EV cars 2025, listed:
1. Zap-Map
As the UK’s leading EV driver app, you’ll likely have heard of Zap-Map, whether you are an EV novice or fanatic.
The free, all-in-one electric car charging app allows you to find your nearest available charging locations in real time, filter the EV chargers and view additional information, such as accessibility, pricing, and facilities.
Zap-Map isn’t tied to a particular EV charging network; the user-friendly app is designed to show all available charge points, no matter the manufacturer.
Plus, with the paid version, Zap Pay, you can pay for charging in one handy app.
2. Octopus Electroverse
If you frequently use public EV charging points, you’ll know the hassle of having multiple apps and RFID cards to pay for the different EV charging networks across the UK.
From BP Pulse to Shell Recharge to Charge Place Scotland, the list of charging networks is rapidly growing, but how do you make life easier when paying for your public EV charging?
This is where Octopus Electric Universe comes in. Download the app and pay for a number of public EV chargers from various manufacturers, allowing you to access hundreds of thousands of chargers with a tap of an RFID card or a touch of a button. Plus, you can find the charge points nearest you.
The Octopus Electroverse EV app comprises, but is not limited to the following networks:
- Shell Recharge
- Osprey
- EVBOX
- Mer
- GeniePoint
- Ionity
3. PlugShare
If you’re cruising abroad in your brand new electric car and find yourself in need of an EV charging point, the PlugShare EV charger app is for you.
Similarly to how the Zap-Map app works, you can use PlugShare to find nearby public charging points and check charger functionality. However, PlugShare goes the extra mile when crossing international borders.
In fact, the EV app’s reach covers not only the UK but most of the globe, making it handy if you are hiring an electric vehicle on holiday. PlugShare is definitely one to keep in your back pocket.
4. Google Maps
Google Maps is a staple app for all drivers, whether petrol, diesel or electric, and it’s proven by its spot at number one for navigation on the Apple App Store.
But did you know that with recent updates, Google has increased accessibility for EV drivers? Now, you can plan road trips and locate nearby fast-charging stations via the Google Maps app.
Despite not being as jam-packed with functionality as other apps, Google Maps does display the location of EV chargers nearby, opening hours, the charging speed and which connector types are available (such as Type 1, Type 2 and CHAdeMO), making it an ideal app for those who prefer the no-frills approach.
5. Individual EV charging network apps
Despite the wide range of charging networks compatible with Octopus Electric Universe and Zap-Map, your personal favourite might not be included.
So, if you have a preferred public charging network – whether BP Pulse, Tesla or – it may be easier to stick to the manufacturer-specific app.
Plus, you may get network-specific perks by charging through their exclusive app. For example, BP Pulse offers discounted EV charging prices for those on their membership.
Overall, there’s no point cluttering your phone with unnecessary apps and wasting storage space if you only a handful of favourite EV charging networks. Though, note, EV charging cards are also available for public charging networks, too. So you can stuff your wallet full if you wish.
But make sure, whichever network you choose, that there are plenty of compatible (and working) chargers nearby when you want to charge your EV.
Electric vehicle charging apps are great, but did you know you can charge for cheaper and have the convenience of plugging in at home?
Invest in a home charger today. Whether you’re after the intelligent Ohme Home Pro or the solar-ready Indra Smart LUX, home charging guarantees cheaper and greener charging sessions seven days a week.
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