ChargePoint

Description

ChargePoint is a handy app that helps electric vehicle owners find charging stations across the United States. The app shows real-time availability of charging stations and lets users filter by connector type, charging speed and even amenities at nearby locations. Users can start and stop charging sessions directly from their phones and get notifications when their car is fully charged. ChargePoint also tracks your charging history and expenses, making it easy to keep tabs on how much you're spending to power your EV. The app connects to a network of over 100,000 charging spots, making it one of the most comprehensive EV charging solutions available today.

Key Features

• Station Finder: The interactive map shows available charging stations near your location or along your route. You can filter by connector type, charging speed and even see which stations are currently in use.
• Remote Charging Control: Start and stop charging sessions directly from your phone without needing to swipe a card. The app sends notifications when your charging session begins, ends or if there's any interruption.
• Expense Tracking: ChargePoint automatically logs all your charging sessions and associated costs. You can view detailed reports of your charging history and export them for expense reporting or tax purposes.
• Waitlist Feature: Join a virtual queue for busy charging stations and receive notifications when it's your turn. This feature helps manage high-demand locations and ensures you don't waste time waiting for a charger to become available.

Tips for Using ChargePoint

1. Set up favorite locations for charging stations you use regularly to quickly check their availability without searching. This saves time and helps you plan your charging stops more efficiently during your daily commute.
2. Use the 'Notify Me' feature when a station you want to use is occupied. The app will send you an alert when the station becomes available, so you don't have to keep checking manually.
3. Take advantage of the trip planner to map out charging stops before long journeys. The planner considers your vehicle's range and suggests optimal charging locations to minimize your travel time.
4. Link your credit card to your account for seamless payment at stations that require fees. Having payment information stored means you can start charging immediately without fumbling with cards at the station.

How to Download and Use ChargePoint

1. Download the app by clicking on the Google Play Store button if using Android, or use the Apple Store button for iOS. The app is free to download and requires creating an account to access all features.
2. After installation, open the app and create an account using your email address and a secure password. You'll need to verify your email and then add your vehicle information including make, model and year to get personalized charging recommendations.
3. Once your account is set up, allow location permissions so the app can show nearby charging stations. You can immediately start browsing available stations, check pricing information and begin planning your first charging session.

Final Thoughts

After using ChargePoint for several months, I've found it to be an essential companion for EV ownership. The real-time availability feature has saved me countless wasted trips to occupied stations and the expense tracking makes it easy to budget for charging costs. While the app occasionally experiences slowdowns during peak usage times, the overall reliability and comprehensive station network make these minor issues easy to overlook. For new EV owners especially, ChargePoint removes much of the 'range anxiety' that comes with electric vehicle ownership. If you drive an electric vehicle in the US, this app should definitely be on your home screen.