Owning an electric vehicle (EV) in the UK is, in many ways, a joy. Quiet drives, lower running costs, cleaner conscience. But ask almost any EV driver what frustrates them, and chances are they’ll mention one thing: charging. Not the speed. Not the location. But the mind-boggling number of different apps, accounts, cards, and networks just to keep their battery topped up.
It begs the question: Why on earth, in 2025, is there still no single, unified system for EV charging across the UK? And more to the point, why hasn’t someone created a simple national app to handle it all?
Charging Chaos: The Current Landscape
At the moment, the UK’s EV charging network is a bit like the Wild West. You’ve got dozens of providers — BP Pulse, Pod Point, Instavolt, Gridserve, GeniePoint, and more—each with their own app, their own pricing model, and often, their own membership requirement.
This might not be a problem if you only charged at home. But for people who rely on public charging—especially flat dwellers, city drivers, or those on long trips—it’s a daily headache.
Imagine planning a 200-mile journey and needing to download three apps, pre-load two different accounts with money, and hope you’ve still got signal when you pull into a motorway services. And if the charger’s out of order? Good luck calling a helpline and getting someone who actually knows what’s going on.
The Human Impact
This isn’t just a tech issue. It’s a confidence killer.
Lisa, a teacher from Norwich, put it like this:
The first time I had to use a public charger, I had to download an app, register an account, verify my email, then top up the balance. All while standing in the rain. It was like trying to join a gym just to fill up your car.
For older drivers or people who aren’t particularly tech-savvy, this complexity can be downright discouraging. It makes EV ownership feel exclusive, not inclusive.
Why Hasn’t This Been Fixed?
It’s tempting to think there must be some dark conspiracy or massive technical hurdle. In reality, it comes down to a few more mundane (but frustrating) reasons:
- Competition laws: Charging providers are commercial businesses. A unified app would require collaboration or integration across competitors, which makes regulators nervous about monopoly-like systems.
- Lack of regulation: There’s currently no legal requirement for interoperability. Ofgem and the government have largely left it up to the market.
- Legacy tech: Many charge points were installed years ago and run on outdated systems that don’t play nicely with modern APIs or third-party apps.
But Isn’t This Already Solved Abroad?
Yes — sort of. In the Netherlands, for example, most drivers use an RFID card that works across almost all public chargers. In Norway, universal roaming is increasingly common.
Even in the US, the government has begun pushing for a more consistent experience, especially along interstate highways. So why is the UK still behind?
What Would a Solution Look Like?
Let’s be clear: the technology exists. What’s missing is the political will, commercial incentive, or both. But if we were to build something, here’s what it might look like:
- One app to rule them all: A national app (or at least a trusted aggregator) that allows you to find, use, and pay for any public charger in the country.
- Open API standards: So any app can access any network — just like you can use any debit card in any ATM.
- Tap and charge: Seamless contactless payments without the need for an app or account at all. Like Apple Pay at a petrol pump.
Would Drivers Use It?
Absolutely. In fact, many already try to patch together their own solution using apps like Zap-Map, Bonnet, or Octopus Electroverse, which offer some level of integration across multiple networks. But these apps are still dependent on the goodwill and openness of individual providers.
According to a 2024 survey by the RAC, 71% of EV drivers said they would “strongly prefer” a single app or payment system. That’s not just a nice-to-have—that’s a demand.
The Role of Government
So far, the UK government has made noises about improving the EV charging experience, but little of it has translated into meaningful infrastructure reform. Some guidelines have been introduced for reliability and pricing transparency, but nothing that compels networks to unify.
To make it happen, we’d need:
- Mandated roaming agreements: Like the ones used by mobile networks.
- Investment in upgrades: To modernise old charge points.
- Consumer-first legislation: Prioritising ease-of-use as a right, not a luxury.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
EV adoption is growing fast, but it’s not guaranteed. Public confidence can stall if infrastructure doesn’t keep up. Charging should be as easy as buying petrol, not a logistical mission.
If we want people from all walks of life to adopt EVs—not just the tech-savvy or early adopters—then charging must feel familiar, fast, and frustration-free.
So why isn’t there one app for all EV charging in the UK? In short: no one has made it happen yet. The tech is there. The demand is real. The challenge is getting commercial rivals, government regulators, and ageing hardware to work together.
But if we’re serious about making EVs mainstream, this isn’t optional. It’s essential. Because no matter how good your car is, if charging it feels like solving a puzzle every time, we’re not quite there yet.
A unified app isn’t just a convenience. It’s a bridge to a cleaner, simpler, more accessible driving future.
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