PlugShare is the largest community-driven EV charging station directory, with over 800,000 charging locations worldwide. Users contribute real-time status updates, photos, and reviews of charging stations. The app supports filtering by connector type, charging speed, network, and cost, making it essential for EV drivers planning longer trips.
PlugShare is the de facto community standard for finding EV chargers, similar to what Yelp is for restaurants. It aggregates stations across all networks (ChargePoint, Electrify America, Tesla Superchargers, etc.) while network-specific apps only show their own stations. Acquired by Blink Charging in 2021, it faces growing competition from in-car navigation systems that now include charging data.
Tied to ChargePoint's own 70,000+ station network with integrated payment. Shows real-time availability for ChargePoint stations but limited cross-network data.
Optimizes routes based on battery level, charging speed curves, and elevation. More of a planning tool than a station finder. Popular among long-distance EV travelers.
Operates the largest open DC fast charging network in the US. App shows only Electrify America stations but offers integrated payment and membership discounts.
Tesla's in-car navigation includes Supercharger routing. The best experience for Tesla owners but closed ecosystem. Supercharger network opening to other EVs increases relevance.
PlugShare's cross-network aggregation is its core value. As EV charging networks consolidate and interoperability improves, maintaining comprehensive coverage across all networks becomes both the biggest strength and the hardest thing to replicate.
Tesla, Rivian, and other EV makers are building charging data directly into their navigation systems. As OEM software improves, the need for a separate app diminishes for single-brand owners.
PlugShare's user-contributed reviews and status updates provide data that automated systems miss — broken chargers, blocked spots, and local tips. Maintaining community engagement as the EV market mainstreams is essential.
PlugShare competes with network-specific apps like ChargePoint and Electrify America, route planners like A Better Routeplanner, and increasingly with in-car navigation systems from Tesla, Rivian, and others.
PlugShare is free to use for finding and reviewing charging stations. It does not charge for station usage — payment goes through the individual charging network's app or RFID card.
Yes, PlugShare aggregates stations across all major networks including ChargePoint, Electrify America, EVgo, Tesla Superchargers (where open to non-Tesla), and thousands of independent stations.
PlugShare relies on community check-ins and reviews for status updates, which can lag behind real-time conditions. Network-specific apps like ChargePoint show live availability more reliably for their own stations.