Best EV Charging Apps UK 2025: Complete Comparison Guide
Navigating the UK's public EV charging network without the right app is like trying to find a restaurant without Google Maps—technically possible, but unnecessarily difficult. With over 50,000 public charging points across the UK managed by dozens of different networks, having a reliable charging app is essential for stress-free EV ownership.
This comprehensive guide compares the best EV charging apps available in the UK in 2025, from the market-leading Zap-Map to network-specific apps, helping you choose the perfect digital companion for your EV journey.
Why You Need an EV Charging App
The UK Public Charging Challenge
Unlike petrol stations (uniform, predictable, visible), the UK's public EV charging infrastructure is fragmented:
- 50+ different networks (BP Pulse, Ionity, Shell Recharge, Gridserve, etc.)
- Multiple payment methods (contactless, RFID card, app, membership)
- Variable pricing (30p-79p per kWh depending on network and speed)
- Inconsistent reliability (10-20% of chargers out of service at any time)
- Different connector types (Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO)
- Real-time availability varies dramatically
Without an app: You might drive to a charger only to find it's broken, incompatible, or already occupied.
With the right app: You know which chargers work, their live availability, pricing, and can navigate directly to them.
What Good Charging Apps Provide
✅ Real-time availability - Which chargers are free right now ✅ Network coverage maps - Visualise all charging options ✅ Route planning - Plan long journeys with charging stops ✅ Price comparison - Find cheapest charging options ✅ User reviews - Crowd-sourced reliability ratings ✅ Payment integration - Pay without multiple network memberships ✅ Filter by connector - Show only compatible chargers for your EV ✅ Fault reporting - Community alerts about broken chargers
Best EV Charging Apps UK: Complete Comparison
1. Zap-Map (★★★★★) - Best Overall
Price: Free (Premium: £5.99/month or £49.99/year) Coverage: 50,000+ UK charging locations Platforms: iOS, Android, Web Best for: UK EV owners wanting comprehensive coverage and community insights
What Makes Zap-Map Stand Out
Zap-Map is the UK's most popular EV charging app for good reason—it's comprehensive, UK-focused, and powered by a massive community of 500,000+ EV drivers.
Key Features:
✅ Comprehensive UK database - Every public charger in the UK ✅ Real-time status - Live availability from network APIs ✅ Community check-ins - Users report working/broken chargers ✅ Route planner - Plan multi-stop journeys ✅ Filter by:
- Network (BP Pulse, Ionity, etc.)
- Speed (Rapid 50kW+, Fast 7-22kW, Slow <7kW)
- Connector type (CCS, CHAdeMO, Type 2)
- Payment method (contactless, RFID, app)
- Availability (available now, in use, out of service) ✅ Trip planner - Suggests charging stops for long journeys ✅ User photos - See what charger locations actually look like ✅ Cost estimates - Calculate journey charging costs ✅ EV directory - Specs for 1,000+ EV models
Zap-Map Premium Benefits (£5.99/month):
- Remove ads
- Enhanced filtering options
- Priority support
- Advanced route planning features
User Experience:
Zap-Map's interface is clean and intuitive. The map view clearly shows charger density, and tapping any charger reveals detailed information:
- Network operator
- Charging speeds available
- Number of connectors
- Current pricing
- Real-time availability
- Recent user check-ins ("Working fine" / "Out of service")
- User comments and photos
Pros:
- ✅ Most comprehensive UK coverage
- ✅ Excellent community validation (broken chargers flagged quickly)
- ✅ Route planning works well for long trips
- ✅ Regular updates and improvements
- ✅ UK-developed (understands UK charging landscape)
Cons:
- ❌ Free version has ads (though not intrusive)
- ❌ Some features require Premium subscription
- ❌ Doesn't handle payment (directs to network apps)
- ❌ Data can be occasionally outdated (relies on community updates)
When to use: As your primary charging app for finding and planning UK public charging.
Download: zap-map.com/app
2. PlugShare (★★★★☆) - Best for International Travel
Price: Free (Premium: £4.99/month) Coverage: 500,000+ global charging locations (UK included) Platforms: iOS, Android Best for: EV owners who travel internationally or want global coverage
What Makes PlugShare Different
PlugShare is the world's largest EV charging database, with strong coverage in North America and Europe. It's particularly useful if you're planning European road trips.
