Best Apps for Finding Cheap Gas and EV Charging

Fluctuating fuel prices and the fear of running out of battery charge are two of the biggest stressors for modern drivers. Whether you drive a traditional combustion engine vehicle or a cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV), your smartphone is the most powerful tool you have for reducing costs and range anxiety. By using community-driven data and real-time network updates, you can save significant money at the pump or find a working charger exactly when you need it.

Top Apps for Gas Savings

If you are filling up a gas tank, the price difference between two stations across the street from each other can be substantial. These apps help you identify the lowest prices and offer cashback opportunities.

GasBuddy

GasBuddy is the undisputed leader in fuel price tracking. It relies on a massive community of users to update gas prices in real time. When you open the app, you can view a map or list of stations near you, sorted by price or distance.

  • Price Tracking: Users report prices to help others save. In exchange, they earn points for prize drawings.
  • Pay with GasBuddy: This is a free fuel card that links to your checking account. It functions like a debit card and saves you up to 25 cents per gallon at the pump.
  • Trip Cost Calculator: Before you leave for a road trip, you can input your vehicle’s make and model to estimate exactly how much you will spend on fuel.

Upside (formerly GetUpside)

While GasBuddy focuses on finding the price, Upside focuses on giving you money back after the purchase. It partners with grocery stores, restaurants, and thousands of gas stations (including big names like Shell, BP, and Phillips 66).

  • How it works: You claim an offer in the app, pay with your regular credit or debit card, and then upload a photo of the receipt or check in via the app.
  • The Return: You earn cash back (often 10 to 25 cents per gallon) which accumulates in your account. You can cash this out directly to your bank account, PayPal, or as a digital gift card.

Waze

Waze is primarily a navigation app, but its crowd-sourced nature makes it excellent for finding gas. Since Waze is owned by Google, the data is vast, but the user interface allows for quick reporting.

  • On-Route Pitting: The best feature is the ability to search for gas stations specifically along your current route. It shows you how many minutes the detour will add.
  • Brand Discounts: Waze occasionally partners with specific fuel brands to offer contactless payment or discounts directly through the navigation interface.

Essential Apps for EV Charging

For EV drivers, price is important, but reliability is critical. Broken chargers are a major issue in the public charging infrastructure. The following apps help you find functional plugs and plan trips around charging stops.

PlugShare

PlugShare is essentially the “Yelp” of EV charging. It is the most comprehensive map available because it aggregates data from almost every network, including Tesla, Electrify America, ChargePoint, and EVgo.

  • PlugScore: This is the app’s most vital feature. Users rate specific charging locations from 1 to 10. If a charger has a low score, you know to avoid it because it is likely broken or blocked.
  • Filters: You can filter by your specific plug type (CCS, CHAdeMO, J1772, or Tesla) so you never drive to a station you cannot use.
  • Community Photos: Users upload photos of the station location, which is helpful when chargers are hidden behind buildings or in parking garages.

A Better Routeplanner (ABRP)

If you are taking a long road trip in an EV, standard maps are often insufficient. ABRP is a dedicated navigation tool that calculates your battery usage based on physics.

  • Detailed Inputs: You enter your car model, the extra weight you are carrying, and even the weather conditions.
  • Smart Routing: The app tells you exactly where to stop, how long to charge (e.g., “Charge to 65%”), and what your arrival percentage will be. It prevents you from wasting time charging to 100% when you only need 60% to reach the next stop.

ChargePoint

While PlugShare is great for finding chargers, you usually need specific network apps to initiate the charge and pay for it. ChargePoint is one of the largest networks in North America.

  • NFC Payment: You can set up an account and use your phone’s NFC (Tap to Pay) feature to unlock the station instantly.
  • Home Integration: If you have a ChargePoint Home Flex charger, this app manages your home charging schedule to ensure you only charge during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper.

How to Stack Savings

You do not have to choose just one method of saving. The smartest drivers stack multiple strategies to maximize their return.

  1. Combine Loyalty and Apps: Join a brand loyalty program like Shell Fuel Rewards (which usually offers Gold Status for 5 cents off per gallon) or BPme.
  2. Add Payment Rewards: Use a credit card that offers 3% to 5% cash back on gas station purchases.
  3. Layer the App: Use GasBuddy to find the station, use your Fuel Rewards ID at the pump, and pay with your high-reward credit card. If the station is also on Upside, upload your receipt later for a “triple dip” on savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these gas and EV apps free to use? Yes, most of these apps are free to download and use. They typically generate revenue through advertisements or by taking a small commission from the business when you redeem an offer.

Is it safe to link my bank account to GasBuddy? GasBuddy uses heavy encryption and security measures similar to standard banking apps. However, if you are uncomfortable linking a checking account, you can still use the app to find cheap gas without signing up for the “Pay with GasBuddy” card.

Can I use Waze to find EV chargers? Yes. Waze has updated its settings to allow you to select “Electric Vehicle” as your vehicle type. It will then prioritize showing you charging stations rather than gas stations when you search for “fuel” or stops along your route.

Why do EV charging prices vary so much? EV charging pricing is complex. Some stations charge by the kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is like paying for a gallon of gas. Others charge by the minute. Pricing also fluctuates based on the time of day (peak vs. off-peak) and the speed of the charger (Level 2 vs. DC Fast Charging). Always check the app for the specific pricing structure before plugging in.