Electric columns: 4 useful APPs (plus one you didn't know you already had)

Even the way we drive is part of the habits that we now take for granted, and the transition in recent years from the "combustible" society we are used to, to one with minimal impact, is generating, like any novelty, curiosity but also some inevitable fake news. One of the most recurring fake news about electric mobility is about charging time. What could have seemed a legitimate doubt at the beginning is proving to be overcome, as public charging infrastructure is starting to be widely distributed across the territory. In fact, the number of charging points is constantly increasing, and today we recommend 4 apps (plus one) to always stay updated on the charging points closest to you and dispel the fear of running out of energy.

PlugShare The largest community of electric vehicle drivers, where users can report stations with photos and reviews to assist the EV community wherever they are. The interactive map offers numerous features, including filtering charges based on the type of plug and charging speed, the ability to integrate the route to the charging station on your navigation app, and the option to receive a notification when a charging station is installed nearby! It is available only for IOS and Android.

NextCharge It started as an independent application and allows you to have a general map of the location where you are and therefore recharge from the active main circuits in Italy, also thanks to the possibility of accrediting funds on a RFID card (contactless) usable alone or in synergy with the app by configuring a wallet on your phone. It is downloadable for all major operating systems, including Windows Store and a web app.

Be Charge App Available for both IOS and Android, provided by the Be Power group with Eni's green branch, Plenitude. It combines the convenience of the charging station search system with environmental awareness, informing the customer of how much carbon dioxide has been saved on the planet after our recharge. The app's usage is guided by mini-videos where avatars will come to the customer's aid to help with basic app registration and charging station usage.

JuicePass Enel 4X: Enel X is the main Italian player in terms of presence and distribution in Italy, with more than 12,000 charging stations distributed throughout the peninsula. The app, available for both IOS and Android, can also be used by guests, so it does not necessarily require registration and allows configuring multiple machines for charging in the "Garage" section, monitoring their progress remotely. It is also possible to pay with the "Juicewallet" in the app by choosing a consumption or monthly rate.

Plus one: Google Maps hides a completely electric secret identity: from searching for destinations, it is possible to interface the entire route depending on the selected engine (so it could vary if electric, hybrid, or gasoline). And always through the search bar, entering keywords (e.g., electric charging stations), Maps will show us the nearest ones from the main circuits.