Key Features:
✅ Global coverage - 500,000+ chargers worldwide ✅ Trip planner - Route planning with elevation data ✅ Community reviews - Extensive user photos and check-ins ✅ Filter options - By network, speed, connector, payment ✅ Hotel/destination charging - Find accommodation with charging ✅ Home charging listings - Some users offer their home chargers (rare in UK)
UK Coverage:
While PlugShare covers UK chargers comprehensively, it's not as UK-focused as Zap-Map. You'll find:
- All major UK networks included
- Community check-ins (though fewer than Zap-Map)
- Pricing information (sometimes less accurate than Zap-Map)
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent for European road trips
- ✅ Good trip planning with elevation data (shows battery drain on hills)
- ✅ Strong community features
- ✅ Home charging listings (if you're open to asking fellow EV owners)
Cons:
- ❌ Not as UK-specific as Zap-Map
- ❌ Some UK data less accurate/current
- ❌ Interface can feel cluttered with global data
- ❌ UK pricing info sometimes outdated
When to use: Planning European road trips or want global EV charging coverage.
Download: plugshare.com
3. Bonnet (★★★★½) - Best for Payment Simplification
Price: Free (Bonnet Plus: £2/month for 10% discount, Bonnet Premium: £8/month for 15% discount) Coverage: 400+ networks across UK and Europe Platforms: iOS, Android Best for: Simplifying payments across multiple charging networks
What Makes Bonnet Unique
Bonnet's killer feature: pay for charging across 15+ UK networks using one app and one payment method. No need for multiple network apps, RFID cards, or memberships.
Supported UK Networks:
- BP Pulse
- Shell Recharge
- Char.gy
- GeniePoint
- ESB Energy
- Source London
- osprey
- And 10+ more
How It Works:
- Find charger in Bonnet app (uses integrated mapping)
- Tap "Start Charging"
- Bonnet handles payment to network
- You get one monthly bill for all charging sessions
- Optional: Subscribe for 10-15% discounts
Key Features:
✅ Single payment method - One app, one bill, multiple networks ✅ Subscription discounts - 10-15% off charging costs ✅ Real-time availability - See which chargers are free ✅ Price comparison - Shows per-kWh cost before charging ✅ Session monitoring - Track charging progress remotely ✅ Usage analytics - Monthly spending, kWh consumed, CO₂ saved
Pricing:
- Bonnet Free: £0/month, standard network pricing
- Bonnet Plus: £2/month, 10% discount on all charging
- Bonnet Premium: £8/month, 15% discount on all charging
Example Savings (12,000 miles/year, 30% public charging):
Public charging cost (7p-50p/kWh average 35p): ~£360/year
- Bonnet Plus: £360 - 10% = £324, minus £24 subscription = £300/year (£60 saved)
- Bonnet Premium: £360 - 15% = £306, minus £96 subscription = £210/year (£150 saved)
Value analysis: Bonnet Premium pays for itself if you spend £53/month or more on public charging.
Pros:
- ✅ Massively simplifies multi-network charging
- ✅ Subscription discounts save money for frequent users
- ✅ Single monthly bill for accounting/expenses
- ✅ Clean, modern interface
- ✅ Good network coverage in UK
Cons:
- ❌ Doesn't cover all UK networks (notably missing Ionity, Gridserve, Tesla Superchargers)
- ❌ Subscription only worthwhile for regular public charging users
- ❌ Slightly smaller database than Zap-Map
- ❌ Can't pay at chargers not in Bonnet network
When to use: You regularly use public charging and want payment simplification + discounts.
Download: joinbonnet.com
4. Electroverse (★★★★☆) - Best for Octopus Energy Customers
Price: Free Coverage: 500+ networks globally (UK included) Platforms: iOS, Android Best for: Octopus Energy customers wanting integrated billing
What Makes Electroverse Special
Electrover se (by Octopus Energy) combines charging location discovery with integrated payment and, if you're an Octopus customer, adds charging costs directly to your energy bill.
Key Features:
✅ Integrated billing - Octopus customers: charging added to energy bill ✅ Multi-network support - 500+ networks including BP Pulse, Shell, Ionity ✅ Single RFID card - One physical card works across supported networks ✅ Price transparency - Clear per-kWh costs before charging ✅ Real-time availability - Live charger status ✅ Route planning - Basic trip planning functionality
Octopus Energy Integration:
If you're an Octopus Energy customer (home electricity):
- Public charging costs added to monthly energy bill
- One bill for home and public charging
- Simpler accounting for EV costs
- No separate payment methods needed
Pricing:
No subscription fees. You pay network standard rates (no discounts like Bonnet, but no fees either).
