Google Maps is rolling out new features this week aimed at reducing “charging anxiety” for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. The update, available on both Android and iOS platforms, will provide users with more detailed information about charging stations, including compatibility with specific vehicles and the speed of available chargers.
The new features build on Google’s existing capabilities in cars with Google built-in. Users will now be able to see whether a charging station has fast, medium, or slow chargers, allowing them to find a station that best suits their needs. Additionally, the update addresses the issue of charger availability. Given that approximately 25% of all chargers in the U.S. are non-operational at any given time, the app will now display when a charger was last used, helping drivers avoid wasting time on a broken charger.
The enhanced EV charging information will also be made available to developers through the Google Maps Platform in the Places API. This will enable companies to display real-time charging station information on their websites and apps, further facilitating the user experience for EV drivers.
The updates are rolling out globally this week wherever EV charging station information is available on Google Maps.
Of course, Tesla owners have built-in navigation to Superchargers and charging times all planned out. But for everyone else, this seems like a helpful feature.
