Apps to Find Charging Stations: The 5 Best in 2026

Why you need a charging station app

Unlike gas stations — which you find on any corner and spot from afar — charging stations are still in an expansion phase. Many are in mall parking lots, hotels, dealerships or places without obvious signage.

A good charging station app does much more than show a point on the map. It tells you:

• The type of connector available (CCS2, Type 2, CHAdeMO)
• The charger's power (slow AC vs fast DC)
• The real-time status (available, in use, out of service)
• The price per kWh or per minute
• Reviews from other users
• Photos of the location and access instructions

1. Tupinambá — The must-have Brazilian app

Tupinambá is the largest charging station operator in Brazil and its app is, in practice, a must for any EV owner. In addition to mapping its own network, the app lists partner and competitor points, creating the most complete map of the Brazilian market.

Strong points:

• The most complete map in Brazil for charging stations
• Real-time status of the chargers
• Start and payment of charging directly through the app
• Session history with kWh consumed and cost
• Filter by connector type and power

Points to improve:

• The interface could be more intuitive
• Not all third-party points have real-time status

2. PlugShare — The global community

PlugShare is the "Waze of charging stations". Its greatest strength is the community: thousands of users rate, photograph and comment on each charging point. If a charger is broken, you find out before getting there.

Strong points:

• Detailed community reviews with photos
• Advanced filters by connector, power and network
• Works globally (useful for international trips)
• Real-time check-in shows occupancy
• Route planner with automatic stops

Points to improve:

• Some points registered by the community are outdated
• Payment depends on each operator's app

3. Zletric — A solid alternative

Zletric is the second largest charging station network in Brazil and offers a well-built app. The interface is more modern than Tupinambá's, with a smoother user experience.

Strong points:

• Modern and intuitive interface
• Payment via Pix with a discount
• Subscription plans with cheaper kWh
• Notification when charging finishes

Points to improve:

• Smaller coverage than Tupinambá
• Few community reviews

4. Shell Recharge — For highways

Shell entered the electric charging market with force, installing fast DC chargers at existing gas stations. For highway trips, it is a natural option: the infrastructure of Shell stations (restroom, store, restaurant) already exists.

Strong points:

• Location at gas stations with complete infrastructure
• High-power DC chargers (up to 150 kW)
• Simple and objective app
• Integrated loyalty program

Points to improve:

• Price generally above average
• Limited urban coverage

5. Your car manufacturer's app

It is not exactly a "charging station app", but your car manufacturer's app is essential. The BYD, GWM, Volvo and BMW apps offer features no other app has:

• Real-time monitoring of the state of charge
• Battery preconditioning before reaching the charging station
• Route planning with automatic stops based on your real range
• Scheduling of home charging (timer for off-peak rates)
• Complete history of consumption and charging

The ideal combination for any EV owner in Brazil: Tupinambá + PlugShare + the manufacturer's app. With these three, you cover 100% of charging needs.

Comparison table

App	Best for	BR points	Payment
Tupinambá	Daily use in Brazil	8,000+	Integrated
PlugShare	Reviews and community	12,000+	Partial
Zletric	Interface and plans	5,000+	Integrated
Shell Recharge	Highway trips	2,000+	Integrated
Manufacturer's app	Car monitoring	Varies	Varies

Tips for using the apps in Curitiba

The metropolitan region of Curitiba is well served, with 445 charging points. Some local tips:

• Filter by fast DC: of the 445 points, 125 are DC. For fast charging, filter by power above 50 kW
• Check the hours: some charging stations in malls and parking lots close at night
• Favorites: save your preferred points in the app for quick access
• Read recent reviews: on PlugShare, prioritize comments from the last 30 days
• Have a backup: always have at least 2 apps installed — if a charging station doesn't work with one app, it may work with another

For those in Pinhais or the eastern region of Curitiba, Elektro Charge on Av. Maringá is a point to save as a favorite. Fast DC charging of 60 kW, CCS2, operating 24 hours — and with the advantage of having accessible dining while you wait. It appears in the main apps: Tupinambá, PlugShare and Google Maps.

Planning trips with apps

For road trips across Paraná, the best approach is to combine apps:

1. Plan in PlugShare: use the route planner to map ideal stops
2. Check in Tupinambá: confirm that the points are operational
3. Set up in the car's app: enter the destination and let the system calculate stops based on real range
4. Have a plan B: identify at least 2 charging station options at each stop

With Paraná offering 1,281 charging points and the network growing monthly, range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past. The apps are your tool to turn this infrastructure into smooth trips.