Driving an electric PCO car in London comes with plenty of benefits—lower costs, no congestion charges, and a smoother driving experience. However, finding reliable EV charging stations can sometimes be a challenge. That’s where EV charging apps come in. Whether you’re an Uber or Bolt driver, or just using an electric PCO vehicle, the right app can help you locate chargers, check availability, and even make payments—all from your phone.
With London’s growing EV infrastructure, many charging networks have their own apps. But which ones are the best? Let’s break down the top EV charging apps in London to make your driving experience as smooth as possible.
Why Do You Need an EV Charging App?
London has thousands of public EV charging stations, but not all of them are available when you need them. Some might be occupied, others may not support fast charging, and a few could be out of service. Using an EV charging app helps you:
- Find the nearest charging stations in real-time.
- Check station availability before you arrive.
- Filter by charging speed to suit your needs.
- Pay seamlessly through the app instead of using multiple accounts.
- Monitor your charging session and costs.
For PCO drivers, where time is money, choosing the right EV charging app is essential. Let’s explore the top-rated apps in London.
1. Zap-Map
Best for: Real-time charger availability and route planning.
Zap-Map is one of the most widely used EV charging apps in the UK, offering a detailed interactive map of charging stations. It covers over 95% of public chargers, including networks like BP Pulse, Shell Recharge, Ionity, and Tesla Superchargers.
Key Features:
- Live availability updates so you don’t waste time.
- Route planner for long trips with optimized charging stops.
- Filter by network, speed, and connector type.
- Payment integration for select networks.
For PCO drivers who travel all over London, Zap-Map is an excellent all-in-one tool for finding the nearest charger quickly.
2. BP Pulse
Best for: Access to one of the largest charging networks in the UK.
BP Pulse operates over 9,000 chargers across the UK, including many fast and rapid chargers in London. Their app allows drivers to locate, start, and pay for charging sessions without needing a separate RFID card.
Key Features:
- Over 3,000 chargers in London, including ultra-fast charging points.
- Subscription option (£7.85/month) for discounted charging rates.
- Real-time availability updates to avoid waiting.
- Contactless payments directly through the app.
If you hire a PCO car and drive long hours, BP Pulse’s rapid charging network can be a great asset, keeping downtime minimal.
3. Shell Recharge
Best for: Ultra-fast charging on major London roads.
Shell Recharge is one of the most reliable EV charging networks, offering fast and ultra-fast chargers (up to 175kW) at service stations across London. Their app is simple, easy to use, and integrates well with Google Maps.
Key Features:
- Fast chargers are available at Shell stations.
- Easy payment via app or contactless card.
- Real-time status updates on charger availability.
- Integrates with Zap-Map for easier station discovery.
For PCO drivers who do a lot of motorway driving, Shell Recharge is a great app for quick top-ups on the go.
4. Tesla Supercharger App
Best for: Tesla PCO drivers looking for the fastest charging speeds.
If you drive a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y for Uber, Bolt, or any other ride-hailing service, the Tesla Supercharger network is your best option. The Tesla app gives real-time updates on Supercharger locations, pricing, and wait times.
Key Features:
- Exclusive access to Tesla Superchargers for Model 3, Model Y, and other Tesla models.
- Fastest charging speeds in London—up to 250kW, adding 150 miles in 15 minutes.
- Seamless navigation integration with Tesla’s built-in system.
- Automatic payment through the app—just plug in and charge.
For PCO drivers using Tesla vehicles, this app is a must-have for reducing charging time and maximising earnings.
5. Pod Point
Best for: Affordable and convenient charging at supermarkets and car parks.
Pod Point operates chargers at Tesco, Lidl, and various car parks across London, making it one of the most accessible EV charging apps for drivers who need quick, affordable top-ups while taking a break.
Key Features:
- Widespread availability at retail locations.
- Free charging at some Tesco stores for limited periods.
- Straightforward app with minimal setup required.
- Good mix of slow, fast, and rapid chargers.
For drivers who park near supermarkets while waiting for their next trip, Pod Point offers a convenient and cost-effective charging solution.
6. ChargePoint
Best for: Accessing chargers across multiple networks.
ChargePoint is a global EV charging network, offering access to thousands of charging stations in London and beyond. Its app lets you find, reserve, and pay for charging with ease.
Key Features:
- Access to multiple charging networks within one app.
- Seamless payment system without needing multiple accounts.
- Real-time availability updates.
- Works in multiple countries, ideal for frequent travellers.
If you rent to buy a PCO vehicle and plan to drive long-term, ChargePoint is a versatile app that connects you to various public chargers.
Which EV Charging App is Best for PCO Drivers?
Choosing the right EV charging app depends on your needs as a PCO driver. Here’s a quick recommendation based on use cases:
- Best for route planning & real-time updates: Zap-Map
- Best for fast charging at petrol stations: Shell Recharge
- Best for Tesla drivers: Tesla Supercharger App
- Best for affordability & supermarket charging: Pod Point
- Best for a large charging network with discounts: BP Pulse
- Best for multi-network access: ChargePoint
If you drive an electric PCO car like a Tesla Model 3, MG5 EV, or Kia e-Niro, using a combination of these apps can help you stay charged, save money, and maximise your efficiency on the road.
Final Thoughts
The rise of EV adoption in London means more charging stations and better access for PCO drivers. Using the right EV charging apps will ensure you’re always powered up and ready for the next ride.
If you’re looking to switch to an electric PCO car, check out our electric PCO car hire options. We offer a range of EVs for PCO drivers, including Tesla, MG5 EV, and Kia e-Niro models.
Explore our PCO car hire and rent-to-buy programs to start driving electric today!
