When you switch to an electric car, the route immediately starts to look different. It’s no longer just “fill up and drive”, but “where is the next charging point, does the connector fit, how many kilometres are left, and is there anything else besides a field?”. That’s why route planning apps have become almost mandatory for everyone who drives an electric car.

Fortunately, there are more and more of these tools every year – and they are getting smarter. They take into account the remaining charge, pull up charging stations in real time, advise when to stop, and even tell you if the charging is working. But not all of them are equally convenient for Ukrainian drivers. That’s why we’ve put together a selection of the most useful apps that really work both here and abroad.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

What makes an electric vehicle route planning app really convenient?

Every EV app has its pros and cons, and it’s often convenient to tailor them to specific situations. But there are a few key characteristics that distinguish truly useful routers – those that don’t let you down in a critical moment and really make your journeys easier.

Precision and adaptation to real-world conditions

  • Simplicity of planning: A good router doesn’t complicate, but rather simplifies, the preparation for a trip. It should easily take into account traffic, road conditions, weather conditions and the capabilities of a particular electric car. All this without unnecessary clicks and technical settings.
  • EV-specific navigation: The app should take into account the range and indicate where exactly you need to recharge. It is ideal if it suggests stops close to cafes, car parks or other convenient places – and does not lead to petrol stations with “no light, no charging”.
  • Integration of live data: Real-time updates about station occupancy, breakdowns or temporary shutdowns are critical. If a station is under repair or has a queue, you want to know before you arrive, not when you’re already there.

Flexible filters

  • Personalised settings: It’s great to be able to choose the type of connector, power, preferred operator, or simply indicate that you need a fast charge with free space. Some apps even show you how many ports are available at the station, which is great when you don’t want to stand in line.
  • Consideration of preferences across networks: Some drivers only charge at certain networks or have subscription discounts. Therefore, it is important to be able to filter stations by operator, price, or type of connection.

User-friendly and intuitive interface

  • Simplicity – головне: Even if there are a lot of functions, they should be presented in a way that doesn’t get lost. The best apps are not overloaded – everything is logical and in its place, without unnecessary complications.
  • Speed and stability: The app should not slow down or quickly drain the phone’s battery. And it is important that it is equally easy to use for both beginners and those who have been driving EVs for years.

Integration with charging station operators

  • Connecting to networks in real time: Найзручніші applications – ті, які “бачать” charges напряму. Тобто показують стан портів in real time, дозволяють зарезервувати station чи навіть запустити charging віддалено.
  • Payment via the application: If you can pay for charging directly from the app, it’s convenient. No need to download additional apps every time or look for a QR code on a pole in the rain.
  • Details about each station: Power, connector types, number of ports, whether there is a parking space, whether charging is available at night – all this should be on the charging station card. And it is desirable that this data is actually updated, and not just for show.

Calculating the cost and savings

  • A rational route for the price: If the app can roughly calculate the cost of charges along the route, it’s very convenient. Some services even offer cheaper alternatives without losing travel time.
  • Dynamic cost calculation: We may have different rates during the day and night, and some stations have subscription fees or discounts. A good app will take this into account and give you a more accurate cost forecast.
  • Analysis of energy consumption: Бонусна, але корисна функція – коли застосунок показує, скільки енергії витрачалося на різних маршрутах і як це залежало from стилю їзди, погоди чи рельєфу. Допомагає краще розуміти свій автомобіль і реальні витрати.

Planning with multiple stops

  • Багатоточковий маршрут – без головного болю: It is ideal when you can create a complex route with several points and get the optimal charging calculation, even if there are several hundred kilometres between the points.
  • Flexible editing: Life is unpredictable. A good app will allow you to quickly add a new stop, change your route, or move your charging station without having to rebuild everything from scratch.

Сумісність з різними моделями electric vehiclesв

  • A wide range of models: The app should support the most popular models in Ukraine – from Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe to Volkswagen ID.4 or Tesla. And not just “show” that the car exists, but actually take into account its characteristics.
  • Routing based on car parameters: У кожного авто – своя батарея, швидкість charges, споживання. Якщо застосунок враховує ці параметри при побудові маршруту – це великий плюс. Особливо на довгих поїздках.

Preparing for an electric car journey: what you need to know

Electric cars are increasingly being used for long journeys – they are convenient, economical and allow you to see the country from a completely different perspective. But unlike petrol cars, an electric car requires a little more preparation. Especially when the charging infrastructure is still developing and the number of charging stations on the roads is not such that you can just drive at random.

To avoid stress and being left with an empty battery in the middle of the journey, it’s worth thinking ahead. Below are the key things you’ll need when planning an electric car trip.

