Google Maps, which is probably everyone’s preferring mapping app these days, is continuing to add new features. And the latest feature is a big one for EV drivers. You know how when you open the Google Maps app, it will have options of things to look for, like restaurants, coffee, gas stations, among other things? Well, now if you have your vehicle set as an EV, you’ll see chargers instead of gas stations.
Since gas stations aren’t very useful for EVs, this makes a lot of sense. Drivers will likely want to find charging stops on the way to where they are going. EV drivers do tend to plan trips around charging stops, depending on how far the trip is. So adding this feature is a really nice option. But Google still has a lot to do, for EV drivers.
This feature, currently, appears to be exclusive to the Android Auto version of Google Maps. But it will likely be coming to the regular Google Maps app on Android and iOS in the very near future.
Google Maps needs to work better on non-Android Automotive EVs
Google Maps works pretty well on Android Automotive, which is available in cars like the Polestar 2, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and even the Hummer EV. Since Android Automotive is more closely tied into the vehicle, it is able to do things like, tell you how much charge you’ll have left when you get to your destination. Or tell you when you need to stop to charge and how long you need to charge.
These are features that Tesla has built-in as well. And it would be great to see Google Maps do this on EVs without Android Automotive. However, a lot of EVs are moving to the Android Automotive OS, including GM who is using it in the Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq as well as the new Chevy EVs like the Silverado, Equinox and Blazer. Which is also why they are ditching Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the future.