Best EV Charging Apps in the UK in 2025
Source: The Electric Car Scheme
Electric vehicles are increasingly popular, prompting the emergence of numerous apps aimed at simplifying the driving experience. Our carefully curated compilation showcases the best EV charging apps tailored for electric vehicle owners in the UK. These apps cover a wide array of functions, including locating charging points and planning optimal routes for efficiency. Additionally, they provide information on potential charging speed, occupancy, and cost.
Before purchasing an electric vehicle, drivers need to weigh up their options about charging – will they charge at home, at work, or use public charging stations? Furthermore, how and where they charge will be defined by how frequently they drive, the length of their trips, and if they have regular routes. EV charging apps help with these decisions, since they show occupancy, cost, and charging speed, which is especially useful in unfamiliar areas. Additionally, these apps can help reduce cost by showing the cheapest charging options available to the driver.
Before purchasing an electric vehicle, drivers need to consider charging logistics and options such as home charging, workplace facilities, or conveniently located public charging stations. They seek solutions for diverse charging needs, be it for longer journeys or daily commutes for high-mileage drivers. Charging apps play a pivotal role in this decision-making process, aiding users in locating trustworthy, highly-rated charging stations compatible with their EVs. Moreover, these apps assist in finding cost-effective charging options.
While a majority of fast chargers now support contactless payments, around 90% of other charging stations necessitate RFID (radio frequency identification) cards or specific apps for activation. This poses a dilemma for drivers: whether to carry multiple cards, clutter their smartphones with various apps, or opt for aggregator services that streamline the process. Services such as The Charge Scheme enable users to locate locate and pay for charging across different brands using a single card, thereby simplifying the charging experience.
In this blog, we explore different EV charging apps, enabling you to make an informed decision when choosing the perfect EV charging app for your smartphone.
The Charge Scheme
This image is a screenshot of The Charge Scheme app from the Apple App store
The Electric Car Scheme has launched The Charge Scheme, the UK’s first salary sacrifice EV charging solution. Employees can now save 20-50% on all charging costs – whether they’re at home, work, or using one of the 55,000 public charging points it is compatible with. The app is simple to use, can integrate with any company electric car scheme, and includes a charging card, allowing you to save between £300-£600 annually.
What does The Charge Scheme app do?
The Charge Scheme app helps you to find the cheapest charging stations around you, and allows you to customise your search by price, charging speed, availability and more.
Furthermore, The Charge Scheme app enables employees to save between 20-50% on the cost of charging by paying from their salary before tax, known as salary sacrifice. The Charge Scheme brings one of the largest networks in Europe together, including your home charge point, providing access to over 400,000 public charging stations – with no need for multiple apps or payment methods.
How does The Charge Scheme app work?
For drivers, The Charge Scheme app aids in locating the most suitable charging stations based on criteria like pricing, availability, and compatibility. The app features a secure payment system, rated as the most reliable in the market. Users have the option to pay within the app or through a dedicated charging key or card. Upon joining the app, users can request their charging key or card, granting access to payment at any partner charging station across Europe.
The Charge Scheme app connects your EV charging costs directly to your salary via salary sacrifice, meaning you pay before tax – saving up to 50% on every charge. This includes multiple features:
The app finds compatible charging stations near you, filtered by price, speed, availability or connector type.
Your charging activity is automatically tracked, and the cost is deducted from your gross salary each month, so you see the savings immediately in your take-home pay.
The app supports over 400,000 charge points across Europe, including the 55,000+ in the UK and your home charger.
How to sign up to The Charge Scheme
As The Charge Scheme is designed as an employee benefit, let your HR team know if it’s something you’d be interested in. It costs nothing for your team to join, and offering EV salary sacrifice helps businesses save tax, attract great talent and be more sustainable.
ZapMap
This image is a screenshot of the ZapMap app from the Apple App Store
Zap-Map stands as the most favoured EV charging app, boasting 1.5 million downloads and 800,000 registered users since its inception in 2014. Renowned for its extensive range of charging options across the UK, approximately 70% of the chargers featured on the app display real-time availability status. With tens of thousands of charging points scattered throughout the country, Zap-Map reassures drivers during lengthy journeys.
What does the Zapmap App do?
