Going on holiday with your EV? With these apps, you can hit the road with peace of mind!
Travelling with an EV requires careful planning. Fortunately, there are lots of apps that can support you in this. They help you find available charging points, show the charging speed and associated costs. But which is the best app to choose? We selected 10 handy apps that are great for travelling with your EV. So grab your smartphone and read along!
1. Your own EV's app
Just about every electric car brand has an app you can use to enhance your driving experience. Be sure to install them on your phone. Most of these apps allow you to plan your route, start and stop charging sessions and pre-heat or cool your vehicle while it is charging. Some apps even allow you to unlock your vehicle. Definitely a good start, then!
2. Find charging stations
Smoov - find an available charging station nearby Smoov cooperates with charging stations from different providers and notifies you when your (favourite) charging point is available. With the live function, you can also check your charging session at any time. With Smoov, you can find charge point locations via Google Streetview, view their availability, see the charging speed per charge point, monitor the current status of your charging session, view tariffs as well as start and stop charging sessions.
Plugshare - availability, location and photos of charging stations across Europe With Plugshare you can find nearby charging stations and obtain detailed information, such as availability, charging speed and ratings. In addition, you can share your own charging points with other drivers. The app also provides information on payment methods at charging points. The navigation and route planning functions also allow you to easily navigate to charging points and include charging stops in your travel plan.
Chargemap - sharing photos of available (or faulty) charging stations The Chargemap app allows users to help each other find available charging stations. You can plan your route with the required charging stops for a smooth journey. Moreover, users can send photos and messages from and about charging stations to each other, which is useful for confirming whether a charging station is public and for notifying each other when a charging station is not working.
3. Plan your route smartly and efficiently
A Better Routeplanner - handy for long trips This route planner is suitable for any type of electric vehicle and ideal for long journeys across Europe. The app searches for different charging points and can connect you to your electric vehicle for easier planning. The app automatically calculates travel time, planned charging stops and charging times.
ElectricRoutes - calculate your route with charging stops included ElectricRoutes is similar to A Better Route Planner and useful for holidays abroad. You enter the details of your vehicle, start and end point and the app does the rest! The route is calculated with corresponding charging stops.
Fastned - route planning, quick charger search and recommended charging stops A must-have! The Fastned app makes it easy to find fast-charging stations along motorways. With the Autocharge function, the charging session starts automatically when you plug in the charging cable. Fastned offers recommended charging stops for long routes and takes into account stops on the return journey if charging at the destination is not possible. The app also offers charging history and tips and has good coverage abroad.
4. Specific apps linked to brands
Shell Recharge - extensive coverage in Europe This app lets you easily select public charging stations based on your vehicle and/or type of charging cable, wherever you are in Europe. You can view the exact location via Google Maps, plan a charging station route and filter specific chargers. The app offers features such as starting and stopping charging sessions, a digital charging pass, information on charging speed, rates and charging history and notifications on available charging stations nearby. Shell Recharge is a reputable partner with extensive coverage across Europe.
IONITY - easy payment via credit card IONITY is a fast charging app with charge points in 24 countries. With the app, you can find all IONITY fast-charging stations and start and stop charging sessions. Key features include displaying availability, starting and ending charging sessions and viewing charging history.
TESLA Superchargers - finally accessible for all brands The Tesla Superchargers app is useful for both Tesla and other EV drivers. You can quickly charge at Tesla Superchargers, which are now accessible to all car brands. Key features include viewing available Superchargers, starting and stopping charging sessions, excellent international coverage and viewing charging history.
When planning a trip with an EV, it is best to inform yourself in advance and install the apps that best suit your needs. With the plethora of apps available, there are plenty of options to hit the road with peace of mind. So try out some apps before you leave on your trip and keep the best ones on your smartphone. With the right apps, electric driving becomes completely worry-free!
