A man checking the charging app on his smart phone, next to a Volkswagen e-Golf.
1
Electric car charging points

Guide to the best charging apps

Electric car charging points

Guide to the best charging apps

A helping hand when you're out and about.

Worried about being low on battery with nowhere to power up? Fear not, because charging stations can now be found using a whole host of apps, so nothing’s going to get between you and the open road.

The best EV charge point apps

Apps that locate your nearest charging station are a must-have for electric and hybrid car drivers in need of a power boost. Just open your phone to be directed to your closest charge point. The e‑Golf and e‑up! are super speedy when it comes to charging, reaching 80% capacity in just 30 minutes, so you won’t be hanging around for long.
 
e‑Golf owners typically use public charge points for about 40% of their charging needs, so an app could make life a whole lot easier. Even GTE drivers will benefit from having the information close at hand – just in case you want to recharge while you’re far from home.
 
Explore our list of charge point apps below.

Pod Point

Our preferred charging partner Pod Point are the industry's EV charging experts. Pod Point run a network of over 1,700 public charging points which are universally compatible with all our electric vehicles. Pod Point's public charging points are where you need them, what's more many of them are free to use and if they aren't - a simple pay as you charge system is used.

No membership fees, RFIDs needed, simply install the Pod Point application and find your nearest chargepoint and receive Google Map's directions to get there when you need to.
If you use Pod Point to charge your vehicle at home, you can pair your home charger with their app and monitor both your public and home charging activity and all its associated costs all from your mobile!

Find your nearest Pod Point public charger or explore Pod Point's public charging network.

Pod Point logo alongside App Store and Google Play logo
Pi logo

BP Pulse

BP Pulse is a subscription network that offers great value for those who regularly charge away from home. For a monthly fee it allows you to charge at almost 5000 charging points for free. Those that aren’t included come at a discounted rate, so you’re still saving with every charge.

Ecotricity

Ecotricity is the UK’s greenest energy provider. All their energy comes from the sun, sea and wind so you can drive happy knowing that you’re an emission-free driver from source to exhaust. You can pay-as-you-go for £3 + 17p per unit and they use a regular AC supply.
 
Their network of public charge stations can be found at motorway service stations making them the ideal partner for longer journeys. They’re currently working on placing charging points on A roads and beyond so keep an eye out – because Ecotricity is coming to a road near you.

Ecotricity logo
Zapmap icon

Zap-Map

Unlike the others, Zap-Map isn’t a network but a locator for every public charging point in the UK. So wherever you may find yourself running low, Zap-Map can point you in the right direction. Just choose your model and the Connector Selector tool will direct you to the nearest suitable charging point for free.

Road trips? No problem.

If you’re planning a long drive or are taking a trip to the countryside then it’s worth planning your charge stops so you know you’re never going to be caught short. The apps listed above are perfect for pointing you in the right direction, however the more remote the drive, the fewer charging stations there will be so it’s always a good idea to plan ahead.

Familiarise yourself with what each app does so you can be sure you're getting the most from each one.

The charging guide

Everything you need to know about charging is in this guide. From how to charge, where you can do it and how quickly it takes - we’ve got you covered.

Next steps

Where to charge your electric car?

Go further with electric

Charging your electric car at home

Next steps

Important information :

1.
Lithium-ion batteries, of the type used in most electric vehicles (including Volkswagen electric vehicles) have a restricted lifespan. Battery capacity will reduce over time, with use and charging. Reduction in battery capacity will affect the performance of the vehicle, including the range achievable, and is one of a number of factors that may impact resale value. New vehicle performance figures (including battery capacity and range) may be provided for the purposes of comparison between vehicles. You should not rely on new vehicle performance figures (including battery capacity and range), in relation to used vehicles with older batteries, as they will not reflect used vehicle performance in the real world. For further information on battery degradation/preservation and the Volkswagen 8 year/100,00 mile new car battery warranty, please see here. Exclusions and Warranty Terms Apply.

^If you are selecting a Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 or ID.7 then prices shown are the MDP (Manufacturer's Direct Price).  This is the price set by Volkswagen which you pay for the vehicle.  Volkswagen ID vehicles are sold by Volkswagen UK, a trading division of Volkswagen Group United Kingdom Limited (please note that you will need to visit an authorised Volkswagen Retailer (acting as agent for Volkswagen UK) to order, purchase and take delivery of your Volkswagen ID vehicle).  The MDP includes delivery to an authorised Volkswagen Retailer (acting as agent for Volkswagen UK), number plates, new vehicle registration fee, the first year's Vehicle Excise Duty and VAT (calculated at 20%).  You can find out more about the Volkswagen model for selling ID vehicles by clicking https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/legal/mdp-explained.html.

If you are selecting any other Volkswagen vehicle (excluding the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7) then prices listed are Manufacturer’s ‘On the road’ Recommended Retail Price. Actual prices are set by Volkswagen authorised retailers in their sole discretion – always obtain these prices from your chosen Volkswagen Retailer.  Recommended On-The-Road (OTR) retail prices include: delivery charge, number plates, new vehicle registration fee, the first year's Vehicle Excise Duty and VAT (calculated at 20%). 

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information above. Prices are taken from the Volkswagen website - this website contains a large number of products and it is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some of the products listed may be incorrectly priced. Volkswagen may change prices at any time (this includes where there are government changes in regulation and/or legislation). There may be a delay to any price displaying correctly on our materials and it is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some vehicles may be incorrectly priced. Always check prices with your local retailer.

For fuel consumption and CO2 information for vehicles, view values in the configurator.

Please be advised we may not be able to provide valuations for vehicles which are outside certain age or mileage ranges, specialist or customised, or not registered in the UK. The actual sale price is dependent on a number of additional factors, which you can discuss further with your retailer. T&Cs will apply.