Google Maps update EV drivers

author: FutureCar Staff    

Google Maps has introduced a new feature that will make navigation easier for electric vehicle (EV) drivers in need of a charging station. When using Google Maps in Android Auto, if your app settings indicate that your car is an EV, it will prioritize charging points in the Categories menu rather than gas stations. This change is particularly useful for EV drivers who do not require gas.

The Categories menu in Google Maps allows users to quickly search for nearby locations based on specific categories such as restaurants, groceries, coffee shops, gas stations, and charging points. By selecting a category, the app will display and recommend several locations that fit the chosen description.

While EV drivers typically plan their trips around charging station locations, there may be instances when they unexpectedly need to recharge their vehicles. Finding a charging point in an unfamiliar area can be challenging. With this update to the Categories menu, using Google Maps to locate a charging point has become much easier.

In addition to specifying that you have an EV, you can also inform Google Maps about the type of charger you use and the desired charge speed. This information will further refine the list of recommended charging options.

Currently, this change is only available in the Android Auto version of Google Maps. Although it is still possible to search for nearby charging points in the regular Maps app, the shortcut is more difficult to find regardless of your vehicle preferences.

This update follows a previous change made by Google Maps in September, which allows the app to provide personalized route recommendations to help EV drivers travel more efficiently. Similar to how the feature works for other vehicles, Google Maps analyzes data and suggests the most efficient route, indicated by a green leaf symbol. While the most efficient route is typically the fastest, even when it is not, the time difference between the two options is often minimal. Choosing the more efficient route can result in using less fuel or charge and potentially saving money in the long run.

However, Google Maps still faces challenges in competing with the in-vehicle navigation systems found in many EVs. These built-in systems have the advantage of knowing the car's status and can automatically update the route based on the remaining charge. This is a feature that Google Maps currently does not offer.

FutureCar Staff