Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how ChargeScout (“ChargeScout,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and shares information when you use the ChargeScout mobile application and this website (together, the “Service”). We built ChargeScout to help you find the best EV charging station near you, and we aim to collect only what we need to do that well.

By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information we collect

Location data

With your permission, ChargeScout uses your device’s precise location to find and rank charging stations near you, to power “search this area,” and to provide directions. You can grant or revoke location access at any time in your device settings. We do not use your location for advertising or cross-app tracking.

Content you create

When you rate a charger, write a review, upload a photo, or submit a “did it work?” reliability check-in, we collect that content so we can display it to other drivers. Reviews and photos are shown publicly but anonymously — your name and identity are never displayed alongside your contributions.

Account information

ChargeScout works with an anonymous account by default. If you choose to use Sign in with Apple, we receive a unique identifier and, if you allow it, your name and an email relay address. We use this to sync your favorites, trips, and subscription across devices.

Purchases and subscriptions

ChargeScout Pro is sold as an auto-renewable subscription through the Apple App Store. Apple processes your payment — we never see your full payment card details. We use a subscription management provider (RevenueCat) and Apple to determine your entitlement (whether you have an active “pro” subscription).

Usage and diagnostics

We may collect limited, optional analytics and crash diagnostics to understand how features are used and to fix problems. This data is used to improve the Service and is not used to track you across other companies’ apps or websites.

How we use your information

• Find, rank, and display charging stations near you.
• Provide directions, trip planning, and the AI charging assistant.
• Show anonymous reviews, photos, and reliability scores to the community.
• Sync your favorites, recently viewed, and saved trips.
• Provide and manage your ChargeScout Pro subscription.
• Maintain security, prevent abuse, and fix bugs.

The AI charging assistant

When you use the AI charging assistant, your question and relevant context (such as nearby station details and your connector preference) are processed to generate ranked recommendations. We send only what is needed to answer your request and do not use your questions to identify you to third parties for advertising.

How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only:

• Publicly and anonymously — the reviews, photos, ratings, and check-ins you submit, without your identity.
• With service providers — such as cloud hosting, analytics, crash reporting, map/data providers, and our subscription processor, who handle data on our behalf.
• With Apple — for authentication and payment processing.
• For legal reasons — if required by law or to protect the rights, safety, and security of our users and the Service.

Charging station data

Map and charging station data is © OpenStreetMap contributors and is available under the Open Database License (ODbL). This data is combined with community contributions to power station details and reliability.

Data retention

We keep your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. Public contributions (reviews, photos, check-ins) may remain visible anonymously after you delete your account, but you can request their removal. We delete or anonymize data when it is no longer needed.

Your choices and rights

• Location: grant or revoke location access in your device settings at any time.
• Access & deletion: you can request a copy of your data or ask us to delete your account and associated data.
• Reviews & photos:you can edit or remove content you’ve submitted from within the app or by contacting us.
• Analytics: you can disable optional analytics where the app or your device offers that control.

Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights under laws such as the GDPR or CCPA/CPRA, including the right to access, correct, delete, or port your data, and to object to certain processing. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@jhobbie.com.

Children’s privacy

ChargeScout is rated 4+ but is intended for drivers. It is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us and we will delete it.

Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

International users

We may process and store information in countries other than where you live. Where required, we take steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for cross-border transfers.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date above and, for material changes, provide additional notice within the app or on this website.

Contact us

Questions about this policy or your data? Email us at info@jhobbie.com or visit our support page.