Zap-Map launches Zap-Pay EV charging payment app

Zap-Map has launched a service which allows EV drivers to use a single app to pay for charging across different networks.

Drivers having to use a multitude of apps and cards has long been seen as an obstacle to wider EV adoption, and the government wants it to be as easy for EV drivers to charge at public charge points as it is to pay for petrol or diesel.

Zap-Map said its Zap-Pay app will allow drivers to locate chargers, plan longer journey and pay for charging.

Engenie is the first network available on Zap-Pay, and Zap-Map says a “wave” of others will follow, including ESB EV Solutions, LiFe and Hubsta in the autumn, all using a pay-as-you-go tariff.

Zap-Pay will be rolled out across UK networks in 2021.

Ben Lane, CTO and joint managing director at Zap-Map, said: “More people than ever are buying an EV, but providing a seamless charging experience is essential to accelerate this shift, cut carbon emissions and clean our air.

“We already buy much of our shopping with the tap of a finger – Zap-Pay means that EV charging is now the same.

“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.”

The government last year set out its ambition that – to simplify the charging process - all newly-installed rapid and higher-powered charge points should provide debit or credit card payment by spring this year.

One year after the launch of its Road to Zero strategy, the government signalled it expects industry to develop a roaming solution across the charging network, allowing EV drivers to use any public charge point through a single payment method without needing multiple smartphone apps or membership cards.

Rachel Maclean, the UK Government Transport Minister, added: “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.”

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-plus rapid charge points

In addition to delivering a way to pay for EV charging, Zap-Pay will provide live status updates, charging history, PDF VAT receipts and 24/7 customer support.

Last year, fuelcard provider Allstar launched its Allstar One Electric product which gives users access to a multi-brand network of charge points, including GeniePoint, Engenie, Source London, Alfa Power and ESB EV Solutions.

Earlier this year, Shell Fleet Solutions added a suite of e-mobility services to its fuel card offering, allowing customers to opt for a card that allows for payment of both fossil fuels and electric vehicle charging.