Start with a full chargeCharge the vehicle to 100% before setting off to ensure that you have the maximum range at the start of your journey. This is convenient and gives you more freedom to plan your first kilometres.
Estimate the real power reserveDon’t rely on the figures in the documentation. Temperature, speed, climate control – everything has an impact. Plan ahead and take into account the actual conditions.
Consider stopping for chargingThink about where you will recharge. It is better to combine charging with lunch, rest or sightseeing.
Choose accommodation with chargingIf you spend the night on the road, look for hotels with charging stations. Charging at night saves time and adds convenience.
Don’t forget the cables and adaptersAlways have your own cable and adapters. This ensures that you can charge even at less versatile stations.
Consider the weatherThe battery drains faster in winter. Warm up the car while charging. Check your tyres and brakes before driving – safety always comes first.

TOP 10 navigation apps for electric cars

1. ECOFACTOR EV Charging

At ECOFACTOR, we have created an app that doesn’t just build a route, but truly understands the needs of electric vehicle drivers. Our app combines map of charging stations across Ukraine with the real state of the equipment, allows you to reserve charging, tracks your travel history and energy consumption, and automatically plots a route based on the battery level. This is a tool that works specifically for Ukrainian realities, not just a translated foreign service.

Найважливіше – усе це пов’язано з нашою платформою і мережею charging stations. In the appendix видно, яка station вільна, яка зайнята, а яка тимчасово недоступна. Можна обрати station за типом розʼєму, потужністю, оператором і навіть за зручністю розташування – біля кафе, магазину чи місця відпочинку. Ми не просто відображаємо точки на мапі, а даємо змогу керувати кожною деталлю своєї поїздки. Є також розумна система сповіщень, яка нагадає про час charges, зміну статусу stations чи оновлення в networks.

We make charging a simple part of your journey. No need to guess, no need to ask. Just open the app, choose a station and go. The app is available on  iOS and Android.

We also offer a full range of solutions for electromobility: we develop and manufacture charging stations in Ukraine, we select equipment to meet the specific needs of businesses and drivers, and in our online store you can find mobile charging solutions, cables, adapters and other accessories for comfortable charging. All in one place, with support and real people in touch.

Contact information:

2. A Better Routeplanner (ABRP)

ABRP – це сервіс, що допомагає водіям electric vehiclesв прокладати маршрут з урахуванням зупинок на charging. Користувач обирає модель свого авто, вводить точку призначення, а застосунок розраховує, де краще зупинятися, скільки часу займе дорога, і коли варто дозарядитися. ABRP підтримує переважну більшість електрокарів, тож не потрібно додатково підлаштовувати налаштування вручну. Після старту поїздки you can перейти в режим водіння – і програма стежитиме за змінами в режимі реального часу.

The app allows you to adjust the route while you are driving, if, for example, the selected station is temporarily unavailable or there are traffic jams. This makes the journey less stressful, especially when driving in unfamiliar terrain. Some users note the limited ability to filter charging station networks, which can make it difficult to choose if, for example, a loyalty card is valid only for a specific network.

Despite some minor drawbacks, A Better Routeplanner is often chosen by those who want more control over their route. The app is more like a working tool than a regular map. It is suitable for long journeys when every charge counts and time on the road is limited. It’s not just navigation, but rather a personal trip planner based on the actual state of the battery.

Contact information:

3. Google Maps.

Almost everyone knows Google Maps, and there is hardly a person who hasn’t used the app at least once. But when it comes to routes for an electric vehicle, things are a little more complicated. The main advantage is the abundance of up-to-date data: traffic jams, repair work, closed sections – everything is taken into account automatically. Navigation adapts to the conditions on the road, changing the route in real time. There is also a fuel economy mode that can be used to calculate the most efficient route.

However, the app is not designed exclusively for electric cars. It does not have deep integration with the charging station network, and the user has to search for these points on their own or use additional services. This can be inconvenient, especially on a long journey, where it is important to know not just the location of the charging station, but also its compatibility, speed and availability.

As a general-purpose navigator, Google Maps is quite reliable, but electric car drivers may lack specific functionality. However, for short trips around the city, where there is a range and no plans to charge on the road, the app performs its role without any unnecessary complications.

Contact information:

4. PlugShare

PlugShare – це не просто карта зарядок, а ціла спільнота водіїв electric vehiclesв, які діляться відгуками, фото і власними спостереженнями про stations. Тут you can find пункти charges за типом роз’єму, швидкістю, доступністю або навіть наявністю поруч туалету чи кафе. У програмі передбачено зручний фільтр, завдяки якому you can одразу прибрати зайві варіанти. А якщо зупинка нова – водій сам can add її на map.

This app is especially useful for those who travel frequently. It has a route planning function that takes into account charging stations along the way, as well as integration with other navigation apps. Additionally, you can turn on notifications about new charging stations in the selected region, which is useful if you often repeat routes.