The app offers customisable journey planning to suit individual preferences. Users can select from three routing methods within the app: Autoroute, Suggest Chargers, and Show all Chargers, each offering varying levels of guidance. Opting for "Show All Chargers" allows for personalised route planning, while "Autoroute" delegates the planning responsibility to Zap-Map.
An appealing feature of the app is the convenience of "Zap-Pay" for seamless payment. Initiating charging is as simple as opening the Zap-Map app, selecting the desired point on the map, clicking "check-in," opting for Zap-Pay, and connecting the charging cable to the vehicle. This streamlined payment process occurs directly within the app while charging.
Zap-Map also has a community-driven aspect to the app, which allows users to share updates with fellow EV drivers. Whether sharing charging experiences or discovering highly-rated locations from other drivers, the platform fosters collaboration within the UK's charging ecosystem. Contributing to this ecosystem is made easy by adding home and work chargers to the map, while the app's EV cafe provides a platform for leaving comments about specific charge points.
Do I need to pay for Zapmap Premium?
For an additional fee, users can access Zap-Map Premium, which enhances the user experience by facilitating the discovery of suitable charging points and promoting efficient driving. Premium features include filters for new charge points, locations with multiple chargers, and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for real-time status checks and route planning while on the road. Users can also save multiple filters, route plans, and EV models. While Zap-Map Premium offers saved routes, its added value compared to the Free version may be limited, considering the extensive features already available in the free version.
PlugShare
This image is a screenshot of Plugshare app from the Apple App Store
PlugShare reigns as the premier app for EV drivers, functioning as a community-driven tool that directs users to public charging locations worldwide. Available on IOS, Apple Watch, Android, and the web, PlugShare thrives on extensive driver engagement, boasting over 5,800,000 crowd-sourced reviews and over 725,000 driver photos. Its global public charging map stands as the most accurate and comprehensive, encompassing stations from major networks across North America, Europe, and many other regions. With the largest community of EV drivers globally, PlugShare remains a top choice among users.
How does PlugShare work?
PlugShare's popularity and success stem from crowdsourcing, drawing insights from EV drivers, networks, and industry partners. The app offers a robust API for custom applications and relies on user-generated data for its unique features. Additionally, PlugShare Research, a subsidiary branch, conducts custom surveys and qualitative research, producing detailed reports for various stakeholders in the EV industry. Powered by Pluginsights, a proprietary EV survey research panel with over 63,000 members, PlugShare Research delivers valuable insights.
The PlugShare Dashboard serves as a user-friendly tool for Charging Network Operators and other stakeholders to monitor and manage locations. Featuring a simple interface, the dashboard enables operators to address service issues, make announcements, and manage maintenance notices. Operators can utilise features like "Pay with PlugShare" and receive email notifications for new reviews, photos, or edits.
Furthermore, PlugShare offers a Data Tool that grants businesses and government entities access to comprehensive EV charging station databases. Clients leverage this database for market research, infrastructure planning, charging site prospecting, and public agency reporting. PlugShare covers over 70,000 publicly accessible EV charging stations in North America alone.
Is there a premium feature?
No, there is no PlugShare Premium feature. Its user-friendly interface and community-driven approach mean that PlugShare remains a free and intuitive tool for EV enthusiasts seeking an app driven by the EV community.
PlugSurfing
This image is a screenshot of the PlugSurfing app from the Apple App Store
Plugsurfing boasts a user base of over 1.5 million drivers, making it the largest in Europe, with a core mission of simplifying public charging across the continent. Offering details on more than 600,000 charging stations, the app provides accurate and real-time information on factors such as pricing and availability, ensuring seamless charging experiences for users.
How does PlugSurfing work?
Unlike owning or operating charging infrastructure, Plugsurfing collaborates with roaming partners to consolidate various charging networks into a single user interface. By partnering with Plugsurfing, businesses delegate tasks such as customer support, issue resolution, and payments, ensuring consistent user experiences both domestically and internationally.
For drivers, the Plugsurfing app aids in locating the most suitable charging stations based on criteria like pricing, availability, and compatibility. The app features a secure payment system, rated as the most reliable in the market. Users have the option to pay within the app or through a dedicated charging key or card. Upon joining the app, users can request their charging key or card, granting access to payment at any partner charging station across Europe.
ChargePoint
This image is a screenshot of the Chargepoint app from the Apple App Store
ChargePoint is available in North America and Europe and they provide full-stack solutions of hardware, software, services and support. They are not only an app but also a charging network, which has been going for a decade and millions of charges have been delivered.
