PlugShare might seem simple at first glance, but it packs a punch for EV owners. The app displays a map filled with color-coded dots:
- Green Dots: Level 1 or 2 chargers
- Orange Dots: Fast Level 3 chargers
- Gray Dots: Non-operational or restricted access chargers
Tap on a dot to get comprehensive details about the charger, including its address, network, plug types, costs, and operating hours.
You can customize the map using filters for charging speed and networks. One particularly useful filter for road trips is "lodging," which points out chargers near hotels, making it feel like you're charging at home.
Christian Seabaugh, features editor, shares, "I really couldn't live without this app. It alleviates much of the anxiety of long-distance EV travel, allowing you to verify the status of chargers and explore nearby amenities."
PlugShare thrives on crowdsourced notes and reviews. Users can check into chargers, report their status, and share their experiences. Recent check-ins contribute to a PlugScore rating from 1 (bad) to 10 (excellent). This system not only helps drivers find reliable chargers but also incentivizes providers to maintain high standards to avoid community backlash.
With PlugShare's EV trip planner, you manually select charging stops along a mapped driving route. While it requires more effort than conventional in-car navigation systems, it helps you avoid slow or dysfunctional chargers. Once you've selected a stop, you can easily transfer directions to your preferred apps like Waze.
The dream is to effortlessly find EV chargers along major routes, much like gas stations today. Until that day comes, PlugShare remains an invaluable tool, especially for non-Tesla EV owners.
- A Better Route Planner (ABRP): A comprehensive yet sometimes inaccurate EV route-planning app.
- On X Offroad: Offers route planning and community reviews for off-road adventures.
Categories include Infotainment, Driver Assistance, Chassis Tech, Powertrain, Automaker Apps, General Excellence, Home EV Chargers, Robotaxi, and Public Charging Experiences.
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Summary
PlugShare's app is an essential tool for EV owners, simplifying the search for charging stations and offering reliability through community-driven insights. Its effective use of extensive filters and crowd feedback ensures EV users have a less anxiety-ridden travel experience.
