Search giant Google would release new features that enable electric vehicles with built-in Google Maps to generate a route that contains charging stops and filters for speed of charging location. Moreover, charging locations will appear in search results.
It is noteworthy that models from Honda, General Motors, Polestar, and Volvo have joined the list of EVs equipped with Google’s vehicle operating system ecosystem. Now, the EVs produced by those companies will include more features with the new update announced at Google’s Live from Paris event on February 8.
The new update comes three months after Google introduced filters for fast charging locations and EV plug compatibility in the smartphone app.
Google Maps’ new features for EVs
The new features, versions of which were added to the Maps mobile app in November, are meant to aid EV drivers who experience range anxiety.
“From our experience testing electric vehicles at EV Pulse, the biggest cause of range anxiety isn’t the actual range of the vehicle, but rather not knowing where to charge or if the charging station will be available.”
Chad Kirchner, VP of content at EV Pulse
Below are the key features in Google Maps’ latest update for EVs:
- Very fast charging filter – Once the update is released, it will be simpler for drivers to locate nearby charging stations with chargers of 150 kilowatts or even greater capacity using Maps on their car’s digital display.
- Adding charging stops to shorter trips – Maps will also recommend the optimal charging station based on the following relevant factors: traffic flow, the EV’s charge level, and the amount of energy it anticipates the EV to consume.
- Onsite charging stations – Furthermore, the built-in Maps will now also be able to inform drivers if certain supermarkets offer to charge stations on-site. EV drivers just need to type “Supermarket” into the search box and find the tiny charging station symbol below the address.
Apart from those, EV drivers can also search for compatible plugs on Maps and filter the results based on the type of charger, the payment network, and the charging speed.
As for the release schedule, Google announced it would release the new features in the coming months.
Indeed, the new features will be beneficial for EV drivers, particularly those who usually use public chargers. It offers them ease and peace of mind as they will just need to enter their destination while Google Maps handles the rest. Moreover, this new update advances Google’s position to rival technologies that automakers like Ford currently uses in their cars.
