USING CHARGEPOINT AND APPLE CARPLAY

EV Channels Review

The ChargePoint app's integration with Apple CarPlay is a significant step towards simplifying the EV charging experience. The reviewer highlights its ability to locate stations, filter by vehicle compatibility, and initiate charging directly from the vehicle's infotainment screen. While the app successfully demonstrated finding and initiating a charge at a ChargePoint station, the experience was not without its hurdles, including initial user errors and software glitches. A key drawback identified is the lack of a 'stop charging' function within the CarPlay interface, requiring users to resort to the mobile app. Furthermore, the app's compatibility and functionality with third-party networks like EVgo and Greenlots were inconsistent, with the EVgo integration proving partially successful while Greenlots failed. The reviewer suggests crucial improvements such as clearer instructions for initiating a charge, a station status/review system, better integration with other network accounts, real-time charging data display, clearer branding of non-ChargePoint stations, and enhanced search/selection functionalities within the CarPlay interface. Despite these areas for improvement, the reviewer acknowledges the app's potential and its positive contribution to everyday EV driving.