What the best charging app does for you
The best EV charging app for you depends on what you drive and where you charge most often. Most apps show you real-time availability, pricing, and directions to stations near you. Some work across multiple charging networks; others focus on one brand's stations. The most useful ones let you filter by charger type (Level 2 or DC fast charging), see how long a charge takes, and reserve a spot before you arrive.
No single app works everywhere equally well. Tesla owners have built-in navigation to Tesla Superchargers. Drivers of other brands often use PlugShare, ChargePoint, or EVgo's app depending on which networks operate in their area. The right choice means fewer dead batteries and less time hunting for an open charger.
Key Takeaways
- PlugShare, ChargePoint, and EVgo are the three largest networks and cover most of the United States, though coverage varies by region.
- Tesla vehicles have Supercharger locations built into the navigation system, while non-Tesla drivers need a separate app to find Tesla stations that are now open to other brands.
- Real-time availability data tells you whether a charger is working and free right now, which saves you from driving to a broken or occupied station.
- Filtering by charger type (Level 2 for slower charging, DC fast charging for highways) helps you pick the right station for your trip length and time available.
- Some apps let you pay through the app itself, while others require you to pay at the station or set up an account with the network operator.
PlugShare: The largest independent network
PlugShare covers over 900,000 charging locations worldwide, including public stations, workplace chargers, and home chargers that owners share. In the United States, it shows stations from ChargePoint, Electrify America, EVgo, Tesla (now open to non-Tesla drivers), and dozens of smaller networks all in one map. You can filter by charger speed, connector type, and whether the station is free or paid.
PlugShare's real strength is its user reviews. Drivers leave notes about whether chargers actually work, how long the wait is, and whether the parking lot is safe at night. This matters because some stations listed as "available" are broken or blocked. The app also shows pricing from different networks at the same location, so you can compare costs before you plug in.
The downside is that PlugShare does not handle payment directly for most networks. You still need to pay at the station, through a separate app, or with a membership card. For DC fast charging on road trips, this is usually fine. For daily charging at work or home, you may prefer an app tied to a single network.
ChargePoint: The largest Level 2 network
ChargePoint operates over 300,000 charging locations, mostly Level 2 chargers at workplaces, parking lots, and shopping centers. If you charge during the day while parked, ChargePoint likely has the most stations near you. The app shows real-time availability, lets you reserve a spot for up to 30 minutes, and handles payment directly through the app.
ChargePoint membership is free, and you can pay per charge or set up a monthly plan depending on how often you charge. The app integrates with your vehicle's navigation on some models, so directions to a charger appear alongside directions to your destination. ChargePoint also publishes pricing clearly, so you know the cost before you plug in.
ChargePoint's weakness is DC fast charging. Most of its network is Level 2, which takes 4 to 10 hours for a full charge. If you need a quick top-up on a highway, you will need a different app. For commuters who charge at work or overnight at home, ChargePoint is often the most convenient option.
EVgo: Fast charging on major highways
EVgo operates over 2,000 DC fast charging stations, concentrated along highways and in major cities. If you take road trips and need to charge in 20 to 40 minutes, EVgo's network reaches most interstate corridors. The app shows real-time availability, pricing, and estimated charge time based on your vehicle model and current battery level.
EVgo membership is free to join, and you pay per charge through the app. The company also offers monthly plans if you use fast charging regularly. The app integrates with some vehicle navigation systems, so you can see EVgo stations as you plan a route. Payment is handled entirely through the app, so you do not need a separate card or account.
EVgo's coverage is thinner in rural areas and smaller towns. If you live outside a major metro area, you may find fewer EVgo stations nearby. For urban and highway driving, though, EVgo is reliable and straightforward.
Tesla Supercharger network: Now open to other brands
Tesla operates over 50,000 Superchargers worldwide, with the densest coverage in the United States. These are DC fast chargers designed for road trips, and they charge most vehicles in 20 to 30 minutes. Tesla owners see Supercharger locations built into their vehicle's navigation. Non-Tesla drivers can find them through the Tesla app (available on iPhone and Android), PlugShare, or other third-party apps.
Tesla Superchargers are now open to non-Tesla vehicles, though you need an adapter for most cars. Pricing is higher than some networks but competitive with other DC fast chargers. Payment is handled through the Tesla app or through a membership plan. The main advantage is availability: Superchargers are everywhere, and they are usually well-maintained.
The downside for non-Tesla drivers is the extra step of using a separate app or adapter. If you own a Tesla, Supercharger locations are already in your vehicle, so you do not need a separate app at all.
Electrify America: Growing DC fast charging network
Electrify America operates over 900 DC fast charging stations, mostly in urban areas and along major highways. The network is smaller than EVgo or Tesla but growing. The app shows real-time availability, pricing, and estimated charge time. Membership is free, and you pay per charge through the app.
Electrify America's stations tend to be newer and well-maintained. The app is straightforward and shows pricing clearly. If you live in a state where Electrify America has good coverage (California, Texas, Florida, and the Northeast have the densest networks), it is a solid choice for road trips.
Coverage gaps exist in the Mountain West and rural areas. Check whether Electrify America has stations on your regular routes before relying on it as your primary fast-charging network.
How to choose the right app for your situation
Start by identifying where you charge most often. If you charge at work or home during the day, a Level 2 network like ChargePoint is usually best because it has the most locations and handles payment smoothly. If you take road trips and need fast charging, read EVgo, Electrify America, and the Tesla app so you can see all available options on a single map (PlugShare does this too).
Next, check coverage in your area and on your regular routes. Open each app and search for stations near your home, workplace, and any places you drive regularly. If one network has significantly more stations, start there. If coverage is mixed, read two or three apps so you have options when one network is full or broken.
Finally, test the payment process. Some apps charge a monthly fee; others charge per use. Some require you to set up an account before you can charge; others let you pay when ready. Spend 10 minutes in each app to understand how payment works before you need to charge in a hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use one app to see all charging stations?
PlugShare and A Better Route Planner show stations from multiple networks on a single map, which is useful for planning. However, you will still need individual apps or accounts to pay at most networks. PlugShare is the best single app for browsing, but you will likely need at least one more app for payment.
Do I need to pay a membership fee to use these apps?
Most apps are free to read and use. ChargePoint, EVgo, and PlugShare do not charge a membership fee. Some networks offer optional monthly plans if you charge frequently, but pay-per-use is always available. Tesla Supercharging requires payment per use or a membership plan, but no free tier exists.
What is the difference between Level 2 and DC fast charging?
Level 2 chargers add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour and take 4 to 10 hours for a full charge. DC fast chargers add 150 to 200 miles in 20 to 40 minutes. Level 2 is best for overnight or daytime charging at work. DC fast charging is for road trips and quick top-ups. Most apps let you filter by charger type.
What if a charger is listed as available but broken when I arrive?
Real-time availability data is usually accurate but not perfect. Check PlugShare reviews before you drive to a station; other drivers often report broken chargers there. If you arrive and a charger is broken, use the app to report it so other drivers know. Have a backup station in mind, especially on road trips.
Can I reserve a charging spot in advance?
ChargePoint lets you reserve a spot for 30 minutes. Most other networks do not offer reservations. If you rely on a specific charger for work or daily use, ChargePoint's reservation feature is valuable. For road trips, reservations are less useful because you want to charge and leave quickly.