Best EV Route Planning Apps

Feeling anxious about finding charging stations on your journey? You're not alone.

As the UK rapidly embraces electric vehicles, new EV drivers often find themselves concerned about where their next charge will come from. The good news is that several powerful apps now exist to eliminate that worry, helping you locate charging stations, plan efficient routes, and manage your EV's energy needs with just a few taps.

Let's explore the three most effective EV route planning apps that will transform your electric driving experience: EV Infinity, ChargeMap, and A Better Route Planner (ABRP).

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What makes a truly helpful EV charging app?

Before diving into our recommendations, it's worth understanding what separates a good EV charging app from a great one. The most effective apps do more than just locate chargers – they provide a solution to your EV journey planning needs.

A truly helpful EV charging app locates charging stations quickly and accurately, showing you exactly where to find your next top-up in seconds. It offers real-time availability information so you never arrive at an occupied charger, wasting precious time and energy. The app should feature intuitive route planning capabilities that calculate your optimal charging stops based on your vehicle's range and efficiency. Seamless payment processing eliminates the hassle of juggling multiple charging network cards or apps. Finally, it ensures compatibility with your specific vehicle, showing only chargers that work with your connector type and charging speed.

With these essential features in mind, let's explore the three standout apps that make electric driving simpler and more enjoyable.

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Our favourite EV route planning apps

1. EV Infinity: Your all-in-one EV app

EV Infinity stands out as a comprehensive solution that combines navigation, charging station discovery, and payment processing into one seamless platform. Available for both iOS and Android devices, this app transforms the way you manage your electric vehicle journeys.

What makes EV Infinity uniquely valuable is its integrated approach to navigation and charging. Unlike many alternatives, you won't need to switch between different apps to plan your route and find charging stops – EV Infinity handles both functions effortlessly in one interface. The app utilises live data from your vehicle to recommend the most suitable charging stations based on your current battery level and destination.

One of the most convenient features is the Click & Charge functionality, which allows you to start charging sessions directly from the app at compatible stations. No more fumbling with multiple cards or apps – simply pull up, tap the app, and begin charging.

EV Infinity puts you in control with customisable preferences that let you set your desired battery level upon arrival at your destination. You can also filter stations by charging speed and network operator, ensuring you always find exactly what you need. As an added bonus, the app features a rewards programme that lets you earn points for charging sessions, which you can redeem for discounts or other perks – making charging your car more rewarding than ever.

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2. ChargeMap: The community-powered solution

ChargeMap has established itself as a popular choice among EV drivers across Europe, with particularly strong coverage in the UK. This community-driven app is available on both iOS and Android platforms, offering a slightly different approach to EV journey planning.

What sets ChargeMap apart is its extensive network of over 500,000 charging points across Europe, ensuring you're never far from a potential charging opportunity. The app leverages the power of its user community to provide valuable insights through reviews and comments. These user-generated contributions offer real-world information about charger reliability, pricing, and availability that official data sources might miss.

The route planner function creates journeys with charging stops tailored to your specific EV's requirements and specifications. For added convenience during drives, ChargeMap integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to access its features through your vehicle's infotainment system without reaching for your phone.

ChargeMap also offers a physical RFID card called the ChargeMap Pass, which provides a convenient way to initiate charging sessions at participating stations without even opening the app – particularly useful in areas with poor mobile reception.

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3. A Better Route Planner (ABRP): For the detail-oriented driver

A Better Route Planner (ABRP) takes a more technical approach to EV journey planning, offering comprehensive route calculation and real-time navigation specifically optimised for electric vehicles. Available on iOS and Android devices, as well as through a web application, ABRP appeals to drivers who appreciate detailed planning and data-driven recommendations.

What makes ABRP particularly powerful is its detailed route planning capabilities. Simply input your vehicle model and destination to receive a tailored route with optimised charging stops based on sophisticated algorithms that account for elevation, weather conditions, and driving speed. The app provides real-time updates, continuously adjusting your route based on current battery levels, traffic conditions, and charger availability to ensure you reach your destination efficiently.

ABRP supports an impressive range of EV models with customisable settings that allow you to fine-tune parameters like efficiency and charging speed to match your actual experience. For the most accurate energy consumption estimates, the app can integrate with OBD-II devices that sync directly with your vehicle's data systems. Like ChargeMap, ABRP also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing navigation guidance directly through your vehicle's display for a safer, more integrated experience.

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Which EV route planning app is right for you?

Selecting the ideal EV route planning app depends largely on your specific needs and driving patterns. If you're looking for a straightforward, all-in-one solution that handles navigation and charging with equal expertise, EV Infinity delivers a seamless experience that takes the pain out of finding chargers, and can be used whilst on the road. Its reward system adds an extra incentive to use the app regularly, making it especially appealing for frequent chargers.

If you value the insights of other EV drivers, ChargeMap's community-driven approach offers valuable real-world information that can save you from charging headaches. The physical ChargeMap Pass also adds convenience for regular travellers.

For those who appreciate detailed planning and real-time adjustments based on a wide range of factors, A Better Route Planner provides the most comprehensive technical solution, particularly well-suited to longer journeys where efficient charging stops can significantly reduce travel time.

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Transform EV route planning today

Regardless of which app you choose, having a reliable EV route planning tool transforms the electric driving experience from one potentially filled with range anxiety to a journey of confidence and convenience. These apps put you in control of your charging needs, ensuring you can find available charging stations quickly and plan efficient routes without worry.

For a truly seamless electric driving experience that combines intuitive navigation, comprehensive charging station information, and convenient payment options all in one place, download the EV Infinity app today.

Take the pain out of searching for chargers and find your nearest available charger in under 15 seconds – it's that simple.