6 Top EV Route Planners for a Road Trip

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered cars. With rising gas prices and increasing awareness of climate change, more people are considering buying an EV for their next vehicle purchase. However, one major concern for potential EV buyers is "range anxiety" – the fear that their EV will run out of charge before reaching their destination, leaving them stranded.

This is where EV route planners come in. These apps and websites allow you to map out a trip in your electric vehicle while factoring in charging stations along the route. They can alleviate range anxiety by showing you exactly where you can stop to charge up during a long distance drive.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 6 EV route planners available and how they can optimize road trips in your electric car.

Overview of EV Route Planners

EV route planners function similarly to traditional mapping/navigation apps like Google Maps. However, they are specially designed for electric vehicle road trips by incorporating data on public EV charging stations.

The key features of most EV route planners include:

• Charging station locations – The app maps out all nearby charging stations along your route, including details like connector types, power output, and real-time availability.

• Trip routing – Based on your EV‘s max range, the planner calculates the optimal route and recommends charging stops to ensure you make it to your destination.

• Charging time estimates – Know exactly how long you need to charge at each stop to make it to the next station. The estimates account for battery efficiency, terrain, speed, climate controls, etc.

• Amenities filters – Search for charging stations with specific amenities like restrooms, restaurants, shopping, wifi, etc.

• Real-time status – Apps show live data on charger availability, outages, wait times, etc.

• Payment – Many apps allow you to pay for charging sessions directly through the app.

• Reviews – View ratings and comments left by other EV drivers about their experience at each station.

Advanced EV route planners incorporate weather forecasts, traffic data, and vehicle load sensing to provide even more customized recommendations. Using one can greatly optimize an EV road trip while reducing range anxiety.

Next, we will explore the top options among both free and paid EV route planning apps and web services.

1. A Better Routeplanner (ABRP)

Website: abetterrouteplanner.com

Cost: Free version. Premium version with more features starts at $6/month.

A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) is one of the most popular and full-featured EV trip planners available. It offers free web-based route planning accessible from any desktop or mobile browser. There is also a premium mobile app unlocking more convenient features.

Key Features

• Extremely accurate trip routing optimized for EVs. Factors in real-time traffic, weather, topography, driving style, and other variables.

• Customizable routing options like fastest, shortest, or minimal charging stops.

• Supports nearly all EV models. Add multiple vehicles to your profile.

• Displays charging stations from all major networks like Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, etc.

• Detailed charging time estimates based on charge curve modeling.

• Premium features like voice navigation, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and real-time energy monitoring.

• Add multiple waypoints/stops to plan out complete road trip itineraries.

• Works offline once route is loaded.

ABRP also has an excellent desktop site for easier route pre-planning. The premium mobile app then provides turn-by-turn directions and live trip monitoring. User reviews consistently praise the accuracy of the projected charge levels and routing recommendations.

Overall, A Better Routeplanner is one of the most advanced and robust EV trip planning solutions available. The free features already surpass most rivals, while the premium subscription unlocks even more helpful road trip enhancements.

2. PlugShare

Website: plugshare.com

Cost: Free

PlugShare is a popular free app and website for locating EV charging stations and planning road trips. It has the largest database of over 300,000 public charging locations worldwide.

Key Features

• Massive global network of charging station data.

• User-generated reviews and photos for stations.

• Real-time station status and availability info.

• Built-in trip planner with recommended routes and charging stops.

• Filter stations by network, plug type, amenities, pricing, etc.

• Save favorite stations for quick access.

• Get notifications when new stations are added nearby.

• Live in-app charging and payment at select stations.

PlugShare is more focused on EV charging station discovery rather than hardcore route optimization. User-submitted reviews provide helpful first-hand accounts of stations to inform your charging stop choices.

While the trip planner provides decent routing recommendations, third-party apps like ABRP leverage more sophisticated algorithms. But as a free crowdsourced app, PlugShare is still a must-have tool for locating charging points.

3. ChargePoint

Website: chargepoint.com

Cost: Free

Operated by one of the largest EV charging networks, the ChargePoint app allows you to locate stations, plan trips, and manage charging, all in one place.

Key Features

• Find stations on the ChargePoint network and many third-party networks.

