Zap-Map, the UK’s leading electric vehicle (EV) mapping service, is launching Zap-Pay, a new service that enables EV drivers to use a single app to pay for charging across different networks. This new service could be a gamechanger for the charging infrastructure and consequently for EV drivers’ lives as it will simplify the process of paying for charging electric cars.
Simplicity was the key word when Zap-Map started to work on this project. Drivers currently need to use multiple apps and cards to pay to charge on different networks. Zap-Pay will allow all EV drivers to seamlessly pay to charge on any participating network.
This service wants to solve one of the major issues that could potentially slow down the transition from internal combustion engines to battery electric vehicles. Currently, there is a lack of a simple access to different charge points, which are run by more than 40 networks. Zap-Pay will provide a universal payment system, which will help bypass the problem.
One of the key aspects that usually stops UK drivers from making the switch is the fact that currently charging an EV is not as simple as filling an ICE tank. However, thanks to the app this will change, according to Rachel Maclean, the UK Government Transport Minister.
“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,” she said. “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.”
Engenie, the UK-wide rapid charging network, will be the first network available on Zap-Pay. It will be followed by a wave of network partners, 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, providing unique and unrivalled coverage across the whole country.
In addition to delivering a simple way to pay for EV charging, Zap-Pay will provide live status updates, charging history, PDF VAT receipts and 24/7 customer support.
The simplicity of this app is what will win the public over and lead the all-electric revolution according to Ben Lane, CTO and joint Managing Director at Zap-Map.
“A seamless charging experience is essential to accelerate this shift, cut carbon emissions and clean our air,” he said. “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.”
However, Zap-Map isn’t the only company working on the unification of charging networks; Octopus Energy is also hoping to provide a similar service, also combined with home power supply, via its Electric Juice Network.