Owning a Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle has provided me with invaluable insights into the world of EV charging. With a Level 2 charger conveniently installed at home, I typically recharge my vehicle in the comfort of my driveway. However, when I venture beyond familiar territory, several key Android Auto applications become indispensable in alleviating the common concern of charging anxiety, particularly during extended road trips or when time is of the essence.
The transition to electric vehicles comes with its own set of trade-offs. While the absence of gas expenses is a significant advantage—especially in today’s climate of soaring fuel prices—finding public fast-charging stations can be a challenge, depending on your location. Planning a road trip in an EV requires more foresight than with a traditional gas vehicle. It’s essential to identify charging locations, consider potential alternatives, and allocate extra time for charging stops, particularly at busy rest areas.
PlugShare is one of the most useful EV apps
Among the various tools at my disposal, PlugShare stands out as my go-to app for locating reliable public EV chargers, especially in unfamiliar or rural areas. This crowdsourced platform provides a comprehensive list of charging stations, covering various networks and types, including Tesla’s Supercharger network and Electrify America. Each listing details the type of charger available—be it CHAdeMO, CCS, or SAE—along with user reviews that help me avoid malfunctioning chargers.
In the Greater Toronto Area, where I reside, the abundance of EV chargers often comes with the caveat of many being out of service. PlugShare’s user-generated reviews and check-in features have proven invaluable, saving me considerable time by allowing me to bypass faulty chargers. Additionally, the app indicates the average charging speed of each station, enabling me to make informed decisions on whether to proceed to a charger that may not be functioning optimally.
Waze’s EV features easily add chargers to your route
Waze has been my preferred navigation app for years, and its recent introduction of basic EV features has only enhanced its utility. The app allows users to find EV chargers along their route, whether planning a new trip or seeking a quick top-up. Waze provides detailed information on charger speeds, plug types, and networks, making it a practical companion for any EV driver.
However, I have noticed that Waze’s charger information can sometimes lag behind the real-time updates provided by PlugShare. While it lacks the detailed user reviews that PlugShare offers, Waze remains a straightforward option for familiar chargers that I trust to be operational.
A Better Route Planner helps plot lengthy trips
Recently, I’ve started using A Better Route Planner (ABRP), which has quickly become an essential tool for planning road trips. By allowing users to input their specific EV model, ABRP tailors its recommendations based on factors such as speed, elevation changes, and weather conditions—elements that significantly impact battery life. This app features an extensive database of EV chargers, making it easier to understand total travel time and necessary charging stops.
While I have yet to fully transition from Waze to ABRP, the app’s focus on electric vehicles is a compelling advantage. The only drawback is its subscription cost of per month or annually for the Android Auto version, but given its specialized features, many may find this investment worthwhile.
When I have the choice, FLO EV Charging is my go-to charging network
In the realm of charging networks, personal preference often aligns with availability. For me, FLO EV Charging is the most accessible and reliable option in the Greater Toronto Area. The convenience of paying directly through the app, alongside the ability to filter chargers by plug type, speed, and availability, enhances the overall experience. The Android Auto version of FLO simplifies the process further, allowing me to initiate charging sessions directly from my vehicle’s display, which is particularly handy during colder months when stepping outside is less appealing.
