Last Updated on May 30, 2023 by Rose Morah
Looking for the difference between Plugshare and ChargePoint?
The choice between the two apps depends on what you are looking for in an app because they both have great features.
Personally, I use both PlugShare and ChargePoint because I always need both apps at some point when traveling.
In this article, we are going to be looking at the difference between the two apps in terms of their benefits and which is better.
The difference between Plugshare and ChargePoint
Plugshare is a routing EV app that helps you find charging stations of different charging networks along your route.
On the other hand, ChargePoint is an EV charging app that helps you find charging stations of different charging networks.
The following table shows the main difference between ChargePoint and Plugshare
| ChargePoint | Plugshare | |
| 1. | Chargepoint app offers lots of free charging options which are easy to find. NOTE: Free charging availability will depend on your location. | You can filter Plugshare to give you free chargers, but it is not so reliable. NOTE: Free charging availability will depend on your location. |
| 2. | ChargePoint allows you to check open charging spots in real-time. | Plugshare only allows you to filter your charging stops based on “In-Use Locations”. |
| 3. | ChargePoint does not have the best features for planning a long road trip in an EV. | Plugshare is a better EV route planner app compared to ChargePoint because it offers the following features: a). It gives you range estimates when planning a trip. b). You can add wait times at each charging stop when planning your trip. c). You can choose to avoid routes that have tolls, highways, and ferries. d). You can filter your charging stops by those that have your preferred amenities. These include hotel/lodging, restroom, dining, WiFi, shopping, grocery, EV parking and so much more. |
| 4. | You can use the ChargePoint free card to charge. You can also start charging your EV from your phone through the app. | Plugshare also allows you to pay through the app with your credit card. However, this is only available in public chargers that are managed by the participating networks. |
See also:
How To Find Free EV Charging Stations In The US and Europe.
ABRP On Tesla Screen: How To Link ABRP To Your Tesla.
How To Use The Tesla Energy App (Complete Guide With Pictures).
Cheap Ways To Charge Your Tesla & Other EVs.
Plugshare vs ChargePoint: which is better?
It depends on what you are looking for in an EV app.
For instance, if you want to plan a trip to an unfamiliar location, Plugshare will be quite handy because it will provide you with more planning features compared to ChargePoint.
On the other hand, if you have a ChargePoint home charger, the ChargePoint app will be helpful because you will have everything in one place when home charging and when using public chargers.
Therefore, you don’t have to have to install so many EV apps on your phone.
Additionally, you can use the ChargePoint app to compare your public and home charging for a better idea of how much you are saving on charging.
Personally, I use PlugShare to find charging stations that meet my needs in terms of amenities. If the charging station happens to be a ChargePoint station, I use the ChargePoint app to activate and pay.