PlugShare is best suited as a supplement to the main navigation. It is convenient to have it at hand to quickly check whether the charger is in good condition, how much the charge costs, and whether there have been any recent problems. For Ukraine, a relevant advantage is the support of local providers, such as YASNO, TOKA, AutoEnterprise, which greatly simplifies the use for our drivers.

Contact information:

5. Waze

Waze – це навігаційний застосунок, який багато водіїв цінують за можливість see ситуацію на дорозі ще до того, як вона застала зненацька. Програма постійно оновлює дані на основі звітів самих users: затори, аварії, дорожні роботи, поліція, ями, обмеження швидкості – усе це зʼявляється на карті в реальному часі. Це корисно не тільки у великому місті, а й на трасах, де не завжди you can оперативно дізнатися про перешкоди.

When it comes to electric vehicles, Waze is not yet fully geared towards them. Yes, you can find charging stations along your route in the app, but you can’t filter them by connector type or power. For EV owners, this can be critical, especially when there are only a few options and charging time is important. Some users also complain about unstable integration with CarPlay and difficult access to settings while driving.

Despite these limitations, Waze remains a good tool for avoiding surprises on the road. Its main strength lies in the social element, when drivers share information with each other. But when it comes to fully planning electric car trips with charging, this app is best combined with more specialised solutions.

Contact information:

6. Sygic

Sygic – це офлайн-навігатор з фокусом на автономність і безпеку, який підходить тим, хто часто їздить за межами стабільного покриття мобільного зв’язку. In the appendix you can заздалегідь завантажити картиand also use the голосовою навігацією and 3D-картами. For drivers electric vehiclesв важливо, що Sygic allows add тип пального і відображає charging stations, але повна інтеграція EV-функцій все ще розвивається.

One of the notable advantages of the app is a large set of additional features that are not often found in other applications. For example, HUD projection of navigation on the windscreen, realistic route augmentation via the smartphone camera, Dashcam function and real-time detection of road signs. These features are more focused on driving comfort than on the specifics of electric travel, but they can be useful for drivers of any car.

Sygic підійде тим, хто хоче мати під рукою комплексне рішення, навіть якщо деякі EV-функції ще не дотягують до спеціалізованих сервісів. Для довгих поїздок з наперед заданим маршрутом, коли потрібна точна навігація і стабільна робота без інтернету, цей застосунок can стати практичним вибором. Але як основний маршрутний планувальник for electric vehicle – радше як доповнення, ніж повноцінна заміна спеціалізованих рішень.

Contact information:

7. GO TO-U

GO TO-U – це український застосунок, який створений спеціально for electric vehiclesстів. Він не просто показує найближчі charging stations, а allows планувати поїздки з урахуванням залишку заряду, типу конектора і потужності stations. Одна з ключових функцій – можливість зарезервувати charging наперед. Це зручно, коли маршрут пролягає через завантажені локації або в годину пік, і не хочеться витрачати час на очікування.

In the app, you can filter stations by operator, check whether they are currently free, and receive notifications about new points in the area. GO TO-U also supports payment through a built-in wallet and shows the history of charges, which is convenient for those who keep track of expenses or report to the company. For Ukrainian users, it is also important that the app supports most local networks and shows stations that are often not visible in Western services.

GO TO-U виглядає як рішення, яке створювали з урахуванням реального користувацького досвіду. Тут немає зайвого, і при цьому є те, чого часто не вистачає в інших застосунках – передбачуваність. Якщо потрібно не просто дістатися, а ще й впевнено знати, де зарядити авто по дорозі, цей застосунок справляється з цим краще за універсальні навігатори.

Contact information:

8. Apple Maps.

Apple Карти – це базовий навігаційний застосунок for пристроїв на iOS, який підійде for щоденних поїздок або орієнтування в місті. Програма пропонує покрокову навігацію, підтримує автомобільний, велосипедний, пішохідний і громадський транспорт, а також надає інформацію про трафік, затори й аварії в реальному часі. Користувачі можуть завантажувати автономні карти, що зручно в місцях без стабільного інтернету. Update місць, графіки роботи, огляди and фото теж available безпосередньо в застосунку.

In terms of route planning for electric vehicles, Apple Maps still has limited functionality. The app does not allow you to filter charging stations by connector type or charging speed, and it does not integrate with most local providers. The app also doesn’t allow you to build a route in advance, taking into account charging stops or battery level. This creates certain difficulties for users who drive not only in the city but also over long distances.

For those who use the Apple ecosystem and don’t have high demands on planning flexibility, Apple Maps can be a convenient choice. But for electric vehicle drivers who want more control, better integration with charging infrastructure, and the ability to adapt their route, they will need to use additional tools or other navigation services.

