With the electric vehicle (EV) market in the U.S. surging past 4 million registered EVs as of 2025, the need for seamless public charging experiences is at an all-time high. EV drivers aren’t just looking for chargers—they’re looking for reliable, affordable, and nearby chargers, and often in unfamiliar areas during road trips.
That’s where EV charging apps come into play.
But with a growing pool of apps, each promising to be “the best,” how do you choose the right one? This blog ranks the top EV charging apps in the U.S. for 2025, based on real user ratings, verified reviews, app store data, and actual field performance.
Ranking Methodology
To ensure fairness and transparency, we considered:
- Average user ratings (Google Play + Apple App Store)
- Number of downloads (as of 2025)
- Network coverage & charger availability
- Real-world user feedback (forums, Reddit, Trustpilot, Google reviews)
- App update frequency & stability
- Key features: payment, route planning, charger type filtering, real-time availability
Top EV Charging Apps in the US – 2025 Rankings
1. PlugShare – The Crowd Favorite for Charger Discovery
Rating: 4.8/5
Downloads: 2M+
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free
Why It Ranks #1:
PlugShare is often called the “Google Maps for EV charging” and rightly so. It aggregates nearly all public charging stations across the U.S., regardless of provider. It also offers crowd-sourced reviews, photos, and real-time check-ins.
Notable Features:
- User-submitted reviews/photos of stations
- Check-in system to avoid charger hogging
- Filter by plug type, network, amenities
- Community-based alerts for broken chargers
Best For:
All EV users looking for the most comprehensive charging map, especially during road trips.
2. ChargePoint – Best for Network Reliability & Ease of Use
Rating: 4.6/5
Downloads: 3M+
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Free (paid charging)
Why It’s a Top Pick:
ChargePoint operates one of the largest EV charging networks in North America and offers real-time updates on its own stations. Its app also shows non-ChargePoint stations and supports RFID tap-to-charge.
Standout Features:
- Real-time station availability
- Integrated with Apple CarPlay
- RFID card pairing for tap-to-start charging
- Billing history & stats
Best For:
Frequent commuters who want reliable station access and a seamless user interface.
3. Electrify America – Best Fast-Charging App
Rating: 4.4/5
Downloads: 1.5M+
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Free (paid charging)
Why It’s in the Top 3:
Owned by Volkswagen Group, Electrify America’s app supports one of the fastest-growing DC fast charging networks in the U.S., with 3,000+ chargers and expanding.
Key Features:
- Locate ultra-fast 150–350 kW chargers
- Remote start/stop session via app
- Membership options for lower rates
- 24/7 customer support built in
Best For:
EV drivers who rely on fast charging for long-distance travel, especially non-Tesla owners.
4. EVgo – Best App for Urban Fast Charging
Rating: 4.3/5
Downloads: 1M+
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Free (with charging fees)
Why It Deserves a Spot:
EVgo has a large presence in urban areas and high-traffic locations like shopping malls and business centers. Its app is simple, effective, and provides live availability.
Highlights:
- Reserve a charging spot in advance
- See charging speeds & power levels
- Real-time waitlist feature
- Loyalty rewards via EVgo Rewards™
Best For:
City dwellers who need reliable public charging with minimal downtime.
5. Tesla App – Best for Tesla Owners
Rating: 4.9/5 (Tesla-exclusive)
Downloads: 10M+
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Free
Why It’s Unique:
Tesla’s native app integrates vehicle control and charging seamlessly. It only works with Tesla Superchargers and home chargers but offers a superior UX unmatched by third-party apps.
Features That Stand Out:
- Supercharger availability with live data
- Navigate to chargers directly from app
- Track charging cost and kWh usage
- Remote unlock, preheat, and more
Best For:
Only Tesla users, especially those on long road trips.
6. Shell Recharge (Greenlots) – Rising Star in 2025
Rating: 4.1/5
Downloads: 500K+
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Free
Why It’s Gaining Ground:
Shell Recharge has been expanding rapidly, offering clean energy-focused charging and integrating renewable energy credits.
Features Include:
- Carbon-neutral charging options
- Growing suburban and highway network
- Integrated payment portal
- Trip planning support
Best For:
Eco-conscious drivers and early adopters in newer EV markets.
7. A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) – Best for Trip Planning
Rating: 4.5/5
Downloads: 1M+
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free / Premium options
Why It’s Special:
ABRP lets you plan long EV trips based on your car’s range, charger types, terrain, speed, and weather. It supports most EV models and calculates realistic charging stops.
Features That Impress:
- Advanced EV route prediction
- Weather & terrain-based battery modeling
- Live data syncing with OBD2 dongle
- Tesla API integration
Best For:
EV enthusiasts planning complex road trips across states.
Comparison Table: Best EV Charging Apps (2025)
| App Name | Avg. Rating | Networks Shown | Fast Charging | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlugShare | 4.8 | All | ✅ | User reviews, crowd-sourced | Road trips, all EV users |
| ChargePoint | 4.6 | Own + others | ✅ | RFID, CarPlay integration | Daily commutes |
| Electrify America | 4.4 | Own | ✅✅✅ | Ultra-fast DC charging | Long-distance non-Tesla users |
| EVgo | 4.3 | Own + others | ✅ | Reserve spot & waitlist | Urban fast charging |
| Tesla App | 4.9 | Tesla-only | ✅✅✅ | Full vehicle control | Tesla drivers only |
| Shell Recharge | 4.1 | Own + others | ✅ | Carbon-neutral charging | Eco-focused users |
| ABRP | 4.5 | All (indirect) | ✅ | Intelligent trip planner | Interstate EV travelers |
How to Choose the Right EV Charging App for You
Ask yourself:
- Do I need fast charging or will Level 2 suffice?
- Do I frequently travel interstate or just commute locally?
- Am I using Tesla or non-Tesla?
- Do I value real-time availability or crowdsourced reviews more?
The best EV drivers use a combination of 2–3 apps to cover all bases.
FAQs – EV Charging Apps in the USA
1. Can I use multiple EV charging apps together?
Yes, and it’s recommended. PlugShare for locating, ChargePoint or Electrify America for charging, and ABRP for trip planning is a common combo.
2. Do EV charging apps charge fees?
The apps themselves are usually free, but public charging through them may involve fees based on time, kWh, or session length.
3. Which app shows Tesla Superchargers for non-Tesla EVs?
As of 2025, PlugShare and ABRP are the best for identifying which Tesla Superchargers allow non-Tesla access.
4. Can I reserve a charging station in advance?
Apps like EVgo and ChargePoint offer reservation features at select locations.
5. Which EV charging app is best for rural areas in the U.S.?
PlugShare has the broadest database and is the most reliable in less populated regions.
Final Thoughts: Your EV Companion on the Road
The EV charging experience in the U.S. is no longer about trial and error—it’s about smart planning with the right tools. These apps are more than just maps—they’re communities, assistants, and power stations in your pocket.
Whether you’re commuting locally or planning a coast-to-coast EV road trip, having the right app can save you time, money, and stress.