Zap-Map has a bit of an edge as they’re live now and in-your-face in their find-a-charger app many people already use. The winner will be the one which gets cheap rates - look at the rise and fall of Maingau re Ionity.
I'm directly involved in the Zap-Pay initiative on the Zap-Map app so I can, with good authority, say that this is their biggest priority for the next 18 months. There is a solid pipeline of networks wanting to join and the commercials and contracts are being worked through at good pace. With most networks, bar one, asking for how they can get on board albeit some are more interested than others!
Meanwhile the early technical teething issues are being sorted one by one this week, with a healthy list of improvements in the backlog to make the experience as tight as possible. The team are working really hard and any constructive feedback is welcome on your experience or ideas.
In terms of networks there is a desire to ensure that they get to a UK backbone ASAP (i.e. a portfolio of Rapid chargers that cover most major routes from a cross section of networks). This will be combined with metro level coverage like ESB in London and now the big roll out in Birmingham.
Feature Wise the interesting stuff in payment (Zap-Pay) and real time availability and charge status, once you have critical mass, will come in the route planning that will get a complete rebuild.
Whilst contactless will change the game, as will plug and charge, there are 20k charge points live and only a fraction have contactless and even less have prototype pre standards plug and charge. So the existing network will be with us a long time and the owners need more users to help them get their costs back.
Even when there is contactless more common, I believe the added benefits you will get from Zap-Map will make it a good choice for a lot of frequent users; especially once we see their platform integrated into the non Tesla EV OEM Nav solutions.
I hope that helps.