The AA has struck a strategic partnership with Zapmap to help AA members stay charged up.

AA members using the app will be able to access Zapmap’s charge point data, enabling drivers to discover the most convenient places to charge and check real-time availability.

Zapmap provides comprehensive data on charging locations, type, cost and availability, with over 85,000 charge points mapped.

The UK-wide mapping service for EV charging points also recently won the Department for Transport contract to deliver Electric Vehicle ChargePoint Open Data.

The AA App already maps pump prices around the UK and the partnership marks the first step in a new strategic partnership, with the AA and Zapmap also exploring new ways they can combine to help accelerate the shift to electric.

The addition to the AA App means drivers can now use the platform to find a charger, plan a route, locate parking, compare petrol prices, report a breakdown and catch up with motoring news.

AA callout statistics show that only 1.85% of all EV breakdowns are due to drivers running out of charge, but understanding the public charging infrastructure and having ready access to plan and pay tools is a key factor in ensuring that EV drivers avoid otherwise unnecessarily callouts.

The AA recently published its EV Readiness Index, which shows that many drivers still need considerable support before making the transition, and said the new enhancement to the AA App is another step along that road.

Nick Edwards, AA chief digital officer, said: “Many drivers already use the AA App to find petrol and compare prices, so we are delighted to link up with Zapmap so that EV drivers can now track and locate the widest range of charge points in the UK.

“Our role is to create confidence for drivers and we know from our research that prospective and current EV drivers want more certainty about where they can charge. The Zapmap partnership delivers this.”

Richard Bourne, CEO of Zapmap, added: “This agreement leverages Zapmap and the AA’s mutual goal to make the EV driving experience simple, accessible, and stress-free for all.

“The AA will now be able to show its customers all types of chargers from high-powered en-route chargers, to destination chargers where you can charge while you stop, to near home charging for those who do not have access to off-street charging. Having clear visibility of all these options helps make the next wave of EV drivers confident to make the switch.”