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent for Octopus Energy customers (integrated billing)
- ✅ Good network coverage
- ✅ Free RFID card (convenient backup for app)
- ✅ Clean interface
- ✅ No subscription required
Cons:
- ❌ Best features require Octopus Energy account
- ❌ No charging discounts (unlike Bonnet)
- ❌ Smaller UK database than Zap-Map
- ❌ Route planning less sophisticated than Zap-Map
When to use: You're an Octopus Energy customer and want integrated home/public charging billing.
Download: electroverse.octopus.energy
5. Network-Specific Apps
Most UK charging networks have their own apps. While less convenient than aggregators, they sometimes offer benefits:
BP Pulse App (★★★½☆)
Best for: Frequent BP Pulse users, motorway charging
Features:
- Book rapid chargers (150kW+) at motorway services
- Member pricing (slightly cheaper than contactless)
- Session monitoring
- Payment handling
Pros: Booking prevents arriving to occupied rapid chargers
Cons: Only works for BP Pulse network
Shell Recharge App (★★★☆☆)
Best for: Shell Recharge network users
Features:
- Find Shell chargers
- Start/stop charging remotely
- Payment integration
- Usage history
Pros: Reliable for Shell network
Cons: Limited to Shell chargers only
Gridserve Electric Highway App (★★★★☆)
Best for: Motorway charging (UK's upgraded Electric Highway)
Features:
- All UK motorway service chargers (350kW capable)
- Live availability
- Premium amenities info (lounges, facilities)
- Fast charging sessions (10-20 min top-ups)
Pros: Best motorway charging experience in UK
Cons: Only motorway services, premium pricing (65-79p/kWh)
Comparison Table: UK EV Charging Apps
| App | Price | UK Coverage | Payment | Best Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zap-Map | Free / £5.99/mo | 50,000+ | Via networks | Comprehensive UK data | ★★★★★ |
| PlugShare | Free / £4.99/mo | Good | Via networks | Global coverage | ★★★★☆ |
| Bonnet | Free-£8/mo | 400+ networks | In-app | 10-15% discounts | ★★★★½ |
| Electroverse | Free | 500+ networks | In-app | Octopus integration | ★★★★☆ |
| BP Pulse | Free | BP only | In-app | Charger booking | ★★★½☆ |
How to Choose: Decision Framework
Scenario 1: New EV Owner, Mostly Home Charging
Recommendation: Zap-Map (free version)
Why: You need comprehensive UK coverage for occasional public charging but don't need payment integration (use contactless at chargers).
Optional add: PlugShare for European holidays
Scenario 2: Frequent Public Charging User
Recommendation: Zap-Map + Bonnet Premium
Why: Zap-Map for finding chargers, Bonnet for simplified payment and 15% discounts. If spending £50+/month on public charging, Bonnet Premium (£8/month) pays for itself.
Annual saving: £150-300 from Bonnet discounts
Scenario 3: Octopus Energy Customer
Recommendation: Zap-Map + Electroverse
Why: Zap-Map for comprehensive searching, Electroverse for integrated billing (public charging on energy bill).
Scenario 4: International/European Travel
Recommendation: Zap-Map (UK) + PlugShare (Europe)
Why: Zap-Map for UK accuracy, PlugShare for European coverage. Both free versions sufficient.
Scenario 5: Motorway Frequent Driver
Recommendation: Zap-Map + BP Pulse + Gridserve
Why: Zap-Map for planning, BP Pulse for booking motorway rapids, Gridserve for premium Electric Highway experience.
Essential App Features Explained
Real-Time Availability
What it does: Shows which chargers are currently in use vs available.
How it works:
- Network APIs report charger status
- Community check-ins update manually
- Combines both for accuracy
Why it matters: Prevents wasted trips to occupied chargers.
Best implementation: Zap-Map (combines API + community data)
Route Planning
What it does: Suggests charging stops for long journeys.
How it works:
- Enter start/destination
- App calculates battery drain
- Suggests optimal charging stops
- Considers charger speed, location, pricing
Why it matters: Essential for road trips beyond single-charge range.
Best implementation: Zap-Map Trip Planner and PlugShare (includes elevation data)
Example: London to Edinburgh (400 miles)
- EV range: 250 miles
- App suggests: Stop at Scotch Corner services (200 miles, 20-min rapid charge)
- Arrive Edinburgh with 30% battery
Price Comparison
What it does: Shows cost per kWh at different chargers.
