Bottom Line
For most car buyers and current EV owners looking for free EV trip planning apps, PlugShare is the best overall recommendation because it offers a free core app without any upfront cost, while the optional ad-removal subscription price is not published by the app store. Chargeway provides a free base app with a $2.99/month paid tier for live pricing, and ChargeHub charges $4.29/month for its paid tier.
EV owners and car buyers need reliable tools to plan trips and find charging stations without unexpected costs.
This comparison focuses on three popular free route planning apps that help with real-world EV ownership costs.
At a Glance
| Tool | Price | Free Plan | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chargeway | Free app; Chargeway Plus paid tier $2.99/month for live per-station pricing overlay | Yes — core trip-planning/station-finder is free; Plus unlocks real-time pricing data | 2026-09-17 |
| ChargeHub | $4.29/month (ChargeHub Plus) | Yes — base app free (160,000+ charging ports); Plus removes per-session activation fees | 2026-09-16 |
| PlugShare | Core app free; optional ad-removal subscription price not published (app-store only) | Yes — core map/trip planning fully free, subscription only removes ads | 2026-09-16 |
How We Checked the Numbers
The prices and plan details in the table above are what we recorded for each option, last checked between 2026-09-16 and 2026-09-17. Each section below links to the official site. Prices change often, so confirm the current price there before you decide.
Chargeway
Verified 2026-09-17Overview
Chargeway is a route planning app designed for electric vehicle owners that helps with finding charging stations and planning trips. It offers a free tier for basic trip planning and station location, with an optional paid Plus tier for real-time pricing data.
- Free core trip-planning and station-finder functionality
- Real-time pricing data overlay via Chargeway Plus
- Live per-station pricing information for informed charging decisions
Electric vehicle owners who prioritize real-time pricing transparency and need a reliable app for trip planning without upfront costs.
- Free basic features for essential trip planning without cost
- Real-time pricing data helps EV owners avoid unexpected charges
- Paid Plus tier required for live per-station pricing, adding a monthly cost
ChargeHub
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
ChargeHub is a route planning app designed for electric vehicle owners to help with charging location and session planning. It offers a free tier with access to over 160,000 charging ports and a premium Plus plan for $4.29 per month that eliminates per-session activation fees.
- Free base app access to 160,000+ charging ports
- Plus plan removes per-session activation fees
- Real-time route planning for EV charging
Electric vehicle owners who frequently need to plan charging stops and want a cost-effective solution with optional premium features.
- Cost-effective with a free tier for basic needs
- Premium plan offers fee-free sessions for frequent users
- Free tier has limited session activation fees compared to premium
PlugShare
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
PlugShare is a route planning app designed for electric vehicle (EV) owners to find charging stations and plan trips. It provides free core map and trip planning functionality while offering an optional ad-removal subscription for a premium experience.
- Free core map and trip planning for EV charging stations
- Real-time updates on charging station availability
- Community-driven data for accurate charging location information
EV owners who want free access to charging station maps and trip planning without paying for premium features.
- Free core functionality for basic route planning and charging station searches
- Optional ad-removal subscription price is not publicly published
Picking the One That Fits You
Base access and costs
Determine whether the app provides essential trip planning features without any payment or if it requires an immediate subscription to function. Check if the core navigation tools are free to use or if you must pay to remove ads or access basic data.
Optional premium upgrades
Assess if paying extra for advanced features, such as real-time pricing overlays, is necessary for your specific driving needs or if the free tier is sufficient. Verify exactly which functionalities are locked behind a paywall and what value they add to your daily charging routine.
Membership pricing transparency
Look for clear, publicly available price lists for any optional subscriptions to avoid unexpected billing surprises. Some services may only list prices within their app stores, so you should be prepared to check multiple sources to understand the full cost of ownership.
Run the numbers for your own driving
Enter your mileage and electricity rate in the EV vs Gas Cost Calculator to see a yearly estimate.
The Final Call
Chargeway is best for readers who want free access with a paid tier for live pricing at stations; ChargeHub is best for readers seeking a paid tier with a fixed monthly price; PlugShare is best for readers who want free access with optional ad removal through a subscription that hasn't been published by the app store.
Questions Readers Ask
Which EV charging apps offer a free tier?
Chargeway, ChargeHub, and PlugShare all have free tiers. Chargeway's free app provides basic functionality, ChargeHub has a free tier with limited features (ChargeHub Plus is paid at $4.29/month), and PlugShare's core app is free with optional ad-removal.
What's the cost of the paid tier for ChargeHub?
$4.29/month for ChargeHub Plus.
What is the cost of Chargeway Plus?
$2.99/month for Chargeway Plus, which provides live per-station pricing overlay.
Does PlugShare have a subscription for ad removal?
PlugShare offers a core app for free, but the price for ad-removal subscription is not published and is only available through app stores.
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Pricing shown was accurate at the time of publishing and may change — verify on the official site.