Best EV Charging Apps in the UK in 2026
Source: The Electric Car Scheme
Public EV charging in the UK has never been better, yet for many drivers in 2026, it’s still far from simple. With more than 86,000 public charge points now available nationwide, finding a charger is rarely the issue. Paying for it, comparing prices, and knowing which apps you actually need is where things get frustrating.
Different networks still mean different apps, tariffs, and payment methods. So how do you avoid overpaying, juggling logins, or turning up to a charger that’s out of action?
That’s where EV charging apps come in.
In this guide, we compare the best EV charging apps in the UK for 2026, looking at how they help you find chargers, plan routes, check availability, and (crucially) save money on public charging.
We’ll also explain why salary sacrifice is becoming a smarter way to pay, and how The Charge Scheme is helping drivers cut charging costs by 20–50% across multiple networks with a single app and card.
Looking for a simpler way to charge? Let’s get started!
EV Charging Apps in 2026: What’s Actually Changed?
By 2026, EV charging apps have become less about finding chargers and more about managing the experience around them.
Most drivers now expect live availability, pricing transparency, and compatibility checks as standard. What’s changed is the growing focus on payment simplicity and cost control - particularly for drivers who rely on public charging week in, week out.
Although contactless payments are more common than they were a few years ago, they’re still not universal. Many fast, destination, and workplace chargers still require activation via an app or RFID card, and pricing can vary significantly between networks. As a result, the “one app does everything” promise still hasn’t fully arrived.
Instead, EV charging apps in 2026 tend to fall into three clear categories:
Planning apps that help you locate chargers, plan routes, and avoid downtime
Network apps designed for specific charging providers
Aggregator and salary sacrifice apps that focus on simplifying payment and reducing costs across multiple networks
Choosing the right combination, rather than downloading everything, is what now makes the biggest difference to your charging experience!
What Are The Best EV Charging Apps In The UK (2026)?
The Charge Scheme
Best for: Drivers who want to cut public charging costs and avoid app overload
This image is a screenshot of The Charge Scheme app from the Apple App Store
The Charge Scheme is the standout EV charging app in 2026, not because it helps you find chargers (others do that well), but because it fundamentally changes how you pay for charging.
Launched by The Electric Car Scheme, it’s the UK’s first salary sacrifice solution for EV charging. That means you pay for charging directly from your gross salary, before tax, reducing the cost of every charge by 20–50%, depending on your tax band.
What Makes The Charge Scheme Different?
One card, one app, multiple networks
Works across most major UK charging providers, including BP Pulse, Gridserve, Ionity, Shell Recharge, InstaVolt and Pod Point
Covers home, workplace and public charging
No chasing receipts or manual expense claims
Instead of switching between network apps or paying premium roaming rates, your charging costs are automatically tracked and deducted from your salary each month.
Key Features Of The Charge Scheme:
Find compatible charge points by price, speed and availability
Single RFID card for tap-and-charge access
Automatic salary sacrifice deductions
Transparent monthly charging overview
Integrates seamlessly with an EV salary sacrifice car scheme
For drivers who charge publicly often, the savings quickly add up - typically £300–£600 per year, and sometimes more.
Zap-Map
Best for: Finding chargers and planning longer journeys
This image is a screenshot of the ZapMap app from the Apple App Store
Zap-Map remains an essential app for UK EV drivers in 2026. It’s still the most widely used charging map in the country because it lists thousands of charging devices across the UK, with real-time availability shown for a large proportion of them.
What Zap-Map Does Well
Advanced route planning for longer trips
Live status updates for many charge points
Powerful filters by connector type, speed, and network
Large, active EV driver community
Zap-Map doesn’t aim to be the cheapest way to charge; it aims to make sure you don’t get stuck. For that reason alone, it earns its place on almost every EV driver’s phone.
The free version is more than sufficient for most drivers, while Premium adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
PlugShare
Best for: Checking reliability before you arrive
This image is a screenshot of Plugshare app from the Apple App Store
If you’ve ever turned up to a charger that looked fine on paper but didn’t work in reality, PlugShare will feel like a lifesaver.
