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Top 8 Must-Have Apps for Electric Vehicle Drivers in 2023

Author: CC

Mar. 07, 2024

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Tags: Energy

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as we move towards a more sustainable future. With more and more people switching to electric cars, the demand for apps that cater to the needs of EV drivers has increased as well. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to 10 essential apps for EV drivers in 2023 that will help you drive into the future. 

Essential Apps for EV Drivers

  • PlugShare
  • ChargePoint
  • Steer EV
  • Tesla
  • A Better Routeplanner
  • ChargeHub
  • PlugSurfing
  • Waze

Cost: Free

Android/iOS: Both

PlugShare is an essential app for any electric vehicle (EV) driver, helping them locate charging stations wherever they go. With over 100,000 charging stations in its database, PlugShare provides real-time information on their availability and pricing, making it easier for EV drivers to plan their trips. 

One of the standout features of PlugShare is its community-driven network, where users can share information about charging stations, including their locations, availability, and even photos. This information can be incredibly valuable, especially for EV drivers traveling to new areas or unfamiliar territories. 

The app also allows users to filter their search based on their specific needs, such as the type of connector, charging speed, and even the amenities available at the charging station, such as nearby restaurants, shops, or restrooms. 

PlugShare’s user-friendly interface and helpful features have made it a favorite among EV drivers worldwide. In addition to its mobile app, PlugShare also offers a web-based platform and a network of partners, including automakers, charging equipment manufacturers, and charging network operators. 

Cost: Free

Android/iOS: Both

ChargePoint is a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, offering a mobile app that helps EV drivers find and access charging stations. With a network of over 115,000 charging stations in North America and Europe, ChargePoint provides EV drivers with real-time information on their availability and pricing, making it easier for them to plan their trips. 

One of the standout features of the ChargePoint app is its seamless integration with the company’s network of charging stations. EV drivers can use the app to locate, reserve, and pay for charging sessions at ChargePoint stations, without the need for additional memberships or payment methods. The app also provides notifications when charging sessions are complete, helping drivers stay on schedule and avoid overcharging. 

ChargePoint’s app also offers a range of helpful features for EV drivers, including the ability to filter charging stations by connector type, charging speed, and other amenities, such as restaurants, shops, or restrooms. The app also provides real-time updates on the status of charging stations, such as whether they are in use or undergoing maintenance. 

Cost: Free

Android/iOS: Both

The Steer EV app is designed to help users with the process of selecting and managing their electric vehicle (EV) subscription. The app includes four main features that allow users to customize their experience and make adjustments as needed. 

Choosing Your Car: The first feature of the Steer EV app is the ability to choose your car. This feature allows users to browse and select from a range of electric vehicles that are available for subscription. Users can view the different makes and models, compare features, and choose the one that best suits their needs. 

Selecting Delivery Date: Once a user has chosen their car, they can use the app to select a delivery date. This feature allows users to schedule the delivery of their electric vehicle at a time that is convenient for them. Users can also choose a pick-up location if they prefer to collect their car in person. 

Swapping Your Car: The Steer EV app also includes a feature that allows users to swap their car. This means that if a user decides they want to try a different electric vehicle or upgrade to a newer model, they can easily make the switch using the app. This feature makes it easy for users to customize their subscription and ensures they always have access to the latest electric vehicle. 

Adding Secondary Drivers: Finally, the Steer EV app allows users to add secondary drivers to their subscription. This feature is particularly useful for households with multiple drivers who will be using the same electric vehicle. Users can add family members or friends to their subscription, giving them access to the same car and all of its features. This feature also makes it easy for users to share the cost of their electric vehicle subscription with others. 

The Steer EV app offers a range of features designed to make the process of selecting and managing an electric vehicle subscription simple and convenient. The app allows users to choose from a range of electric vehicle makes and models, schedule delivery at a time and location that works for them, easily swap vehicles to try new models, and even add secondary drivers to share the cost and convenience of an electric vehicle subscription. With these features, the Steer EV app makes it easy for anyone to join the electric vehicle revolution and enjoy the many benefits of driving an environmentally friendly and cost-effective electric vehicle. 

Cost: Free

Android/iOS: Both

The Tesla app is an essential tool for any Tesla owner, providing a wide range of features and functionality to enhance your driving experience. With the Tesla app, you can control various aspects of your Tesla from your mobile device, including locking and unlocking the doors, honking the horn, and opening the trunk or frunk. 

The app also lets you check the battery level and range of your Tesla, as well as monitor the charging status and set charging schedules. You can even start and stop charging sessions remotely, ensuring that your Tesla is fully charged and ready to go whenever you need it. 

Another great feature of the Tesla app is the ability to control the climate inside your Tesla. You can remotely start the air conditioning or heating system to pre-cool or pre-warm the car before you even get inside. This is especially useful on hot or cold days, as it allows you to enjoy a comfortable driving experience from the moment you start your Tesla. 

