Zap-Map, the UK’s leading electric vehicle mapping service, unveils Zap-Pay, a new service that enables EV 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 – a UK first.
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 EV charging networks, risks delaying the mass shift to EVs. Zap-Pay addresses this problem by providing a simple, universal payment system.
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.
Seamless charging
The strength of the EV market has grown even during the COVID-19 pandemic, with EV registrations up by 262% in June 2020 year on year. In contrast, sales of combustion vehicles slumped by more than a third (35%) over the same period.
To support this growth, the EV charge-point sector is set for 29% year-on-year growth to 2030. There are already more than 12,000 charging locations in the UK – more than the total number of petrol stations.
In response to both industry and EV driver feedback, the UK Government is launching a consultation on improving the consumer experience of EV charging, including interoperability between networks.
Leading UK charging networks
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.
Engenie was chosen as the Zap-Pay launch partner due to its customer-focused approach and easy to use charge points that support all EVs currently on the market. At launch, Zap-Pay is live on ten Engenie charge points across four locations – Stratford, Gloucester, Chepstow and Bristol. By the end of September, Zap-Pay will be rolled out across the Engenie network of 150+ rapid charge points.
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.
