The electric revolution has been underway for many years now.
Several governments (either national or local) around the world have now set firm dates by which the sale of new ICEVs will be banned as the global pursuit of net zero kicks into gear.
By the end of 2024, EVs represented 20% of all vehicle sales on the planet. Yet, there are still worries that things are not moving fast enough.
A few years ago, electric vehicle sales were growing year on year and were projected to keep following that trajectory.
That rate has slowed, though, and experts have identified a few reasons why.
"We believe there are three main factors blunting EV penetration," says Kota Yuzawa, Research Analyst at Goldman Sachs.
"For one, we’re seeing rising concerns around EV capital costs due to lower prices being realised for used EVs.
"Two, uncertainty around a number of elections this year has decreased visibility on potential changes to government policies affecting the EV industry.
"The third and final concern is around a shortage of rapid-charging stations."
Whilst it is difficult for the EV industry to control the first two externalities, it is well within the sector's reach to improve charging infrastructure.
These days, a huge part of the EV charging ecosystem is apps that users can download to their smartphones.
These pieces of software can help users identify charging points, reduce their range anxiety and even optimise their routes to improve fuel efficiency.
By making charging more accessible, predictable and hassle-free, these digital tools are quietly addressing one of the final hurdles to widespread EV adoption, turning what was once a source of anxiety into a seamless part of the electric driving experience.
10. EV Connect
Company: Schneider Electric
CEO: Seth Cutler
App focus: Open charging platform with flexible management
App launched: 2010
EV Connect distinguishes itself with an open platform approach that works across multiple hardware manufacturers and charging standards.
The app's driver dashboard provides comprehensive visibility into charging history, costs and environmental impact — including CO₂ emissions avoided by selecting electric over fossil fuels.
Its waitlist notification system allows drivers to virtually queue for charging stations and receive alerts when chargers become available.
The app's dynamic pricing functionality adapts to time-of-use electricity rates, helping drivers save money by charging during off-peak hours when possible.
The integrated smart charging feature can automatically adjust charging schedules based on grid demands, potentially earning drivers credits or rebates through utility demand response programmes.
With strong presence in workplace, municipal and hospitality locations, EV Connect offers access to chargers in convenient destinations where vehicles are typically parked for extended periods.
For drivers prioritising flexibility across charging networks and hardware types, EV Connect offers an impressively versatile solution with growing network coverage.
9. Chargemap
Company: Chargemap SAS
CEO: Yoann Nussbaumer
App focus: European charging network integration
App launched: 2009
Chargemap has established itself as the premier solution for European cross-border EV travel, offering access to more than 600,000 charging points across the continent.
The app's standout feature is its unified RFID pass that works across multiple networks in 25+ European countries, eliminating the need for multiple accounts and cards when travelling internationally.
Its community features include detailed user reviews in multiple languages, helping drivers navigate charging options in unfamiliar places.
The app's pricing transparency clearly displays charging costs in local currencies with automatic conversion to your preferred currency.
Membership options range from free to premium (US$11.21 monthly), with the latter offering enhanced filtering, trip planning and preferential rates at partner networks.
For Europeans travelling across borders or visitors exploring the continent by EV, Chargemap simplifies what would otherwise be a complex patchwork of regional charging solutions.
8. Tesla app
Company: Tesla, Inc.
CEO: Elon Musk
App focus: Proprietary vehicle and charging ecosystem
App launched: 2017
The Tesla app represents the gold standard for vertical integration in the EV ecosystem.
For Tesla owners, it offers unprecedented control over both the vehicle and the charging experience.
The app's Supercharger map shows users the real-time availability of chargers with stall-level precision and predicts future availability based on historical patterns.
Its automated billing system also aims to eliminate all stumbling blocks from the charging process. Users can simply plug in and charging begins immediately, with payments processed in the background.
Remote preconditioning optimises the battery temperature while navigating to a Supercharger, ensuring maximum charging speeds upon a driver's arrival.
The energy consumption statistics the app offers can provide detailed insights into efficiency across different driving conditions.
While its functionality is generally limited to Tesla vehicles, the recent opening of selected Superchargers to non-Tesla vehicles in some European countries has extended certain features to a broader audience.
7. EVgo
Company: EVgo Inc.
CEO: Badar Khan
App focus: Fast-charging network management
App launched: 2017
EVgo operates one of America's largest public fast-charging networks and its app delivers a streamlined experience for drivers that is focused on speed and convenience.
Its reservation system allows drivers to book 30-minute charging windows up to two weeks in advance for US$3.99, which solves the problem of busy stations and uncertain waiting times.
It's a feature that is pretty invaluable in high-traffic areas where fast chargers are always in high demand.
The app's power delivery monitoring also shows users real-time charging speeds.
The membership programme offers significant savings, with the Plus plan (US$6.99 monthly) reducing rates by approximately 20% and waiving session fees.
EVgo's integration with popular navigation platforms like Google Maps and Apple Maps has also helped to boost accessibility and visibility all around the world.