Contact information:

  • Website: maps.apple.com
  • App Store: apps.apple.com/ua/app/maps/id915056765
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/apple
  • Twitter: x.com/apple
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/apple
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/apple

9. OsmAnd

OsmAnd – це навігаційний застосунок з відкритим кодом, який орієнтований передусім на автономне користування. Водії можуть завантажити карти будь-яких регіонів світу, будувати маршрути без інтернету і навіть вручну змінювати прокладений шлях, виключаючи певні типи доріг. Застосунок підтримує багато типів транспорту, зокрема автомобілі, велосипеди, мотоцикли and пішохідний режим, а також allows налаштувати маршрут під специфіку авто чи дорожніх умов.

This solution is interesting for electric car drivers because it can display points of interest that can be adapted to charging stations, although there is no direct support for EV infrastructure or integration with charging operators. Instead, OsmAnd allows you to save your own GPX tracks, build a route with slopes, keep trip statistics, and see a detailed route profile with ascents and descents. For advanced users, it can be even more convenient than classic online navigators.

Цей застосунок підходить тим, хто хоче повного контролю над своєю картою, не залежить from інтернету і цінує можливість глибокого налаштування. OsmAnd радше орієнтований на туристів, експедиції або велотрекінг, але при бажанні його you can адаптувати й під поїздки на електрокарі – хоча for цього знадобиться більше ручної роботи.

Contact information:

10. Petal Maps

Petal Maps – це навігаційний застосунок from Huawei, який став доступним на багатьох пристроях і покриває більшість популярних функційincluding навігацією в реальному часі, підтримкою кількох типів транспорту і можливістю завантаження офлайн-карт. Програма дає змогу додавати зупинки до маршруту, повідомляти про поліцію чи аварії, користуватись голосовим пошуком, а також синхронізувати дані між пристроями. Є базові функції for EV-users, зокрема пошук charging stations по маршруту.

Despite this, electric vehicles are not in the focus of development. The app does not filter stations by connector type, speed, or operator. There’s also no route planning function based on battery power or charging backup. Users will have to check the details themselves or use additional services. It’s worth noting that some users complain about the large amount of maps to download, which can be a problem for devices with limited storage space.

Petal Maps is better suited for daily city trips or as an alternative to Google Maps on Huawei devices. For drivers of electric vehicles, the app can be useful as basic navigation, but when it comes to long journeys with clear charging plans, its functionality will not be enough.

Contact information:

Bottom line.

Світ electric vehiclesв розвивається шалено швидко – і те, що ще вчора здавалося складним, сьогодні стало звичним. Але навіть з усіма перевагами електрокарів, комфорт у дорозі напряму залежить from того, наскільки добре ви підготували маршрут. Саме тому хороший застосунок-навігатор – не розкіш, а реальна необхідність.

Ми зібрали добірку тих сервісів, які дійсно працюють в українських conditions. Деякі з них – універсальні помічники, інші – більш спеціалізовані. Але всі вони мають одну спільну рису: вони допомагають уникнути сюрпризів і дають змогу зосередитись на дорозі, а не на пошуках розетки посеред траси.

І хоча ідеального застосунку “на всі випадки життя” не існує, ми advise обирати той, який найкраще працює саме for вас – залежно from звичок, стилю їзди, типу авто і того, куди саме прямуєте. Ну а якщо шукаєте рішення, створене з урахуванням саме українських реалій, з перевіреною мережею зарядок і зручною навігацією – тоді ECOFACTOR EV Charging буде точно влучним вибором.

Frequently asked questions

Is it necessary to use a special app to travel by electric car?

It’s not necessary, but it’s highly desirable. Without it, you risk either spending a lot of time looking for a charger or getting stuck on the road altogether. Even if it’s Google Maps, it’s better to have at least a basic tool for planning recharging stops.

Which app works best in Ukraine?

ECOFACTOR or GO TO-U are best suited for daily use and travelling around the country – both are designed with the Ukrainian infrastructure in mind, support local operators and show the real status of charges.

Why aren’t Google Maps or Waze always convenient for an electric car?

Because they don’t take into account the battery charge, don’t show whether the station is compatible with your car, and don’t always update charging statuses. This works well in the city, but on long-distance journeys you need more control.

Does it make sense to pay for premium features in such applications?

If you travel frequently, yes. Paid versions often have better analytics, more filters, more accurate cost forecasts, and access to additional features such as charging reservations. If you drive mostly in the city, the basic functionality may be enough.

What to do if you don’t have mobile internet on the road?

Download offline maps in advance. Most apps, such as ABRP or Sygic, allow you to work even without the internet. But of course, you won’t be able to update the status of stations without a connection.