EV trip planning - Which app? Testing ZapMap, Chargemap, PlugShare, ABRP and more...

We take a look at all the apps on my mobile that are candidates for planning a simple UK trip with a small battery EV from London to Chester.

Some candidate apps are much more worthy contenders than others. we are looking for the single app that will produce a simple itinerary that is viable and without too much faff.

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#evtrip #planning #abrp

[Nikoo]

So, I got to play a bit with both Zap-Map and ABRP. Both configured for Hyundai Ioniq 28kWh, real winter range of 115 miles, accepting Type2 (22kW) and CCS chargers, 15% SoC when reaching the charging stations. Max charge to 90% each time. I have to say, even in its free version ABPR does indeed offer more options to accurately tailor your journey to realistic stopping points (multiple chargers, etc). It even takes into account the load of the car that you can input in the settings. Quite impressive. So indeed, for long journeys ABRP seems the way to go, while Zap-Map could still be used locally. In all fairness to Zap-Map, in your example you could have opted for “Show all chargers” along your path to find out which one would suit your needs. But I agree, a bit of fiddling there. I also tried ChargeMap with similar settings and it worked very well, and gave similar results to ABRP, despite having less options. So, all three seem quite good. Thanks for the video 🙏🏻

[FFVoyager]

I tend to head for Instavolt chargers where possible and, as we need to charge every 100 miles or so, I want to do it fast with their 120kWh chargers! It generally works for me where I want to go. The Instavolt app will route you to the charger using Google maps, ideal with Android Auto on the Ioniq.

If I turn up and the place is busy (this is rare) I use Watts Up or Chargemap to find something suitable nearby checking with the charge point operators app to see if it's working and available before heading off to it. I filter out even 50kWh chargers where possible as they are too slow. I tend to arrive with sub 20% and can be off at 80% in about 15 minutes with a properly fast charger.

[chrispenn]

Interesting video thanks - I've tried most of these apps and, like you, find there are pros and cons for each. None is close to perfect. So far, I've not found that ABRP is better than the others, but I'll give it another go after seeing this! 🙂 Like some other comments below, I find GridServe or Instavolt are pretty good so this is my generally preferred option.

[johnbev]

Gridserve Rugby has many chargers, a bit pricey

[Nikoo]

After doing a 213 miles trip with my “new” Hyundai Ioniq 28kWh, I can now confirm that ABRP was a no brainer. Once on locations, Zap-Map was indeed sufficient, and handy with charging station reviews. But for the big road/motorway stops and planning, ABRP worked like a charm. In terms of planned range with respect to stops and destinations, the Hyundai on-board system was very conservative whereas ABRP was more optimistic while still being sufficiently conservative to avoid being stranded with a low battery. I only used the free app, would you recommend the paid version? And if so, why? Thanks.

[Sp_-]

Zap-Map does allow you to filter on multiple chargers

[SciFiFactory]

Is there an app where I can plan a route without charging stops, but then during navigation there is a list of all upcoming chargers?
(List should include infos about DC/AC, power, distance, distance from planned route, count of chargers, toilet and food available?, ideally price)
I just want to set where I want to go and start driving. Then I can just pick a charger on the go.
This way there is also not need for configuring consumption, SoC thresholds etc...
I have not yet found an app that can do this although it should be easier then actually planning the stops.

[lukedriscoll]

Which of these can route plan based on lowers price?

[mrmuds]

Where's the 700 mile trip video? I saw a reminder saying it was supposed to premiere yesterday at 730pm UK time