6 Great Apps for Canadian EV Drivers in 2023
It’s safe to assume that you rarely leave your house without your smartphone. In today’s age, our mobile devices are incredibly valuable and versatile tools that provide us with endless entertainment, up-to-date news, and most importantly, make our busy lives a little more manageable.
For individuals who drive electric vehicles, these devices are especially useful, as they can help locate and facilitate battery charging through public stations when it’s time for the next charge-up. This is particularly important in Ontario (and many other places), where finding available charging stations nearby is crucial. To assist EV owners, we’ve compiled a list of practical and helpful smartphone apps that are available on both the Apple and Google Play app stores.
1. PLUGSHARE
If you enjoy traveling, or even just spending time nearby, you need to have this EV mobile app. This app has a global reach and helps users locate public charging stations. Users can search for stations by network, area, and the type of connection needed to charge their vehicle. The app also provides information on which locations require payment and which are currently occupied by other drivers. Furthermore, users can share and post images of the charging stations they visit and share their experiences with other users. Additionally, the app features a trip planner that can help users plan a route to their destination based on available charging spots. Whether you’re planning a trip soon or not, this app is a must-have for all your EV charging needs.
2. EVgo
This app is like a multi-tool for EV drivers. The EVgo charging network has its own 1,050 DC fast chargers and its related app assists EV owners in locating them as well as allowing users to pay for the cost of charging via the app. Not only does it tell you where each charging station location is, but it also provides the real-time availability of nearby chargers and the charging status of your vehicle. Users can initiate a charge with a simple swipe of the phone, manage their accounts, and even contact customer service directly from the app.
3. ChargeHub
ChargeHub is a North American mobile app that can help find and plot a course to the nearest public charging stations, regardless of the network. It also offers users access to helpful EV resources and allows people to share their charging experiences at given locations with other EV owners. Not only that, but this tool also offers users a trip-planner, as well as easy to configure filters to display the connectors that are compatible with your vehicle. If you live in North America, this app is indispensable for EV owners.
4. ChargePoint
Do you use an L2 charging station at home? If it is a ChargePoint charger, this is the right EV app for you. This app works on all smart-devices and finds the nearest available units within the ChargePoint network of over 52,000 charging stations, as well as allowing users to browse for stations from other major networks. Searches can be filtered to only show units that specifically work with a user’s vehicle, and you can receive notifications when your car is done charging and a station becomes available. You can pay for charging with the tap of your finder and receive real-time updates regarding their vehicle’s status. The coolest part is that this app can be used to connect with and control your L2 ChargePoint home charging station as well.
5. EV Hotels
Consider this another essential app to have if you are constantly on the move. As the name would suggest, this international app helps EV drivers find and reserve lodging that offers charging facilities included in the hotel amenities. Both free public chargers and those limited to hotel guests are displayed, along with charger-port compatibility. You can even customize the distance you are willing to walk to an EV Charger from your hotel, so it takes away the guesswork. Wherever you are in the world, EV Hotels can help you determine the best place to stay and charge-up.
6. Optiwatt
Optiwatt is a tool that helps save time and money by controlling the charging schedule of your EV. The tool allows you to schedule your car to charge during the cheapest electricity rates, or to set a target battery level for optimized charging. The cheapest option charges your EV during the lowest electricity rates, while the optimized plan charges your car to reach a desired battery level at the cheapest possible price. Additionally, the calendar page allows you to schedule upcoming trips and set a one-time battery limit for a specific time of day. This is a great option for people who want to guarantee they have the battery they need each morning or for those who want to prepare their EV for an upcoming trip.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide which EV mobile apps will work best to suit your personal needs and lifestyle. These may be our most recommended apps for EV drivers, but we would love to know what apps you are using. Share with us in the comments below which apps you would recommend to other EV drivers out there.