Best EV Charging Apps in South Africa (2026 Guide)

Essential EV Charging Apps for South African Drivers

In 2026, smartphone apps are essential for EV ownership in South Africa. They show real-time charger availability, enable payment, plan routes, and help you avoid load shedding delays.

Top 5 Must-Have Apps

1. GridCars (Essential – #1 in SA)

Coverage: 400+ charging stations nationwide
Features: Real-time availability, payment, load shedding integration
Best for: Daily charging and route planning
Cost: Free app, pay per charge

2. Rubicon EV Chargers

Coverage: 200+ stations (Rubicon network)
Features: Subscription plans, DC fast charging
Best for: Frequent long-distance travel
Cost: Monthly subscription or pay-per-use

3. PlugShare (International + SA)

Coverage: Global database including SA
Features: User reviews, photos, check-ins
Best for: Finding new stations, community insights
Cost: Free (premium features R89/month)

4. ChargeHub

Coverage: Multi-network aggregator
Features: Trip planner, filter by connector type
Best for: Route planning for road trips
Cost: Free

5. Your Vehicle’s Native App

Tesla, BMW, BYD have built-in navigation to chargers
Features: Seamless integration with vehicle
Best for: In-car navigation

How to Use Charging Apps Effectively

Daily Commuting Strategy

Morning: Check GridCars for charger availability at work/destination
During work: Reserve charger time slot if available
Before leaving: Plan route with ChargeHub if making stops
Load shedding: Check app for backup locations

Road Trip Planning

Use ChargeHub to plan route with 20% buffer
Save backup charger locations along route
Check PlugShare reviews for recent reliability
Download offline maps in apps that support it

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best EV charging app in South Africa?

GridCars is the most comprehensive with 400+ stations, real-time availability, payment integration, and load shedding alerts. For road trips, combine it with PlugShare for user reviews and ChargeHub for route planning.

Do I need to pay for charging apps?

Most apps are free (GridCars, PlugShare, ChargeHub). You only pay for the actual charging. Some offer premium features like Rubicon’s subscription plans (R299-R599/month) for unlimited fast charging.

Can charging apps show load shedding schedules?

Yes, GridCars integrates load shedding schedules and shows which stations have battery backup or generators. This helps you plan charging around outages.

How accurate is real-time charger availability?

GridCars and Rubicon show real-time status (available/in-use/offline) with 95%+ accuracy. PlugShare relies on user check-ins which can be less current but provides valuable reviews.

Can I pay through the apps or do I need an RFID card?

GridCars and Rubicon allow app-based payment via credit card or EFT. Some older stations still require RFID cards, but most new installations (2024+) support app payment.