Electric car charging apps are something that every electric car user should have on their smartphone. Thanks to the functions they are equipped with, they come in handy when charging the battery, but not only. Check out for yourself why you should install such an app when buying an electric car!
Electric car charging app - what is it actually for?
Electric car charging apps are a very helpful thing for electric car users. They have many functions that are not only useful during the charging process itself, but also while driving. Although all apps serve the same purpose, their options often differ. But how exactly do they help electric car users?
Among other things, they are used to show drivers a map of electric car charging stations, which allows you to take into account the type of chargers in order to match the right one to your car using the appropriate filters. They can also provide information about the nearest available charger (such as its power and whether it supports your car), as well as indicating the route to it. Often their function is also to start and stop the charging process, as well as to check its status. In the app you also have the option to pay for your car charge or invoice, and you can also see a summary of all transactions.
The most popular electric car charging apps
On the web you can find a huge number of apps that are designed for electric car users. These are available for those using both Android and iOS.
One of the most popular applications is PlugShare. A huge plus is that you can use it without being logged in, but some of its options are then unavailable. Its main function is to find both free and paid stations for charging electric cars. The orange colour on the map shows high-powered stations for a fee and the green colour indicates public stations. Once you have selected a station, you are able to see details such as the cost of charging your vehicle. In addition, you can also see the exact location of the station, the facilities available nearby or the range of plugs available. There is also an option to see photos and comments and even reviews from other people who have used the charger.
Once logged in, you have access to a number of additional functions. First of all, you can filter the content precisely by adding your car make. This way, only chargers suitable for your car will appear on the map for you. You can also add a station yourself that is not on the map. Once you have logged in, there is also a function which allows you to plan your route, including recharging at selected stations along the way and the possibility of uploading them to your navigation system.
However, the PlugShare app lacks the function to pay for charging your car when you need it. In this case, you have to use the apps of specific charger companies. One of these is ORLEN Charge. Using it, you can search for available charging stations for your vehicle, check the price information and also pay for the charge. In addition, the app shows you the state of charge of your car in real time. Other apps work in a similar way, such as GreenWay, Elocity, eMap, REVNET, Power EV or Nexity, which allows you to charge your car with chargers from E.ON, the former Innogy.
Electric car manufacturers also very often introduce their apps that are useful when charging the car. In addition to this, they have many other functions, which can vary depending on the vehicle brand. In the software shops, you can find an app for Tesla drivers or electric Volkswagens, among others.
How to use the electric car charging app?
Using smartphone car charging apps is very simple and intuitive. For most apps, their use is very similar. The basic thing is usually to register, where you have to enter a number of details, such as your name, as well as your email address or phone number. In some apps you may also be asked to select the model of your car. Once you have registered, you have full access to a map that shows you the charging stations and all the key information. You also have the option to add a card that will be used for payment. When you want to charge your car, once you have arrived at your chosen charging station you need to connect it to the appropriate connector. Then all you have to do is turn the charging on with your phone. Thereafter, you can monitor its status and also stop it at a time of your choosing. Once the charging is complete, the app will automatically debit the funds from your account or you will be asked to choose another payment method.
Do electric car charging apps also work across borders?
Many of the applications that are used to charge electric cars in Poland are not available abroad. This is related to the fact that usually each country has its own operators dealing with car chargers. For example, companies such as IONITY, Allego or Plugsurfing are popular abroad. In order to be able to charge your car abroad, you have to register and choose the appropriate payment method, just like in Polish apps. However, there are apps that will work great for people who travel by electric car across Europe and beyond. One such app is PlugShare, which shows you the chargers available around the world. This allows you to plan your journey with your next charge in mind. In addition to this, Shell Recharge and Nexity are also helpful apps for those driving an electric car across Europe. In both apps you can easily find nearby charging stations in all European countries. Using them, you can also easily pay for charging your car straight away using your chosen payment method. 
Is it possible to book a charging connector through electric car charging apps?
Most popular car charging apps unfortunately do not have a connector booking function. They only contain information related to the chargers, such as for example the charging power or the types of plugs available. Sometimes there is also information about whether a car charging station is currently occupied.
In the market for apps that are helpful for car charging, however, you can find a small number of programmes that feature the ability to book a connector. One of these is the Nexity app. It allows you to select a suitable charging point and book it, so you can be sure that no one is using it when you arrive at the station.
Another app that also allows you to book a place to charge your car on electricity is Power EV. In it, you have the option to book a fifteen-minute reservation for a selected charging station for the company's electric cars before you arrive at your chosen point.
Electric car charging app features worth knowing
Electric car charging apps come with a number of options that can be useful to drivers. One of these, for example, is PlugShare, mentioned earlier, in which you have the option of planning your route by including a list of electric car charging stations. It not only shows the available charging points, but also calculates the duration of the journey itself, taking into account the charging during the journey.
In addition to this, an interesting feature of most of the apps is to control the power with which you charge your car, as well as showing the range of your car in them. You can also control in real time in them the price you have to pay for charging. One of the most important features is the ability to start and stop the charging process. A useful option is also the routing to the nearest charging point if, for example, your car's battery is low while driving around town. In most apps, you can also add your card so that your charging charges are billed automatically.
Why use an electric car charging app?
The reason to have an electric car charging app is to make the process itself immensely easier. By installing one of these, you have the ability to simply start charging with your phone, as well as completing and billing it. In addition to this, you are in constant control of the process, as the app displays you the state of charge, the added range of kilometres you can drive, as well as the power level of the charge. It often also includes a payment function. This ensures that all car charging transactions settle automatically (if you have a card added) or via verified online payments.
What else will this type of app be useful for? Electric car charging stations, like the cars themselves, are only just starting to gain popularity in Poland. For this reason, sometimes you may not even know where public car chargers are located. Thanks to the application you have the possibility to find the nearest point where you can charge your car. You can also plan your route with them, taking into account the points where you have the opportunity to recharge your electric car.
When driving an electric car, a car charging app should be a must-have on your smartphone. You will find it useful both in your daily 'refuelling' of your electric car and when charging it on a long journey.