How does the ChargePoint app work?
The app offers a global charging solution, equipped with customizable filters allowing users to search based on charging speeds and connectors. From pricing details to driver insights and photos, users gain comprehensive information about stations before arrival. Payment methods are flexible, including options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or credit/debit cards. Additionally, the app features remote start functionality for instant charging initiation, enhancing convenience and control over charging activities.
Furthermore, users can personalize their charging experience by integrating the app with their everyday technology. Compatibility extends to widgets, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Apple Watch, and WearOS by Google, as well as voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, ensuring seamless integration into users' daily routines.
Does ChargePoint have a premium feature?
No - the ChargePoint app is free and a great way to navigate the charge points near you. The fact you can pay in the app and add it to any device you wish is a great feature.
Paua
This image is a screenshot of the Paua app from the Apple App Store
Paua stands as the UK's pioneering Electric Fuel Card, seamlessly integrated with an app and fleet management dashboard, providing access to an extensive network of over 43,000 charge points across the UK.
Who is Paua designed for?
Opting for Paua equips businesses with access to an EV charging network comprising 20+ providers and over 43,000 charge points, including prominent names such as Osprey, Shell, Ionity, and more. This offering is particularly advantageous for businesses because:
It eliminates the need to reimburse multiple driver receipts, streamlining administrative processes with a single monthly invoice for the entire fleet.
Employers can achieve a 20% savings by accurately recovering VAT.
Charging becomes hassle-free for drivers, as the app and card seamlessly operate across every charge point within the network.
Carbon emissions are reduced through guaranteed renewable power in every network.
A key unique selling point (USP) of Paua lies in its ability to address common challenges associated with compensating business drivers. The Paua app, in tandem with the Charge Card, empowers drivers to locate charge points wherever they are. Charging can be initiated using either the app or the card, with the flexibility to stop the charge session at any time using either method.
How much does it cost?
The entry-level Paua Charge package is priced at £3 per month, providing access to essential features including a Paua card and app for each driver, access to over 43,000 charge points, support for multiple drivers, consolidated VAT receipt, and a comprehensive fleet manager dashboard. Additionally, there are advanced packages known as Paua Reimburse and the Enterprise Package, but you will need to enquire for further pricing.
WattsUp
This image is a screenshot of the WattsUp app from the Apple App Store
WattsUp stands out as a helpful EV route planner and charging companion, providing users with precise distances, up-to-date charger information, and effortless visibility into available charging options.
What does WattsUp give me?
With WattsUp, users can confidently navigate their chosen routes, assured of comprehensive and accurate charging details. The app is optimised to run seamlessly on mobile devices during travel, offering real-time information and highlighting the nearest rapid chargers from the user’s location. Notably, Watts Up employs intelligent filters to display only rapid charging connectors compatible with the user's EV.
This versatile tool operates in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, offering compatibility with Apple CarPlay functionality. Please note, however, that iOS 14 is required for this feature. It is important to note that Watts Up is not currently available through Android Auto.
OVO Charge
This image is a screenshot of the Bonnet app from the Apple App Store
OVO Charge, previously known as Bonnet, offers a comprehensive solution aimed at alleviating range anxiety and simplifying the process of locating nearby EV charging points. Through partnerships with charging points across the UK and Europe, OVO Charge provides access to thousands of charging points along with pricing details and innovative features. The app offers options tailored for both individual drivers and businesses.
Can businesses use OVO Charge?
Businesses can join OVO Charge either as a partner or use it for their fleet management needs. The Dash feature allows businesses to monitor their employees' charging activities across the OVO Charge network through a single monthly invoice, providing comprehensive data on all drivers. This centralized system eliminates the need for managing multiple expenses, ensures compliance with HMRC and VAT regulations, facilitates ESG reporting, and accommodates every EV and mobile charging device. Additionally, drivers can utilise the Bonnet app to access charging networks, benefitting from features such as compatibility and real-time availability updates. OVO Charge presents an ideal solution for fleet managers seeking streamlined management processes, offering everything in one convenient platform for easy management.
How much does it cost?
For individual drivers, OVO Charge offers three distinct plans.
The first, Free PAYG, grants access to over 400,000 chargers, with PAYG rates set by charging networks and displayed for each charger on the app. However, users with this plan do not have access to Boost benefits or additional features.
