Google Maps swaps fuel stations with charging points for electric vehicle drivers

A practical solution for those in need of a quick charge-up has been made available by Google Maps with the introduction of a new feature that offers greater assistance to electric vehicle (EV) drivers looking for charging stations.

Users with EVs registered in their app settings will now benefit from better support while using Google Maps with Android Auto for navigating. Notably, since these cars don’t require petrol, the Categories menu within the app has been improved to give charging stations priority over gas stations.

By enabling EV users to easily find charging outlets while on the road, this improvement meets a vital demand.

Users can quickly find nearby places that fit into particular categories, such as restaurants, shops for groceries, coffee shops, petrol stations, and charging stations, by using the Categories menu. The app will show users many suggested locations that meet their tastes when they choose a category.

This upgrade is especially useful for EV users who are suddenly in need of a charging station in an unknown location. The navigation technique has been modified in the app to better meet the needs of drivers who are concerned about the environment as the trend moves towards electric cars and sustainable transportation.

Users can further personalize their preferences by indicating the type of charger they need and the desired charge speed in addition to declaring their vehicle as an electric vehicle (EV). The list of suggested charging choices is improved by the added information, ensuring that each motorist has a customized experience.

More info on how Google Maps is integrated with EVs

This improvement is now limited to the Android Auto version of Google Maps. The accessibility of the shortcut varies depending on the car while charging station searches can still be done via the conventional Maps app.

This upgrade comes after a tweak made in September that enables the app to customize its recommendations for individualized routes to assist EV drivers in traveling more effectively. Google Maps examines the data it has and proposes the route it believes will be the most efficient, labeling it with a green leaf icon, similar to how the feature operates for drivers of other vehicles.

When the most efficient route isn’t the fastest, the time difference between them is typically small. By using the more efficient route, even if it takes longer, you’ll use less fuel or charge to travel from point A to point, hopefully saving you money over the long run.

Despite these developments, many electric vehicles (EVs) have built-in navigation systems that compete with Google Maps. These proprietary systems excel at keeping track of the vehicle’s status and modifying routes in accordance with the available charges. Google Maps is aware of this difficulty and is continuously striving to improve its services.

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Samson Ayodeji

I am literally obsessed with technology. I love writing about the latest news in technology in different markets, segments and sectors across the world.

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