Zapmap starts mapping charge points in Europe

Zapmap has expanded its coverage to mainland Europe allowing electric vehicle (EV) drivers to now find charge points in France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The company’s app and desktop map is displaying selected high-power charge points which have a power rating of 60kW or more and offer a variety of payment options in the five European countries.

Zapmap says that it will open-up EV route planning and charging payments for drivers in France, Germany and Benelux in the coming months.

The company also has plans to add charge points in further European countries, such as Spain, Switzerland, Austria and Italy.

Alex Earl, commercial director at Zapmap, said: “I’m delighted to announce that we’ve taken our first step into mainland Europe.

“Mapping charge points on the continent has been a frequent request from Zapmap users over the past few years, and I’m very pleased to say that we’ve made it happen.

“As ever, our mission is to make the EV charging experience simple, wherever you go. That’s why, to ensure we offer the same great service abroad as we do in the UK, our aim at this initial stage is to help UK drivers on the continent find charge points en-route when road tripping in an electric car.”

Looking further ahead, Zapmap also has plans to widen the net and deepen its coverage in mainland Europe.

Later in the new year, it says it is planning to display more types of charge points – and more charging networks – in more European countries.

Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and chief operating officer at Zapmap, said: “It’s great to see Zapmap charge point markers showing in France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

“From our survey, we know that around 18% of Zapmap users travel abroad – typically to France, as well as Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany – with the past year seeing a 28% increase in people travelling to mainland Europe in their EV.

“I’m very pleased we’re now able to serve UK drivers in these five countries, and that we can open up mainland Europe to a new generation of electric car drivers.”

Shufflebotham urged drivers to check-in and upload photos to charge points when using Zapmap abroad to help others on their EV journey.

Earl continued: “In one go we have added some 15,000 charging locations in Europe – a 50% increase on the number of charging locations in the UK. That’s testament to a lot of hard work from the team here at Zapmap, for which I am extremely grateful.

“Now, I’m very much looking forward to our next steps, where we’ll be working to broaden and deepen our presence on the continent.”

Zapmap is also inviting electric car drivers to share their European experiences, tips and suggestions in the app to provide advice and support for other EV drivers travelling to mainland Europe.