PlugShare is built around crowdsourced reviews from EV drivers, offering photos, reliability scores, and honest feedback on charging locations across the UK and beyond.
Why Do Drivers Love Plugshare?
Detailed reviews and check-ins
Photos of chargers and surroundings
Excellent for avoiding broken or poorly maintained units
Completely free to use
PlugShare doesn’t handle payments, but it pairs perfectly with Zap-Map and The Charge Scheme for a more confident public charging experience.
Do I Need To Download Individual EV Charging Network Apps?
Most large charging networks still offer their own apps. In 2026, you’ll see familiar names like:
These apps can be useful for:
Checking network-specific pricing
Accessing loyalty features
Starting a charge where contactless isn’t available
That said, if you use The Charge Scheme, you generally don’t need to download every network app, as charging and payment are handled through one card.
All-in-One EV Charging Apps: Are They Worth It?
Apps like Octopus Electroverse and OVO Charge (formerly Bonnet) aim to simplify charging by aggregating multiple networks into one app.
They can be convenient, but there’s a trade-off.
The catch?
Aggregator apps often apply roaming premiums
Discounts may require monthly subscriptions
Savings rarely match salary sacrifice benefits
Compared to The Charge Scheme’s pre-tax savings, aggregator apps are usually better suited to occasional public charging rather than regular use.
EV Charging App Comparison: What Really Matters?
When choosing EV charging apps in 2026, make sure to focus on the following key features:
Route planning
Zap-Map leads the way, especially for longer journeys and unfamiliar routes.
Real-time availability
Live status reduces wasted detours - again, Zap-Map and network apps perform well here.
Payment simplicity
This is where most apps fall short. Multiple logins, cards, and pricing structures add friction.
Cost control
PAYG rates vary wildly
Subscriptions reduce costs slightly
Cross-network compatibility
The fewer apps you need, the better. A single card that works everywhere is still rare - which is why The Charge Scheme stands out.
A Closer Look At The Charge Scheme
So how does it actually work?
Step 1: Your Employer Offers It
The Charge Scheme is an employee benefit, similar to an EV salary sacrifice car scheme.
Step 2: You Charge As Normal
At home, at work, or on the public network using your card or app.
Step 3: You Save Automatically
Charging costs are deducted from your gross salary, reducing Income Tax and National Insurance.
The Result
20–50% savings on every charge
No expense claims
No juggling apps
One monthly view of your charging costs
If you already lease your car through salary sacrifice, the integration feels seamless - one ecosystem, one smarter way to drive electric.
How To Choose The Right EV Charging Apps For You
If you want a simple, future-proof setup in 2026, here’s the winning combination:
Essential apps
The Charge Scheme – for payment and savings
Zap-Map – for planning and availability
Nice To Have
PlugShare - for checking reliability and reviews
Usually Unnecessary
Multiple network-specific apps (unless you use one network frequently)
This setup keeps things simple, flexible, and cost-effective - without cluttering your phone.
Final Thoughts: Charging Made Simple in 2026
Public charging doesn’t have to be complicated.
While the UK’s charging infrastructure continues to expand, the real challenge in 2026 is making charging work smoothly across networks - without overpaying or overthinking it.
By combining a smart planning app with a salary sacrifice charging solution, you can:
Charge with confidence
Cut your running costs
Spend less time managing apps and more time driving
Looking for a calmer, cheaper way to go electric? The right apps make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best EV Charging App In The UK In 2026?
For saving money, The Charge Scheme is the best option thanks to salary sacrifice savings of 20–50%. For planning, Zap-Map is essential.
Do I Still Need Multiple EV Charging Apps?
In most cases, yes - but far fewer than before. One planning app and one payment solution is usually enough.
Can I Save Money On Public EV Charging?
Absolutely. Salary sacrifice is currently the most effective way to reduce charging costs, especially for regular public charging.
Is Salary Sacrifice Available For EV Charging?
Yes. The Charge Scheme is the UK’s first solution to offer salary sacrifice for home, workplace, and public charging.
Will EV Tax Rules Change in 2026?
Yes. Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) for electric cars increases to 4% from April 2026, which makes ongoing cost savings, like cheaper charging, even more important.
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Last updated: 19/10/2025
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