The best CarPlay apps for driving an EV

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, CarPlay apps have evolved to enhance the driving experience. Whether you need to find charging stations, optimize routes, or monitor battery levels, these apps make EV ownership more convenient. Here are the top CarPlay apps that every EV driver should consider.

Apple Maps: Seamless EV routing for Apple users

Apple Maps provides integrated EV routing that tracks battery levels and suggests optimal charging stops. It considers real-time traffic, elevation, and charger availability to plan efficient routes. While support is currently limited to select EVs, Apple continues expanding compatibility.

Google Maps: Energy-efficient routes and charger locations

Google Maps allows drivers to select “electric” as their engine type, optimizing routes for energy efficiency. While it does not integrate with battery data, it does provide details on nearby charging stations, including connector types and availability.

A Better Route Planner: The ultimate EV trip planner

A Better Route Planner (ABRP) offers precise trip planning with charging stops, estimated charge times, and real-time traffic adjustments. It’s one of the most detailed and customizable EV navigation tools available via CarPlay.

PlugShare: A universal charging station locator

PlugShare aggregates data from multiple charging networks, helping users find the best available charger regardless of provider. It includes user reviews and filtering options to locate the most reliable stations.

ChargePoint & Electrify America: Network-specific charging apps

ChargePoint and Electrify America offer direct access to their respective charger networks, allowing users to locate, start, and pay for charging sessions via CarPlay. These apps simplify the charging process with network-specific features.

For EV drivers, CarPlay apps provide essential tools to optimize routes, locate chargers, and ensure seamless travel. Choosing the right app can make a significant difference in efficiency and convenience.