Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

PlugShare VS OpenStreetMap

Compare PlugShare VS OpenStreetMap and see what are their differences

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PlugShare logo PlugShare

Find and share information about EV charging stations

OpenStreetMap logo OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.
Not present
  • OpenStreetMap Cover Photo
    Cover Photo //
    2024-01-08

PlugShare features and specs

  • Extensive Database
    PlugShare offers one of the most comprehensive databases of EV charging stations globally, making it easier for users to find charging points almost anywhere they go.
  • Real-Time Information
    The platform provides real-time data on charging station availability, status, and pricing, which helps drivers make informed decisions.
  • User Reviews and Ratings
    Users can leave reviews and ratings for charging stations, providing valuable insights and helping others choose the best locations.
  • Route Planning
    The app supports route planning, showing available charging stations along a planned route, which is useful for long trips.
  • Filter Options
    Users can filter search results based on criteria like charging speed, network, and availability, making it easier to find suitable charging stations.
  • Community Engagement
    The platform promotes community interaction through its social features, including sharing tips and connecting with other EV owners.

Possible disadvantages of PlugShare

  • Inconsistent Information
    Some users report inconsistencies between real-time data and actual availability or operational status of charging stations.
  • Dependence on User Contributions
    Since much of the information is user-generated, the accuracy and completeness can vary, depending on the contributions from the community.
  • Limited Offline Functionality
    The app's usability is significantly reduced without an internet connection, which can be inconvenient in areas with poor network coverage.
  • Interface Complexity
    The appโ€™s interface can be overwhelming for new users due to the abundance of features and options available.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As with any app that tracks location and collects user data, there are potential privacy issues concerning how PlugShare manages and uses this information.

OpenStreetMap features and specs

  • Open Source
    OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an open-source project, allowing free access to map data and the ability to contribute and modify the maps. This encourages widespread collaboration and innovation.
  • Up-to-date Information
    Due to its large community of contributors, OSM often has up-to-date and detailed information, especially in urban areas. Users can quickly add new roads, businesses, and other updates.
  • Customization
    Users have the flexibility to customize maps for specific needs, such as creating specialized maps for hiking, cycling, or public transportation.
  • Global Coverage
    OSM offers extensive global coverage, which can be especially useful in regions where commercial map services might be limited or outdated.
  • Ethical and Transparent
    Being community-driven and open, OSM provides a more ethical choice compared to commercial alternatives that may have hidden data collection practices.

Possible disadvantages of OpenStreetMap

  • Data Quality Variability
    The quality and detail of the data can vary significantly between different regions depending on the number and expertise of local contributors.
  • Learning Curve
    For new users, especially those unfamiliar with GIS (Geographic Information System) concepts, there can be a learning curve to effectively use and contribute to OSM.
  • Lack of Professional Support
    Unlike commercial map services, OSM does not offer professional customer support, which can be a disadvantage for businesses requiring reliable assistance.
  • Potential for Inaccuracies
    As a crowd-sourced project, there is a potential for inaccuracies or vandalism, which might not be immediately corrected.
  • Performance
    Some users may experience slower performance when loading large datasets or using complex features, due to reliance on third-party servers and tools.

Analysis of PlugShare

Overall verdict

  • Overall, PlugShare is a highly recommended resource for electric vehicle owners seeking to locate reliable charging stations, thanks to its comprehensive data and user-friendly interface.

Why this product is good

  • PlugShare is considered a good platform primarily because it provides an extensive and user-generated database of electric vehicle charging stations. It offers detailed information about each charging location, including the type of chargers available, pricing, operational status, and user reviews. Additionally, it features a robust community of EV drivers who share their experiences and provide updates on the functionality of stations.

Recommended for

  • Electric vehicle owners
  • Long-distance drivers
  • Fleet managers
  • Environmental enthusiasts
  • People interested in transitioning to EVs

Analysis of OpenStreetMap

Overall verdict

  • OpenStreetMap is widely regarded as a valuable resource due to its open-data approach, community-driven updates, and versatility. It is an excellent choice for those who need customizable, up-to-date maps and prefer open-source solutions.

Why this product is good

  • OpenStreetMap (OSM) is good because it is a collaborative project that provides freely accessible and editable map data. It is powered by a large community of volunteers who continually update and refine the information, ensuring that it remains current and comprehensive. The data from OSM can be used for various applications such as navigation, analysis, and even gaming, thanks to its open licensing (ODbL). It encourages innovation and accessibility, allowing developers and organizations to create and customize maps without the restrictions typically associated with proprietary alternatives.

