Octopus Electroverse has claimed the top spot as the UK’s best EV charging app, according to new research from comparison service USwitch.
The study analyzed ratings from thousands of EV owners across 14 major public charging apps. Octopus Energy’s all-in-one platform scored highest with drivers praising its simplicity and comprehensive features.
USwitch examined over 200,000 user reviews from Trustpilot, Apple App Store, and Google Play to evaluate app reliability, usability, and overall satisfaction.
Smartphone apps have become essential tools for accessing public charging as networks expand rapidly. The best apps provide clear information on charger locations, real-time availability, and pricing – plus let drivers start sessions and pay through simple interfaces.
Octopus Electroverse Leads Pack
Octopus Electroverse earned a weighted score of 4.7 out of 5, with users highlighting its ease of use and integration of home and public charging management in one platform.
The app allows drivers to track and control all charging activity and costs from a single interface. This unified approach resonated strongly with users who appreciated having everything in one place.
GRIDSERVE followed closely in second place with 4.66 out of 5. The company’s chargers are fixtures at motorway services across the UK, and drivers praised consistent availability and user-friendly experiences.
GRIDSERVE’s app goes beyond basic charging control – it provides detailed invoicing and even lets owners monitor their vehicle’s charging curve in real time.
Fastned rounded out the top three with 4.65 points, thanks to smooth operation and its popular Autocharge feature that lets drivers simply plug in without additional steps.
ZapMap and InstaVolt completed the top five with scores of 4.55 and 4.51 respectively.
Bottom Performers Show Major Issues
Pod Point scored just 1.94 out of 5 – making it the worst-rated app by a significant margin.
Shell Recharge (3.06) and ChargePoint (3.39) also struggled near the bottom of rankings. Users frequently complained about payment glitches, inaccurate charger information, and general unreliability across these platforms.
The gap between top and bottom performers highlights how app quality varies dramatically across charging networks.
Complete Rankings
| Rank | App Name | App Store Rating (/5) | Google Play Rating (/5) | Trustpilot Rating (/5) | Total Reviews | Weighted Scoring (/5) |
| 1 | Octopus Electroverse | 4.7 | 4.7 | – | 14,830 | 4.70 |
| 2 | GRIDSERVE | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 15,460 | 4.66 |
| 3 | Fastned | 4.8 | 4.6 | 2.8 | 3,834 | 4.65 |
| 4 | ZapMap | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 52,144 | 4.55 |
| 5 | InstaVolt | 4.6 | 4.6 | 3.9 | 6,948 | 4.51 |
| 6 | PlugShare | 4.6 | 4.4 | – | 56,400 | 4.44 |
| 7 | Osprey | 4.6 | 4.4 | 3.1 | 1,158 | 4.41 |
| 8 | BP Pulse | 4.5 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 32,340 | 4.28 |
| 9 | Chargemap | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 25,900 | 4.21 |
| 10 | IONITY | 4.6 | 3.9 | 1.9 | 11,187 | 4.05 |
| 11 | PlugSurfing | 4.2 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 2,470 | 3.45 |
| 12 | ChargePoint | 3.2 | 3.4 | 1.3 | 53,181 | 3.39 |
| 13 | Shell Recharge | 4.1 | 2.7 | 1.2 | 12,341 | 3.06 |
| 14 | Pod Point | 2.0 | 1.9 | – | 2,460 | 1.94 |
USwitch spokesperson Felicity Ferguson emphasized the importance of reliable charging apps for EV drivers.
“For EV drivers, charging apps can make or break a journey. A well-designed app gives you confidence on the road, helping you locate working chargers, check availability in real time and plan routes efficiently. Unreliable apps can turn a quick top-up into a stressful detour.”
Ferguson recommended drivers spend time checking reviews and familiarizing themselves with their chosen app before hitting the road to avoid unnecessary delays.
The study reveals significant quality gaps in the charging app landscape as the EV market continues its rapid expansion across the UK.
