Zapmap has started mapping charge points in mainland Europe, marking its first expansion outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Zapmap users can now search for high-power charge points in France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg

Electric car drivers travelling around the continent can now use the company’s app and desktop map to search and filter for certain charge points in France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Initially, Zapmap will display selected high-power charge points – 60kW or more – in the five European countries, helping drivers charge their electric vehicle quickly and easily while road tripping. Zapmap will also open up EV route planning and charging payments in the coming months for these markets, in line with its existing offering in the UK and Ireland.

Later in the year, the business will display more types of charge point – and more charging networks – in more European countries. Expansion plans include Spain, Switzerland, Austria and Italy.

The move comes on the back of requests from Zapmap users for help with charging in Europe.

Alex Earl, commercial director at Zapmap, said: “In one go, we have added some 15,000 charging locations in Europe – a 50% increase on the number of charging locations in the UK. That’s testament to a lot of hard work from the team here at Zapmap, for which I am extremely grateful. Now I’m very much looking forward to our next steps, where we’ll be working to broaden and deepen our presence on the continent.”

Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO at Zapmap, said: “From our survey, we know that around 18% of Zapmap users travel abroad – typically to France, as well as Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany – with the past year seeing a 28% increase in people travelling to mainland Europe in their EV. I’m very pleased we’re now able to serve UK drivers in these five countries, and that we can open up mainland Europe to a new generation of electric car drivers.”

She added: “When using Zapmap abroad, remember to check in and upload photos to charge points when you use them, just like you do in the UK to help others on their EV journey.”

Zapmap is also inviting electric car drivers to share their European experiences, tips and suggestions in the app to provide advice and support for other EV drivers travelling to mainland Europe.