Amsterdam, 1 September, 2025 –Tap Electric, the Dutch charging app and price comparison platform, today announced the launch of Tap Magic. This new set of AI-powered tools is designed to make the charging experience more intuitive for both new and experienced EV drivers. Magic tackles key driver frustrations around finding and accessing available chargers.
Nico Spoelstra, CEO and Co-Founder of Tap Electric points out that EV adoption won’t reach its full potential until charging becomes easier. “There’s a lot of talk about price transparency, but we solved that and we’re looking at convenience instead. Many drivers around the country rely on public infrastructure, yet their charging experience has changed very little. Why are drivers still deciphering cryptic charger IDs or struggling with QR codes? Magic is a positive step towards a driver-first experience. With our advanced Charge AI, drivers can find chargers fast with full price transparency.”
Magic makes charging easier for drivers
Powered by Tap Electric’s Charge AI engine, this feature provides personalised charging recommendations. It intelligently prioritises chargers based on surroundings, driver needs and real-time charger data including:
- Current location: Always showcasing the most relevant nearby chargers.
- Frequently used chargers: Prioritising familiar and convenient locations based on personal charging habits.
- Charger reliability data: Leveraging real-time and historical data to ensure drivers are directed to available chargers with higher reliability ratings.
- Camera input
Magic’s camera makes it more accessible for drivers to start a charge session. Today, most chargers have QR codes, however only the app offered by the operator will be able to scan most QRs. When drivers scan QR codes using Magic, Tap’s AI image recognition identifies and shows the charger in-app. This allows drivers to start a session directly from the app. This significantly reduces search friction and makes public charging a more intuitive experience for all.
Spoelstra says the role of Tap as an eMobility Service Provider (eMSP) is to advocate for the driver: “Tap handles the complexities of the EV charging ecosystem on the driver’s behalf. For frustrating instances where a charger’s code is damaged or missing, we’ve engineered solutions so drivers aren’t left without a charge. Our Magic Recommendations, coupled with our comprehensive pricing map helps drivers quickly find and access nearby, available alternatives.”
A secure charging experience
Beyond innovation, Tap Electric prioritises robust app security, understanding it’s crucial for driver trust as the industry evolves.
“We recognise that primarily using an app to charge is a big significant shift in behavior for many Dutch drivers. As the industry evolves, we believe apps have a distinct advantage. Today the Tap app already provides important, clear price and power information, secure start and session stops and useful notifications like availability alerts or when an idle fee kicks in.”
This app-centric approach also directly addresses vulnerabilities exposed by widespread RFID fraud.
“Apps are inherently safer; they’re monitored by platforms like Apple and Google and reviewed more visibly, whereas scamming websites are easy to build and hard to police. Tap was the first to develop two-factor-authentication (2FA) for charge session initiation with our RFID Tapkeys in 2021. We recognise when you’re charging at a new location and ask you to confirm your session in the Tap app. This has saved unsuspecting drivers from theft and fraud.” says Spoelstra.
Magic is now available in the Tap app and helps drivers access chargers across the Tap network in the Netherlands and most of Europe.
About Tap Electric
Tap Electric is an Amsterdam-based startup with the vision to deliver a brilliant driver experience at the intersection of grid and mobility. Through its innovative driver app and free charger management platform, Tap Electric aims to make EV charging accessible and affordable for everyone. Tap’s committed to radical price and power transparency, secure charging and building smarter, scalable systems.
Contact: [email protected]
