Zap-Map, the well know. Electric vehicle (EV) mapping service, has today launched Zap-Pay, a new service that enables drivers to use a single app to pay for charging across different networks. Engenie, the UK-wide rapid charging network, will be the first network available on Zap-Pay.
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. Many thousands of EV drivers already use Zap-Map 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.
Ensuring payment is easy is a key concern for the government and industry. The lack of simple access to different charge points, run by more than 40 networks, risks delaying the mass shift to EVs. Zap-Pay addresses this problem by providing a simple, universal payment system.
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.”
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.
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. A support helpline will be provided by EVA Global, the leading emobility service provider.
Zap-Map is also developing new features to support the electrification of commercial fleets and other e-mobility services, which will be rolled out over the next 12 months.