How it works:
- Apps display network pricing
- Calculate session costs based on battery size
Why it matters: Charging costs vary 30p-79p/kWh—huge difference.
Example (60kWh charge, 20-80%):
- Cheap charger (35p/kWh): £12.60
- Expensive rapid (79p/kWh): £28.44
- Difference: £15.84 for same charge
Best implementation: Bonnet (clear pricing, discounts)
Filter by Connector Type
What it does: Shows only compatible chargers for your EV.
Why it matters: Not all chargers work with all EVs.
Common UK connectors:
- Type 2 (AC, 7-22kW) - Universal for all modern EVs
- CCS (DC rapid, 50-350kW) - Most modern EVs (Tesla with adapter)
- CHAdeMO (DC rapid, 50kW) - Nissan Leaf, older Japanese EVs
- Tesla Supercharger - Tesla only (some opening to other brands 2025)
Best implementation: Zap-Map (comprehensive filter options)
Pro Tips: Maximising App Effectiveness
Tip 1: Use Multiple Apps
Best combination:
- Primary: Zap-Map (finding chargers, trip planning)
- Payment: Bonnet or Electroverse (simplified payment)
- Backup: PlugShare (European travel)
Tip 2: Enable Notifications
Set up alerts for:
- Chargers near your location
- Fault reports for chargers you use regularly
- Price changes on your common routes
Tip 3: Contribute to Community
When you use a charger:
- ✅ Check-in on Zap-Map (confirms working/broken)
- ✅ Add photo (helps others find charger location)
- ✅ Leave review (warn about issues or praise reliability)
Why: The more users contribute, the more accurate data becomes (benefits everyone).
Tip 4: Download Offline Maps
Before long trips:
- Download Zap-Map UK data for offline access
- Screenshot key charger locations
- Note network apps needed for payment
Why: Mobile signal can be patchy in rural UK areas.
Tip 5: Plan Buffer Time
Rule of thumb: Add 15-30 minutes to journey time for each charging stop.
Why:
- Chargers may be occupied (5-10 min wait)
- Charge might be slower than expected (degraded chargers)
- You might need to drive to alternative charger
Tip 6: Favourite Your Regular Chargers
Most apps let you save favourite locations:
- Home charging (if public charger nearby)
- Work charging
- Supermarket chargers you use regularly
- Motorway services on your common routes
Benefit: Quick access to chargers you trust.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: App Shows Charger Available, But It's Occupied
Why: Real-time data lags, or previous user hasn't unplugged.
Solution:
- Check Zap-Map community check-ins (recent activity)
- Have backup charger identified
- Use Bonnet/Electroverse to start charging remotely (confirms availability)
Problem 2: Can't Pay at Charger (No Contactless, RFID Required)
Why: Some older chargers require network-specific RFID cards or apps.
Solution:
- Always carry backup payment methods:
- Bonnet or Electroverse app (works across networks)
- 2-3 major network RFID cards (BP Pulse, Shell Recharge)
- Contactless card
Prevention: Check Zap-Map payment methods before relying on specific charger.
Problem 3: Charger Broken (Out of Service)
Why: 10-20% of UK chargers are faulty at any time.
Solution:
- Report immediately on Zap-Map (warns other users)
- Use app's "find nearest alternative" feature
- Contact network helpline (often can reset charger remotely)
Prevention: Check recent Zap-Map check-ins before driving to charger.
Problem 4: Slow Charging (Getting 20kW When 50kW Expected)
Why:
- Charger degraded/faulty
- Battery too hot/cold (reduces charging speed)
- Charger shared between multiple vehicles
- Battery already >80% (charging slows)
Solution:
- If charger fault: Report on Zap-Map, try another charger
- If battery temperature: Wait 5-10 mins for optimal temperature
- If >80%: Accept slower speed (normal behaviour)
Problem 5: App Draining Phone Battery
Why: GPS + live data + background refresh.
Solution:
- Enable battery saver mode
- Turn off background app refresh (manual updates only)
- Close app when not actively using
- Carry phone charger in car
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need multiple EV charging apps?
Yes, recommended. Use Zap-Map for comprehensive UK charger finding, and either Bonnet or Electroverse for simplified payment across networks. Having 2-3 apps ensures you're never stuck unable to charge.
