With dozens of charging networks across the UK, the right apps make finding and using chargers much easier. Here's what you need.
Essential Apps
1. Zapmap — The Must-Have
What it does: Maps all UK chargers across all networks, with real-time status and user ratings.
Key features:
Cost: Free (premium version £3.99/month adds features)
Best for: Finding any charger, checking reliability before visiting
Download: iOS and Android
2. A Better Route Planner (ABRP)
What it does: Plans routes with optimal charging stops for your specific car.
Key features:
Cost: Free (premium £3.99/month for more features)
Best for: Planning long journeys
Download: iOS and Android, web version
3. Google Maps
What it does: Shows EV chargers integrated into standard mapping.
Key features:
Limitations:
Best for: Quick searches while navigating
Network-Specific Apps
Major Networks
| Network | App Needed? | Contactless? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BP Pulse | Yes (or contactless) | Yes | App for best rates |
| Gridserve | Optional | Yes | App for subscriptions |
| Ionity | Yes (or contactless) | Yes | Ad-hoc expensive, app for subscriptions |
| InstaVolt | No | Yes | Contactless only |
| Pod Point | Optional | Yes at many | Some need app |
| Tesla Supercharger | Yes | No | Tesla app required |
| GeniePoint | Yes | No | App or RFID |
| Source London | Yes | No | App or RFID |
Apps to Download by Usage
Occasional public charging:
Regular public charging:
Long journeys:
Tesla owners:
Aggregator Apps
What Are Aggregators?
Apps/cards that work across multiple networks with one account:
| Service | Networks Covered | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Octopus Electroverse | 500,000+ chargers (UK + EU) | One app/card, pay monthly |
| Shell Recharge | Multiple networks | One card, various networks |
| Bonnet | 16+ networks | One app, pay as you go |
Octopus Electroverse
Pros:
Cons:
Best for: Frequent public chargers, European travel
Bonnet
Pros:
Cons:
Best for: Occasional chargers who want simplicity
Speciality Apps
For Finding Free Chargers
Where to look:
For Cheapest Rates
Compare pricing:
For Availability Updates
Real-time status:
How the Apps Compare
Finding Chargers
| App | Coverage | Real-time Status | User Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zapmap | Excellent | Good | Yes |
| Google Maps | Good | Partial | No |
| PlugShare | Good | Partial | Yes |
| Network apps | Own network only | Excellent | No |
Route Planning
| App | Route Planning | Car-specific | Multi-stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABRP | Excellent | Yes | Yes |
| Zapmap | Good | Basic | Yes |
| Google Maps | Basic | No | Limited |
| Tesla Nav | Excellent | Tesla only | Yes |
Payment
| App | Payment | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network apps | Direct | Varies | Best rates |
| Electroverse | Aggregator | Very easy | Good rates |
| Contactless | Card at charger | Easiest | Often higher |
| Bonnet | Aggregator | Easy | Varies |
Setting Up Your Apps
Before Your First Public Charge
Information You'll Need
Quick Setup Checklist
| App | Setup Required | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Zapmap | Create account | 2 minutes |
| ABRP | Add your car | 3 minutes |
| BP Pulse | Account + payment | 5 minutes |
| Ionity | Account + payment | 5 minutes |
Tips for Using Charging Apps
Before Visiting a Charger
At the Charger
If Something Doesn't Work
App Recommendations by Situation
"I'm Getting My First EV"
| App | Priority | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Zapmap | Essential | Find all chargers |
| ABRP | Essential | Plan journeys |
| 1-2 network apps | Useful | For regular chargers |
"I Mostly Charge at Home"
| App | Priority | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Zapmap | Good to have | Backup/emergencies |
| ABRP | For trips | Long journey planning |
"I Don't Have Home Charging"
| App | Priority | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Zapmap | Essential | Find local chargers |
| Multiple network apps | Essential | Regular use |
| Electroverse | Consider | Simplify billing |
"I Take Regular Long Trips"
| App | Priority | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ABRP | Essential | Route planning |
| Zapmap | Essential | Charger status |
| Gridserve | Useful | Motorway services |
| BP Pulse | Useful | Wide coverage |
Summary
| App | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Zapmap | Finding any charger | Free |
| ABRP | Journey planning | Free/£4pm |
| Google Maps | Quick searches | Free |
| Network apps | Using specific networks | Free |
| Electroverse | One-card convenience | Transaction fees |
| Bonnet | Multi-network access | Transaction fees |
The Bottom Line
Everyone should have:
Beyond that: Add apps as needed based on your usage patterns. Don't download everything — most people only regularly use 2–3 networks.
The app ecosystem is maturing quickly, and contactless payment is reducing the need for network-specific apps. But for now, a few well-chosen apps make public charging straightforward.