Electroverse vs Zapmap
Which free charging card is better?
Electroverse and Zapmap are the two most popular free EV charging cards in the UK. Both let you access multiple networks with a single account, but they differ significantly in coverage, features, and pricing. Here is how they compare head-to-head.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Octopus Electroverse | Zapmap / Zap-Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | Free | Free / £2.99 Premium |
| Networks covered | 950+ | 40+ |
| Chargepoints | 1,000,000+ | 40,000+ |
| RFID card | Free | £10 |
| Discount available | 5-8% (Octopus customers) | 5% (Premium subscribers) |
| European coverage | Excellent (950+ networks) | Limited (UK focused) |
| App quality | Good | Excellent (best EV charger map) |
| Community features | Limited | Excellent (reviews, status reports) |
| Charger status info | Basic real-time availability | Detailed community-powered reports |
Verdict
For raw network coverage and value, Electroverse wins — it covers 950+ networks for free, with a free RFID card. For the best app experience, charger mapping, and community features, Zapmap is unmatched. The good news: you can use both. Start with Electroverse for the widest access, and keep Zapmap installed for the best charger-finding experience.
Read the Full Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, and many drivers do. Use Zapmap's excellent map to find chargers and check their status, then pay with either Zapmap or Electroverse depending on which gives a better rate at that location.
It varies by network. Electroverse sometimes has slightly different rates than Zapmap for the same network. Check both apps before charging to see which offers the better price at that specific charger.
Not necessarily. Electroverse's free RFID covers far more networks. The Zapmap RFID (£10) is useful as a backup, but you could use Zapmap's app for payment instead.