Amazon has announced efforts to improve Alexa’s capabilities at CES 2023, allowing the voice assistant tech to find EV charging stations for drivers, as per TechCrunch.
With this update, EV drivers can conveniently locate the nearest available charging stations by saying, “Alexa, find an EV charging station.”
Partnership with EVgo
Amazon has sought its first partnership with Charging operator EVgo to offer the EV charger finder solution. Moreover, it will provide voice-initiated payments for every charging transaction. By simply saying, “Alexa, pay for my charge,” drivers can pay through their linked account effortlessly.
“At EVgo, we’re committed to making EV driving infrastructure convenient, reliable, and affordable for all types of drivers. Mass adoption of EVs is underway, and this collaboration between EVgo and Amazon will make charging seamless for even more EV drivers.”
EVgo CEO Cathy Zoi
Why is this update essential?
An available charger can be difficult to find for EV drivers, according to Anes Hodžić, VP of Amazon’s Smart Vehicles group.
“The EV charging experience is a lot more fragmented than for gas customers, who can pretty much stop at any location.”
Anes Hodžić, VP at Amazon’s Smart Vehicles Group
Drivers using Alexa-enabled cars and auto accessories like Echo Auto may connect to more than 150,000 public charging stations in the US.
Furthermore, Alexa’s EV charging service will provide EV drivers with a list of the nearest charging station, plug type availability, arrival time, and location proximity. Alexa will also offer detailed directions after the driver selects his destination.
Beyond announcing that this new feature will launch later this year, Amazon has not provided any specific details. The new charger finder will initially only be accessible to EV owners in the US.