6. Shell Recharge
Company: Shell New Energies
CEO: Wael Sawan (Shell Global)
App focus: Integrated oil-company charging solution
App launched: 2020
Shell Recharge (which acquired Greenlots in early 2019) is representative of traditional energy giants attempting to pivot toward the EV sector.
The app gives users access to more than 300,000 charging points across Europe through roaming agreements with multiple networks.
But its primary strength is the integration with Shell's existing loyalty programme, offering drivers points on every charge which can be redeemed for discounts, gifts or member benefits.
Its reservation feature allows drivers to secure charging slots up to 30 minutes in advance — particularly valuable at popular locations during peak travel periods.
The transparent pricing model clearly displays costs before charging begins, with no hidden fees or surprises.
Shell's established presence means chargers are often situated alongside conventional facilities, giving drivers access to shops, toilets and refreshments while charging, which many road users have come to expect.
5. A Better Routeplanner (ABRP)
Company: Iternio AB
CEO: Bo Lincoln
App focus: Advanced journey planning
App launched: 2016
A Better Routeplanner takes EV journey planning to new levels of sophistication.
Unlike general-purpose navigation apps, ABRP integrates detailed vehicle-specific energy models for hundreds of EV variants, considering factors as granular as temperature, elevation, passenger count and even cargo weight.
The app's algorithm precisely calculates where to charge, for how long and at what speed to optimise both journey time and battery health.
Premium subscribers pay US$4.99 a month and can connect directly to their vehicle's systems through API integration, allowing real-time battery status and consumption monitoring.
The weather overlay also visualises how headwinds or temperature changes might affect range along your route.
For drivers undertaking long journeys, particularly across regions with variable charging infrastructure, ABRP transforms complex multi-stop planning from an anxiety-inducing exercise into a straightforward process.
4. Zap-Map
Company: Zap-Map Ltd
CEO: Richard Bourne
App focus: UK-focused charging navigation
Launched: 2014
Zap-Map has positioned itself as the definitive resource for UK EV drivers, with coverage of over 95% of public charging points across the country.
The app shines in its hyperlocal focus, with granular filters allowing searches for specific charging speeds, connector types and even charging networks acceptable within your subscription plans.
Its route planner is particularly well-adapted to British driving patterns, factoring in motorway services and calculating optimal charging stops for longer journeys.
The payment system, Zap-Pay, offers a unified payment solution across multiple networks — a welcome simplification in the UK's fragmented charging market.
For British EV drivers, Zap-Map's comprehensive UK coverage and local knowledge make it an essential companion for navigating the country's rapidly evolving charging landscape.
3. Electrify America
Company: Electrify America, LLC
CEO: Robert Barrosa
App focus: Ultra-fast charging network
App launched: 2019
As Volkswagen's major investment following the diesel emissions scandal, Electrify America has rapidly deployed one of the most advanced ultra-fast charging networks in North America.
The app's standout feature is its Plug & Charge technology, allowing compatible vehicles to start charging immediately upon plugging in—no cards or app interactions required.
Its transparent pricing model (approximately US$0.43 per kWh or US$0.03 per minute depending on location) eliminates confusion at the station.
The power flow monitoring gives real-time charging speed visibility, useful for diagnosing potential issues with your vehicle's charging capabilities.
Membership options provide significant savings for frequent users, with the Pass+ subscription reducing rates by about 25% for a monthly fee of US$4.
The clean interface presents crucial information at a glance, making it a favourite among drivers of fast-charging capable vehicles.
2. ChargePoint
Company: ChargePoint Holdings, Inc.
CEO: Rick Wilmer
App focus: Integrated charging network management
App launched: 2011
ChargePoint operates North America's largest charging network and its app reflects this extensive infrastructure with impressive functionality.
The app excels at queue management, allowing drivers to join virtual waiting lists when stations are occupied—a game-changer in busy urban environments.
Its notification system alerts users when charging is complete or interrupted, preventing unnecessary idle fees that can otherwise accumulate at US$2-15 per hour.
The app's payment processing is remarkably streamlined; once you've added a payment method, all charging sessions are automatically billed with detailed receipts provided.
What truly distinguishes ChargePoint is its home charger integration, enabling users to manage both public and home charging through a single interface, complete with energy consumption statistics and carbon footprint calculations.
1. PlugShare
Company: EVgo Inc.
CEO: Badar Khan (EVgo CEO)
App focus: Community-based charging station mapping
App launched: 2010
PlugShare has established itself as the most comprehensive charging station database globally, with a vibrant community of EV drivers at its core.
The app's strength lies in its user-generated content, where drivers leave real-time reviews, photos and check-ins at charging locations.
This crowd-sourced approach provides invaluable insights beyond what official data can offer — from faulty chargers to nearby amenities.
With filters for connector types, networks and charging speeds, drivers can customise searches to their vehicle's specific requirements.
The app's trip planner function is particularly clever, calculating optimal charging stops based on your vehicle's range and preferred charging networks.
At no cost to users, PlugShare offers exceptional value while maintaining an intuitive interface that appeals to both EV novices and veterans alike.
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