A new app that enables electric vehicle drivers to use a single app to pay for charging across different networks has launched.

As well as offering a simple way to pay for EV charging, Zap-Pay will provide live status updates, charging history, PDF VAT receipts and 24/7 customer support

Dubbed Zap-Pay, it’s been developed by Zap-Map to help accelerate EV adoption and allows drivers to search, plan and pay for charging, all in one app.

The first network to join the scheme is Engenie but ESB EV Solutions, LiFe and Hubsta will follow in the autumn and Zap-Pay will be rolled out across UK networks in 2021.

It spells an end to the need for EV drivers to use multiple apps and cards to pay to charge on different charge points; currently there are more than 40 networks running in the UK, not all offering contactless card readers. The Government said a year ago that it expected industry to develop a roaming solution across the charging network, and adding that it was prepared to intervene if developments didn’t go ahead.

Ben Lane, CTO and joint managing director at Zap-Map, said: “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.”

At launch, Zap-Pay is live on 10 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+ rapid charge points.

Ian Johnston, CEO of Engenie said: “Charging accessibility is critical to accelerating the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. Zap-Pay, a single payment platform for multiple charging networks, complements our commitment to this by adding another convenient choice for customers using our open-access network, which already accepts simple contactless card payment.”

In addition to delivering a simple way to pay for EV charging, Zap-Pay will provide live status updates, charging history, PDF VAT receipts and 24/7 customer support. A support helpline will be provided by emobility service provider EVA Global.

Zap-Map is also working on new features to support the electrification of commercial fleets and other e-mobility services. These will be rolled out over the next 12 months.