• Real-time availability and status updates for ChargePoint stations.

• Route planning with recommended charging stops.

• Initiate and pay for charging sessions from inside the app.

• Get notifications when your vehicle is charged and other reminders.

• View usage history and metrics.

• Works with Alexa and Google Home for voice commands.

• Radio frequency identification (RFID) card integration to unlock stations.

ChargePoint offers excellent discovery and management of its over 100,000 charging locations. The trip planner is decent for basic route guidance. Power users may still want to use a dedicated EV trip planning app in conjunction. Overall, ChargePoint works great if you plan to primarily use their widespread charging network.

4. EVNavigation

Website: evnavigation.com

Cost: Free version. Paid Premium version ($4.99/month or $49.99/year).

EVNavigation is an electric car trip planning app with advanced routing and navigation features. It also incorporates real-time traffic and weather data for optimum recommendations.

Key Features

• Custom trip planning with recommended charging stops.

• Live traffic updates and ETAs while navigating.

• Weather forecast data incorporated into route planning.

• Supports CarPlay and Android Auto.

• Audio turn-by-turn navigation cues.

• Locates stations across major and regional charging networks.

• Pre-trip checklists and reminders.

• Parking and charging station reviews.

• Parked car finder.

A big perk of EVNavigation is that the Premium version offers complete in-app turn-by-turn navigation. This allows you to optimize your EV trip planning and driving directions all within one app.

Between the traffic avoidance, weather forecasts, and other data, EVNavigation provides highly strategic road trip recommendations. The premium features make it a worthy paid EV navigation app.

5. ChargeWay

Website: chargeway.net

Cost: Free

ChargeWay is a newer EV trip planning app focusing on simplified charging station discovery. Its signature feature is a color-coded visualization of station compatibility.

Key Features

• Color/Number charging station classification system.

• Built-in trip planner with recommended routes.

• Estimated charge time calculator.

• Station filters like networks, plug types, pricing.

• Apple CarPlay optimization.

ChargeWay‘s charging station classification codes simplify the process of finding a compatible charger. Stations are marked by colors (Red, Blue, Green, Violet) and numbers (1, 2, DC) indicating the plug type. This helps remove the stress of connector confusion.

The app also incorporates essential route planning features to map out charging stops for a trip. While the planner itself is fairly basic, the color-coding system makes ChargeWay worth checking out, especially for EV newcomers.

6. Zap-Map (UK)

Website: zap-map.com

Cost: Free

Zap-Map is the leading EV planning app and service in the UK. It maps out thousands of charging locations across the region.

Key Features

• Details on over 25,000 UK charging devices.

• Trip planning with recommended charging stops.

• Search, filter and save stations.

• Real-time station status and availability.

• In-app payments at select stations.

• Crowdsourced reviews and photos.

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

For UK drivers, Zap-Map is the quintessential app for locating stations and planning EV journeys. From small regional networks to massive ultra-fast charging hubs, Zap-Map plots them all.

The planner provides efficient A-to-B routes, ensuring you can make the trip confidently in your electric vehicle. This makes it a must for UK EV road trip warriors.

How Do EV Route Planners Work?

Now that you have seen the best EV route planning apps available, you may be wondering – how do they actually work "under the hood"? What are the key factors that go into mapping out an optimal EV road trip?

Here is a breakdown of how EV route planners calculate their recommended routes and charging stops:

• Vehicle profile – The planner factors in your EV‘s make, model, year, battery size, max range and efficiency.

• Charging stations – It plots out all enroute stations from its database based on your route. Checks real-time status and availability.

• Charge time – Estimates the charging time required at each station based on battery state, charger power output, and other variables.

• Elevation – Analyzes elevation changes along the route to account for battery use going uphill/regeneration downhill.

• Speed – Considers your average driving speed based on speed limits and traffic. Faster drains more battery.

• Climate controls – Factors in projected weather and your A/C or heating usage which impacts range.

• Vehicle load – More weight from passengers and cargo reduces range.

• Driver habits – Analyzes your braking, acceleration and speed tendencies for personalized profiling.

• Traffic conditions – Incorporates real-time traffic flow to optimize timing and account for stop-and-go drain.