The Light Boost plan, priced at £2 per month, offers a 10% discount off PAYG rates set by charging networks for every charge, along with boost charging rewards and live charging status updates.
The Turbo Boost plan, priced at £8 per month, provides a 15% discount off PAYG rates, charging rewards, live charging status updates, and access to an enhanced and customisable route planner.
Pod Point
This image is a screenshot of the Podpoint app from the Apple App Store
Pod Point is renowned for its expertise in home charging solutions, yet its app offers a valuable resource for EV drivers with access to over 9,200 charging bays across the UK. The app empowers users to schedule charging sessions, monitor energy usage, and track costs. Moreover, users can conveniently access workplace and fleet charging, facilitating easy use of their company's charging infrastructure. Notably, a significant portion of charging activity occurs at home, with over 75,000 drivers using charger scheduling every week.
What does the Pod Point App do?
For optimal efficiency, home charging is emphasised, with the Pod Point app providing insights into charge history, costs, and kWh consumption, alongside information on public and workplace charging. Upon pairing the charger with the app, an overnight default schedule is automatically applied on weekends.
The app is designed to facilitate on-the-go charging, tailored for smartphones with no membership fees or subscription requirements. While some of the network's charging points are free to use, for others, users can conveniently top-up and pay as they charge through the app. Additionally, the app provides real-time charge point availability, public charging tariff details, and directions to the nearest charge point via Google Maps. Users can save their favourite charge points, filter by charging speed, and access EV zones.
What is the best feature of the app?
A standout feature of the Pod Point app is its provision of localised carbon intensity forecasts from the National Grid. Users can access a 48-hour forecast of the National Grid's carbon intensity profile in their region, enabling informed decisions on when to charge. By opting for charging during periods of lower carbon intensity, users can further reduce their carbon footprint.
This app is particularly beneficial for individuals with Pod Point chargers installed at their homes or workplaces, offering a comprehensive solution for charging management and sustainability-conscious decision-making.
How EV Apps Work with Salary Sacrifice
There are various apps that optimise the electric vehicle experience, however, just one app features salary sacrifice: The Charge Scheme.
The Charge Scheme is the first of its kind in the market, providing between 20-50% cheaper EV charging costs through salary sacrifice, tracked within the app to avoid any unnecessary admin. In essence, it automatically calculates your savings on EV charging costs by paying with your gross salary through salary sacrifice
As the scheme is an employee benefit, the app’s functionality is available through your company. Therefore, if The Charge Scheme interests you, contact your HR team – we have a useful guide helping you to convince your employer.
2025 Charging Technology Trends
As EV adoption accelerates, charging technology continues to evolve. Here are three major trends shaping the future of EV charging in 2025:
Plug & Charge Technology: Plug & Charge enables automatic vehicle authentication and payment directly through the charging cable, making the charging process seamless and secure. This feature must be built into the car itself, and only works with compatible charging points.
Dynamic Pricing Features: Real-time pricing is becoming the norm. Dynamic pricing allows EV drivers to access cheaper rates during off-peak hours, encouraging smarter charging habits and helping balance demand on the grid.
Smart Grid Integration: EVs are becoming active players in the energy ecosystem. Smart grid integration enables two-way communication between EVs and the grid, allowing for energy storage, load balancing, and even vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power sharing – making EVs part of the climate solution.
What is the best app to use for EV charging?
The Charge Scheme by The Electric Car Scheme is the best EV charging app, saving drivers 20-50% on all charging costs through salary sacrifice. The app provides access to 55,000 public chargers via PlugSurfing partnership and works for home, office, and public charging.
Employee happiness is at the heart of a healthy, thriving company. With a green car scheme, like The Electric Car Scheme, you can show your commitment to sustainability. Your employees will appreciate the opportunity to make a positive impact. This is also great for prospective employees, as employee benefits are more important than ever.
As an employee, an EV salary sacrifice scheme allows you to access an electric car for less, whether it is used or second-hand. At The Electric Car Scheme, you can also choose to bundle everything into one and get tax savings on the following: maintenance, breakdown cover, comprehensive car insurance (optional), and a home charge point (optional). Using both The Electric Car Scheme and The Charge Scheme can save you thousands of pounds every year.
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Last updated: 27/06/2025
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
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