New Zap Map service allows charging payments across networks

Electric vehicle mapping service Zap-Map has launched Zap-Pay, a new service that enables EV drivers to use a single app to pay for charging across different networks.

The service will eliminate the need for drivers to use multiple apps and cards to pay to charge on different networks. Zap-Pay will allow all EV drivers to pay to charge on any participating network.

Zap-Map can already be used to locate chargers across the UK, plan longer journeys and share updates. With the addition of Zap-Pay, drivers will now be able to search, plan and pay, all in one app.

Rachel Maclean, the UK Government Transport Minister, said: “It should be as easy for drivers to charge their vehicles at public charge points as it is to pay for petrol or diesel. This is why I have made services, such as the one launched today, a personal priority as we transition to zero emission vehicles.
 
“As the EV market continues to go from strength to strength, journey planning and paying with one app or membership card must also follow – Zap-Pay will help do just that, propelling us towards cleaner towns and cities and a zero emission future.”
 
Ben Lane, CTO and joint Managing Director at Zap-Map said: “More people than ever are buying an EV, but providing a seamless charging experience is essential to accelerate this shift, cut carbon emissions and clean our air. We already buy much of our shopping with the tap of a finger – Zap-Pay means that EV charging is now the same. No one should need dozens of accounts, apps and cards to charge their car. With one simple app, drivers can now simply plug in and the app manages the rest.”

Despite some of the major nationwide networks offering contactless card readers, drivers currently still often need to use multiple apps and cards to pay to charge on different networks. This can lead to ‘charger anxiety’ – concern about being able to access the right charge point when needed. This is an issue for 68% of EV drivers, according to a recent survey by Zap-Map.

Engenie, the UK-wide rapid charging network, will be the first network available on Zap-Pay. It will be followed by others including ESB EV Solutions, LiFe and Hubsta, in the autumn, all using a simple pay-as-you-go (PAYG) tariff. Zap-Pay will be rolled out across UK networks in 2021.