Recommended for

  • Developers seeking open-source map data for applications
  • Organizations looking for customizable and cost-effective mapping solutions
  • Individuals interested in contributing to open data projects
  • Researchers conducting spatial analysis
  • Anyone needing access to worldwide map data without licensing fees

PlugShare videos

How To Find Free EV Charging Stations on a Trip - Plugshare App

More videos:

OpenStreetMap videos

OpenStreetMap: The map that saves lives | CNBC International

More videos:

  • Review - Switching away from Google Maps : Here Maps, Bing Maps, OpenStreetMap...
  • Review - OpenStreetMap Download / Installation On Garmin Edge 520 GPS Device. Bike Computer

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to PlugShare and OpenStreetMap)
Cars
100 100%
0% 0
Maps
24 24%
76% 76
Web Mapping
0 0%
100% 100
Travel & Location
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare PlugShare and OpenStreetMap

PlugShare Reviews

We have no reviews of PlugShare yet.
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OpenStreetMap Reviews

7 Alternatives to Google Maps for Navigation
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a free, open-source, community-driven mapping and navigation app. OSM was created in 2005. It has grown to include a global mapping community with activists and thousands of volunteers.
18 Top Google Places API Alternatives for Points of Interest Data in 2022
OpenStreetMap offers a free, open-source map of the world with which you can access information about businesses, transport and points of interest. Planet OSM is a feature of OpenStreetMap that lets you extract millions of points of interest for free.
Source: traveltime.com
Top 15 Google Maps Alternatives (2024 Edition)
Maps.me is an open-source mobile-only service and an excellent alternative to Google Maps. It uses the OpenStreetMap database and helps you download maps to use them offline. Therefore, you can save a lot on your mobile data if you use this service.
9 Google Maps Alternatives to Use in 2022
OpenStreetMap is a simple web mapping tool stuffed with all the features you would expect with any web mapping service. The vivid maps explain different layers, help in accurate route planning, and provide cycling and walking routes.
Source: geekflare.com
Top 5 Open-Source Google Maps Alternatives in 2022
Last but not least, Qwant Map is one of those Google Maps alternatives that is open source and free. Just like Google Maps, this interactive maps software offers rich search capabilities. In addition, you can search for places such as restaurants, hotels, markets, and more. Moreover, it lets you search for nearby places by tracking your location. Qwant Map is based on...

Social recommendations and mentions

PlugShare might be a bit more popular than OpenStreetMap. We know about 164 links to it since March 2021 and only 130 links to OpenStreetMap. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

PlugShare mentions (164)

  • First EV Trip
    Obviously I'm being a little sarcastic, but I'm serious as well. ABRP answers about 90% of such questions, and plugshare.com answers the remaining ones ("how reliable are the chargers at XYZ location?"). Source: over 2 years ago
  • New Ariya owner, any tips?
    You can check recent check-ins at those chargers and find others in https://plugshare.com. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • I don't have EV, but can I charge my portable power station with a Tesla charging pile in supercharger station? Besides, I can't find a place near me to recharge my battery.
    HOWEVER, you can setup to charge at a J1772 Level-2 charging station which are ALL over the place and often free. Checkout plugshare.com to find them. These are essentially fancy 220v chargers and can be converted to charge power banks and onboard batteries.... The question then becomes the legality of doing it in your area. Some places are designated "EV charging only." You're not an EV. Some places, like Oregon... Source: about 3 years ago
  • First time EV user - what do I need to do to ensure a good experience ?
    Before taking a trip and planning to rely on public chargers, check recent checkins to make sure the chargers you plan to use are working properly and to identify backup options just in case: http://plugshare.com. Source: about 3 years ago
  • What portable power station is best/cheapest to charge my Leaf?
    Use plugshare.com to find EV charging stations near your gym, grocery stores, restaurants, and other places were you spend some time. Not as inexpensive or as convenient as having a charger at your parking space. But probably much cheaper and convenient then your solution. Source: about 3 years ago
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OpenStreetMap mentions (130)

  • Rekichizu: A Modern Take on Japan's Historical Maps
    Finally, to ensure a visually harmonious experience, the design of the integrated modern map, which utilizes OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, has been carefully styled to match the aesthetic and color palette of the original Rekichizu historical map. - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Waterway Map
    You can go to https://openstreetmap.org/ , zoom in and enable the map data layer. From there history is accessible. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Bike rack capacity
    Hi! I am working on a project mapping bike racks around my city on OpenStreetMap. One of the attributes that I tag is the rack's capacity, but I haven't come to a conclusion about the capacity of these wave-shaped racks:. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Get full name of a admin unit in a admin unit hierarchy like Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, United States of America
    I need the bounding boxes of all adminstrative units in a specific region from the largest (e.g. The state) to the smallest (whatever this is called) including the full name of the district. What I mean by that is what is displayed on openstreetmap.org when I search for e.g. Brooklyn: it will be displayed in the search results as "Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, United States of America" โ€“ the names joined from... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Protomaps โ€“ A free and open source map of the world
    It's OpenStreetMap (ODbL) and Natural Earth (public domain) currently * http://openstreetmap.org * http://naturalearthdata.com. - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing PlugShare and OpenStreetMap, you can also consider the following products

A Better Routeplanner - A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) for planning trips and charging with a Electric Vehicle - both home and in-car.

Google Maps - Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

ChargePoint - Charge on the go with the mobile app

Mapbox - An open source mapping platform for custom designed maps. Our APIs and SDKs are the building blocks to integrate location into any mobile or web app.

EVMap - Android app to find electric vehicle charging stations - compatible with community databases such as GoingElectric.de and OpenChargeMap.org. - GitHub - johan12345/EVMap: Android app to find electri...

HERE WeGo - HERE WeGo - Maps - Routes - Directions - All ways from A to B in one