Cost: Free

Android/iOS: Both

A Better Routeplanner is an app that provides an easy-to-use platform for electric vehicle drivers to plan their trips, taking into account the location of charging stations along the way. The app allows users to enter their vehicle’s make and model, battery capacity, and desired charging levels, and generates a route that minimizes charging time and maximizes range. The app uses real-time data on charging station availability and pricing to optimize the route, ensuring that drivers can complete their journey without any range anxiety. 

One of the standout features of A Better Routeplanner is its ability to factor in variables such as weather, elevation, and traffic conditions when generating a route. This allows the app to provide more accurate estimates of driving range and charging times, ensuring that users can plan their trips with confidence. In addition, the app offers a number of customization options, such as the ability to specify charging station types, add waypoints, and adjust charging settings, giving users greater control over their trip planning. 

A Better Routeplanner is a valuable tool for electric vehicle drivers, particularly those who regularly travel long distances. By providing accurate and reliable information on charging station availability and optimizing routes based on real-time data, the app helps to alleviate the range anxiety that can be a barrier to EV adoption. As more people switch to electric vehicles, apps like A Better Routeplanner will become increasingly important in enabling seamless and efficient travel. 

Cost: Free

Android/iOS: Both

ChargeHub is a comprehensive app that helps EV drivers plan their trips and find charging stations. It offers real-time information on the availability and pricing of charging stations along your route, helping you plan your journey with ease. With a database of over 160,000 charging stations worldwide, ChargeHub is one of the most extensive charging networks available. The app also allows you to filter charging stations by connector type, payment options, and amenities, so you can find the perfect charging station for your needs. Additionally, ChargeHub provides helpful tips and resources for EV drivers, such as information on EV incentives, news, and updates on the latest electric cars. 

Cost: Free

Android/iOS: Both

PlugSurfing is a popular app for EV drivers that provides an easy and convenient way to find and pay for charging stations. With a network of over 70,000 charging stations across the world, PlugSurfing makes it easy to plan your route and find charging options that are convenient for you. 

One of the key features of PlugSurfing is its payment options. The app supports a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay. This means that you can easily pay for your charging sessions directly through the app, without having to worry about carrying cash or finding a payment kiosk at the charging station. 

In addition to its payment options, PlugSurfing also provides real-time information on the availability and pricing of charging stations. This helps you plan your route more efficiently and avoid waiting in line for charging stations that are already in use. With PlugSurfing, you can rest assured that you will be able to find a charging station when you need it and at a price that suits your budget. 

Cost: Free

Android/iOS: Both

Waze is a popular navigation app that offers a range of useful features for EV drivers. In addition to providing turn-by-turn directions to your destination, Waze also offers real-time information on traffic, accidents, and road closures, helping you find the fastest route to your destination. This can be particularly useful for EV drivers, who need to factor in the location and availability of charging stations along their route. 

Waze also offers a range of customization options, allowing you to customize the app to suit your needs. For example, you can set up alerts for low battery levels, which will help you find charging stations before your battery runs out. You can also customize your route based on your preferred charging locations, ensuring that you always have access to a charging station when you need it. 

One of the standout features of Waze is its community-based approach. The app allows users to share information about traffic and road conditions, helping others avoid delays and accidents. This can be particularly helpful for EV drivers, who may need to plan their route carefully to avoid running out of battery power. By sharing information about charging stations and traffic conditions, EV drivers can help each other get to their destination quickly and safely. 

In conclusion, these 10 essential apps for EV drivers in 2023 can help you find charging stations, manage your charging schedule, track your performance and range, optimize your efficiency, and navigate to your destination. With these apps at your fingertips, you’ll be ready to drive into the future. 

Steer’s Roadside Assistance for Subscribers: Peace of Mind on the Road

Steer’s EV car subscription service provides roadside assistance to its members, including those who subscribe to the Tesla model. With Steer’s app access, you can have peace of mind knowing that help is just a tap away in case of an emergency on the road. 

If your Tesla vehicle is disabled and cannot be driven safely, Steer’s roadside assistance will arrange for a tow truck to take your vehicle to the nearest repair shop. While Steer’s roadside assistance does not provide fuel delivery or other services, they still offer valuable assistance in case of an emergency. 

While Steer’s roadside assistance does not provide a technician to help with a flat tire or locked keys, they can still offer valuable assistance in case of an emergency. If your Tesla vehicle is disabled and cannot be driven safely, Steer’s roadside assistance will arrange for a tow truck to take your vehicle to the nearest repair shop. 

In addition, Steer’s EV car subscription service provides app access to Tesla models, allowing members to lock or unlock their Tesla using the Tesla app. This means that in case of a locked key emergency, members can use the Tesla app to unlock their vehicle, eliminating the need for a technician. 

Steer’s app access also provides members with the ability to easily request roadside assistance. Simply open the app and tap on the roadside assistance button. A representative will be available to assist you promptly. 

While Steer’s roadside assistance may not cover all emergency situations, such as fuel delivery or a technician to help with a flat tire or locked keys, their towing and other assistance services can still make a real difference in case of an emergency. With Steer’s app access and roadside assistance, you can have peace of mind knowing that help is just a tap away. 