• Road conditions – Considers rough roads or wind that may affect efficiency.

• Data algorithms – Complex algorithms crunch all the data points to map the optimal route and charging schedule.

The more data points used, the more accurate the recommendations. Advanced EV planning apps combine real-time data and AI to provide strategic trip analysis.

Key Benefits of EV Route Planners

Now that you understand how EV route planners work, let‘s discuss the main benefits they offer for electric road trips:

Optimize Route Efficiency

EV apps map out the most efficient driving route factoring in real-time conditions. This maximizes your driving range capabilities.

Reduce Range Anxiety

Knowing charging stops are all mapped out gives confidence you‘ll safely make it to your destination.

Find Compatible Charging Stations

Spend less time searching for compatible plug types and available chargers.

Calculate Accurate Charge Times

Know exactly how long to charge at each stop to reach the next one.

Access Station Amenities

Search for food, restrooms and other amenities at charging stops.

Save Money

Optimal routing ensures no extra stops or detours that waste electricity and money.

Gain Insights From Other EV Drivers

Read first-hand reviews of charging stations from the EV community.

Make Last Minute Trip Adjustments

Replan routes and stops on the go based on developing conditions.

Reduce Mental Workload

Outsource the trip planning work to focus just on the driving.

As you can see, EV route planners offer many helpful benefits for confident electric road tripping.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an EV Route Planner

If you are trying to decide which EV route planning app is best for your needs, here are some key factors to consider:

• Charging networks – Ensure the planner includes stations from the major networks you plan to use.

• Location coverage – Pick planners with coverage in your local region or road trip destinations.

• Trip planning accuracy – More advanced apps factor in real-time data for superior routing.

• Navigation features – Some apps offer integrated turn-by-turn directions.

• Car compatibility – Choose one that includes data profiles for your EV make and model.

• Cost – Paid apps typically offer richer features but free ones can still be very useful.

• Reviews – Check what fellow users have to say about accuracy and usability.

• Active development – Favor apps that are improving with ongoing updates.

Take the time to evaluate different options based on the above criteria. Weigh the pros and cons to choose the best EV route planner for your personal needs.

Tips for Planning Your EV Road Trip

Here are some top tips for planning a smooth and stress-free electric road trip:

• Pre-plan routes – Map out your route including charging stops in advance using your EV planner.

• Leave range buffer – Only plan to use 80-90% of your max range to leave wiggle room.

• Charge before departure – Make sure you depart with a full (or near full) battery.

• Use slower chargers – Plan longer meals or rest breaks at slower charging stations when feasible.

• Have a backup plan – Research backup stations along your route in case a station is down.

• Check real-time status – Before departing, confirm your planned stations are operational.

• Mind the weather – Be prepared to adjust your route if extreme hot or cold weather develops.

• Pack essentials – Bring chargers, adapters, and other EV road trip gear.

• Use apps enroute – Take advantage of real-time routing adjustments and insights.

• Stay flexible – Be ready to deviate from your original plan if needed.

Proper planning and preparation is key to a smooth EV road trip. Leverage tools like EV route planners to do the legwork while staying flexible.

The Future of EV Route Planning

As EVs continue rising in popularity, we can expect constant improvements in trip planning technology:

• Wider charging infrastructure availability and real-time status updates.

• More advanced battery optimization by factoring in additional data.

• Tighter integration and coordination between EVs, charging networks, and apps.

• Increased convenience through automation and AI-assisted planning.

• Mainstream adoption and normalization of route planning for EVs.

• Resources tailored more toward newer EV owners rather than early adopters.

• Development of new premium features we can‘t even imagine yet!

The current top EV route planners already offer robust trip planning resources. However, expect the technology to evolve rapidly as EVs become mainstream. Future generations of apps will build upon today‘s top solutions.

Take to the Open Road Stress-Free

We hope this guide has shown how EV route planning apps can optimize road trips by locating compatible charging stations and mapping efficient routes. Leveraging these tools helps remove the fear and uncertainty associated with running out of charge in an unfamiliar area.

Give one of the recommended EV route planners in this guide a try for your next electric road adventure. Proper planning can provide peace of mind that your EV has all the “juice” needed to arrive safely at your destination. The open road awaits!