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Chargemap Pass

• Monthly cost: Free, plus 19.90 Euros (£17) for card
• Rating: 2/5 stars
• Website: chargemap.com

We can’t see why you would use Chargemap Pass, in the UK at least. It has a long list of chargers, but very few partner with Chargemap to allow you to pay. If you find one, you can pay on the app or buy an RFID card, but it costs a hefty 19.90 Euros (£17).

The app’s search terms are also poorly translated and confusing, and when we did find chargers near to our test postcodes, they were 1.20 Euros per kWh (a huge £1.02 at the time of testing). That makes a 35kWh top up around £8 more than with other free-to-use apps here.

Click here to learn more about Chargemap Pass

Dedicated charging alternatives by manufacturers

In addition to the apps which are available to everyone, you might be offered a program by the car manufacturer when you buy a new or used model. You’ll need to supply a chassis number before being allowed to download the apps. 

Two stand out as particularly good value – Kia Charge and Audi’s Charging Service. Both offer top-level subscriptions for a year or longer when you buy a new car and reduce the cost of charging substantially, particularly if you use the Ionity network of rapid chargers. For example, Audi’s Pro tariff cuts the cost to just 44p per kWh. That’s 30p less than the pay-as-you-go rate, potentially saving £15 on the cost of a 50kWh recharge.

Verdict

If you are a heavy user of public chargepoints, then one of the Bonnet subscriptions will save you money. We also like the clarity of its app and the ability to cancel or change plans easily. 

But Electroverse supplies a free RFID card, which makes it quicker and easier to access some points, especially in areas with poor phone reception. It also has a better app, which works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And if you are an Octopus customer, it offers decent discounts with no subscription fee. It takes the win in this test. 

1. Octopus Electroverse
2. Bonnet
3. Chargepoint

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