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Buying a fully electric vehicle presents a whole new world of possibilities, like never needing to pump a single gallon of fuel.  And EVs can travel longer distances on a single charge than ever before, which raises many questions, like where and how to charge your electric vehicle beyond your home or office. This is where charging apps come to the rescue.

Charging Apps Are Helpful

Charging apps can be invaluable for getting the most out of any EV. A charging app can help an electric vehicle owner find charging stations and help users determine if the chargers are Level 2 or 3 DC Fast Charging stations. Some also indicate the kilowatts available and if the units are currently in use. Apps also let users monitor their vehicle’s charging status once plugged in. Users might plan routes to maximize their electric car’s available range and even reserve a spot at a charging station for a specific time and day.

Depending on the app, you can also learn the current status of nearby charging stations and know beforehand if there are any issues, like a faulty charge point or hefty fees, before planning a stop. This can save you time and money, not to mention avoid the possibility of running out of charge because the station you had in mind went out of service.

Some apps, such as PlugShare, include handy tutorials with tips for electric car drivers about how to recharge and which chargers work compatibly with their vehicle type. Others let you connect with fellow EV drivers to share useful information about charging stations and offer various travel advice to make your electric drive a seamless experience.

How to Pick an App

The answer starts with where you live and the electric car you drive. This holds true with any electric vehicle, no matter the manufacturer. It’s wise to use an app affiliated with public stations where you plan on doing the majority of your driving. The electric car you drive likely offers an available app specific to the vehicle or the manufacturer’s lineup of EVs. That’s a great starting point, though browsing charging apps that make the most sense for your driving needs is a smart idea.

Downloading several apps can be helpful.  Some might prefer the user interface of one app over another, even if they both offer nearly identical pros and cons. and provide valuable information when traveling away from home.

The best charging apps not only let you find nearby EV charging stations, but they also provide information related to charging speed, current rates, and availability. They also list routes that factor in points to recharge during extended drives and whether the station is compatible with your electric vehicle.

If you plan on relying on a specific charging network like ChargePoint, then you’ll definitely want to add those apps on your smartphone. PlugShare can also be helpful because it easily aggregates all the networks and allows the user to see the locations of each type of charger, plan trips, and more. Read more below for specifics.

It’s best to plan your trips when you head farther afield because the network could be different than the one in your local area. There are some networks that have strong regional presence, and their app may be helpful if you are traveling to that area. The more apps at your disposal, the easier the access when you’re on the go. You’ll stay better informed if any curveballs occur during your travels.

Also, know the charger and plug connector type your EV requires and factor this into your decision. Many charging apps cover all types of chargers. So, all an EV driver needs to do is filter out the ones suitable for their vehicle.

Some Apps to Consider

Electric car owners will find plenty of choices regarding charging app, which is good because not one single app works perfectly for every scenario. Please know the list below is not intended as an endorsement, nor should this list be considered the only apps worth looking into.

PlugShare

PlugShare helps users find EV charging stations — including Tesla Superchargers — locally or on road trips. It’s considered a must-have app because it features more than 600,000 EV charging stations across a cross-section of networks, including ChargePoint, Electrify America, FLO, EVgo, EV Connect, Volta, and more.

You can filter the choices by plug type, and it provides real-time availability. It allows the user to plan road trips, bookmark locations, share live updates, and get charging tips from other users. Even though you can pay for charging in the app at participating locations, many people keep other apps on their phones for convenience.

ChargePoint

ChargePoint offers a network of more than 163,000 activated ports. With the app, you can locate and charge at stations from other major networks in real time with updates about your charging status. You can also use your account to charge at FLO, EVgo, and other stations.

The app lets you see tips and advice from other users about specific charging stations you may use along your route. For those who use ChargePoint home chargers, the app allows you to schedule your charging and reminders, track usage, and more.

Electrify America

Electrify America is a fast-growing network with lots of funding and expansion. Many people download Electrify America in addition to other apps because it focuses on Level 3 DC fast chargers.

The app sends notifications when chargers open up and identifies those available, including Level 2. You can track your charging status and get notified when your electric car reaches a desired state of charge. You can start or stop your charging session remotely.

EVgo

With EVgo, you can reserve a charger ahead of time. It allows you to filter preferences by connector and charger type. You can monitor your session and see other real-time charging details on the app, while earning rewards for your activity. You can also filter by location.

Volta

Volta is among the largest U.S. network of free EV chargers. The app can check availability and locate the chargers at malls, shopping centers, grocery stores, and other retailers. It also tells you the charger level and connector types it accepts and how long you can charge for free.

In most cases, free charging is allowed for up to two hours, but you can pay for additional time, too. The app also provides directions to the charger from the app and allows you to report any issues. Most Volta stations work from 6 am to midnight but may vary based on location policies.

Top 8 Must-Have Apps for Electric Vehicle Drivers in 2023

Electric Vehicle Charging Apps

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