Are free apps sufficient or should I pay for Premium?
For most users, free versions suffice. Consider premium if:
- Zap-Map Premium (£5.99/mo): You plan frequent long trips and want enhanced route planning
- Bonnet Premium (£8/mo): You spend £50+/month on public charging (15% discount pays for itself)
- PlugShare Premium (£4.99/mo): You need advanced filtering and trip planning
Can I pay for charging through apps or do I need RFID cards?
Depends on network:
- Bonnet/Electroverse: Pay in-app across 400-500+ networks (no RFID needed)
- Network apps: BP Pulse, Shell, etc. allow in-app payment
- Contactless: Most modern chargers (2023+) accept contactless cards directly
- RFID cards: Still required for some older chargers
Recommendation: Use Bonnet or Electroverse as primary payment method (covers most scenarios).
Which app has the most accurate real-time availability?
Zap-Map, due to combination of:
- Network API feeds (live charger status)
- Massive UK community (500,000+ users reporting status)
- Recent check-in priority (recent reports weighted higher)
Do apps work in Europe or just UK?
UK coverage:
- Zap-Map: Excellent UK, limited Europe
- PlugShare: Good UK, excellent Europe
- Bonnet: Good UK, expanding Europe
- Electroverse: Good UK and Europe
For European road trips: Download PlugShare + keep Zap-Map for return to UK.
Can I book/reserve chargers through apps?
Limited availability: Only some networks allow booking:
- BP Pulse: Yes (motorway rapid chargers)
- Gridserve: Yes (Electric Highway locations)
- Most others: No (first-come, first-served)
Why useful: Guarantees charger availability on long journeys (avoid arriving to occupied rapids).
What happens if I can't get a charger to work?
- Check app: Verify charger operational status
- Restart: Unplug, wait 30 seconds, replug
- Try payment again: Sometimes payment authorisation fails first attempt
- Call helpline: Number on charger or in app (network can remotely reset)
- Report fault: Flag on Zap-Map (helps other users)
- Find alternative: Use app to locate nearest working charger
How do apps make money if they're free?
Zap-Map: Premium subscriptions + data licensing to networks PlugShare: Premium subscriptions + advertising Bonnet: Commission from charging networks (small % of payment) Electroverse: Part of Octopus Energy ecosystem (drives energy account signups)
Future Developments (2025-2026)
Coming Soon to UK Charging Apps:
- AI-powered route optimisation - Apps will learn your driving style, suggest optimal charging strategies
- Dynamic pricing alerts - Notifications when cheap charging available on your route
- Pre-conditioning integration - Apps signal your EV to warm/cool battery for optimal charging speed
- Augmented reality - Point phone camera to locate charger in complex car parks
- EV-to-EV charging - Apps facilitate power sharing between EVs
- Carbon tracking - Detailed CO₂ savings vs petrol car
Network Improvements:
- More contactless payment (no app/RFID needed)
- Standardised pricing display
- Better charger reliability (target: 95%+ uptime)
- Faster charging (150-350kW becoming standard)
Conclusion: Your Essential App Stack
Minimum setup (Free):
- ✅ Zap-Map (finding UK chargers)
- ✅ One network app for backup (BP Pulse or Shell Recharge)
Recommended setup (Low cost):
- ✅ Zap-Map (finding chargers)
- ✅ Bonnet or Electroverse (simplified payment)
- ✅ PlugShare (European travel)
Power user setup:
- ✅ Zap-Map Premium (£5.99/mo) - Enhanced trip planning
- ✅ Bonnet Premium (£8/mo) - 15% charging discounts
- ✅ PlugShare (free) - Europe backup
- ✅ BP Pulse + Gridserve apps - Motorway charging
Total cost (power user): £13.99/month Savings from Bonnet discounts: £12-25/month (if using public charging regularly) Net cost: Break-even or positive ROI
For most UK EV owners, Zap-Map (free) + Bonnet (£2-8/mo depending on usage) provides the perfect balance of comprehensive coverage, accurate data, and payment convenience.
Download your apps, plan your journey, and enjoy stress-free public EV charging across the UK.
Next Steps:
- ✅ Download Zap-Map (essential for all UK EV owners)
- ✅ Download Bonnet OR Electroverse (payment simplification)
- ✅ Add home/work charging locations as favourites
- ✅ Plan your first long journey using trip planner
- ✅ Contribute community check-ins (help fellow EV drivers)
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