If you are a new EV owner, here are some apps your fellow EV owners rely upon. Download them today.
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Electric vehicles are gaining popularity. Battery-electric (all-electric) vehicles make great second cars, and many owners use them as their primary vehicles. While all vehicles, regardless of powertrain type, have similar needs, there are some unique aspects of EV ownership. Torque News writers drive, test, evaluate, and in some cases, own EVs. We have many EV-specific apps we rely upon, along with many apps any vehicle owner will find helpful. In addition to our own experience, we found a great post by new EV-owner Ryan C. at the Facebook Chevy Bolt EV and EUV Owners Group listing out the apps that the experienced group found most helpful. Here is our list with those we feel are most helpful at the top.
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If you charge in public, ChargePoint is likely to be the provider you lean on most. ChargePoint has a great app. We have used it for years. You sign up, provide your billing information, and then when you arrive at the charger, you simply wave your phone at the charging station controller. Like magic, the handle unlocks, and you are ready to begin charging. You need the app even if the location does not bill for use. This is how all public charging experiences should be. If only they were.
Google Maps
This one is a bit controversial. Some EV owners swear by other apps with a more EV-centric viewpoint, but if you are heading out on a road trip, using Google Maps or your Googe Browser to show “All EV charging Options” can be very helpful when plotting your route. You can also filter by “High-speed EV chargers." Google will show you the chargers, their power ratings, and how many are in use at a given location. There are also reviews you can read. Having used Google for EV charger info for the better part of a decade, we have not yet been steered wrong by the app. Also, if there is a better navigational tool, we haven’t found it.
PlugShare
Perhaps the app that EV owners mention most is PlugShare. This is an app that helps you to find available charging. The app also provides information on pricing and members post up status reports. We searched for a charger near a specific point in Metro Boston. The closest one pops up, but it is shown as out of service with a list of recent member posts confirming it still doesn't work. No EV-focused app is better at making you feel like part of a community.
Electrify America
If you rely on public high-speed charging, Electrify America is a must-have app. Approaching 4,000 charging points in America, this is one of the first and best non-Tesla high-speed charging networks in the country.
Most of the home EV chargers sold today some with an App. These help you manage and Monitor your charging. A great example is Emporia's app. We have found it to be the most user-friendly of those we have tested.
Your Own Vehicle’s App
Most new vehicles have their own apps. Whatever vehicle brand you have, be sure that if there is an app, you have it. Many offer trouble alerts and diagnostic services.
AAA - Yes, the Roadside Assistance Pros
If you own an EV, the chances are you don’t have a spare tire. While some EVs do, they are rare. AAA has recently updated its towtruck fleet to handle the glutton EVs (Hummer) now gaining in popularity. So, the folks at AAA are the ones most likely to be able to tow you if needed. AAA can also help with 12-volt battery jumpstarts and other types of help. They are unlikely to be able to charge you if you run out of juice, but they can tow you to a charger. AAA has been moving away from its card-based membership to using the app. We strongly suggest all EV owners have a membership.
Tesla Supercharger App (For Non-Tesla Owners)
If you own a Tesla, you already use this app. It is an important part of owning the vehicle. However, non-Tesla owners will soon be using the high-speed Supercharger network. A couple of locations already allow owners of non-Tesla EVs to charge. This is planned for expansion in 2023 and 2024. The app allows you to take advantage of the chargers and can offer you a better pricing plan if you use it often.
Tesla owners you can sit this one out. Owners of every other EV, please start using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay if you don't already. Once you start, you will look back at your vehicle’s native infotainment system as either quaint or horrible.
Your Locality’s Parking Apps
If you plan to park your EV where public parking requires payment, you should find the apps needed to pay before you set out. They can vary by your locality. ParkMobile is an example of such an app. Another we would strongly suggest if you plan to commute using public rail is your municipality’s public transportation app. Many require you to pay for your computer rail parking using the app. The old pay boxes are disappearing fast.
Audible And/Or Your Library’s Audiobook App
If you own an EV and plan to charge in public, the day will come when you find yourself sitting in your car waiting for it to power up. The local services may be closed, or it could be raining buckets, and a walk is not an option. If you use audiobooks, you already have an app, but if you have not yet made the leap, audiobooks can make your windshield time more tolerable and your charging wait times go by more quickly. Audiobook apps allow you to download a lot more than just novels. Podcasts and other content are available.
Kindle
If you are still buying newspapers, paper books, and magazines, shame on you. EV ownership is all about being green, and cutting down trees or processing recycled paper is anything but green. Make the leap to Kindle so you can read while your car endlessly charges.
TikTok
Maybe your mind works differently than ours do, but if you need to burn 40 minutes while your EV charges, TikTok may be the best distraction. Don't be surprised if you look up and three hours have passed.
EVgo (Not Our Favorite)
Of all the V-related apps EVgo is our least favorite. The app has never worked correctly on our Android phone. Perhaps you will have better luck.
As you can see, EV ownership has some EV-specific apps, but there are many apps that make sense with almost any vehicle. One last tip - before you set out on a road trip, try all your apps to ensure they have not locked you out and want the password you established years ago.
John Goreham is an experienced New England Motor Press Association member and expert vehicle tester. John completed an engineering program with a focus on electric vehicles, followed by two decades of work in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive supply chain before becoming a news contributor. In addition to his eleven years of work at Torque News, John has published thousands of articles and reviews at American news outlets. He is known for offering unfiltered opinions on vehicle topics. You can follow John on Twitter, and connect with him at Linkedin.
Image of charger courtesy of Electrify America. Image of ChargePoint app by John Goreham. Image of Emporia app in use by John Goreham. Image of Android Auto in Genesis GV60 by John Goreham.
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