Used by more than 2 billion people, Google Maps has established itself as THE reference for navigation application. Faced with the significant increase in the number of electric cars on the road, Google is transforming its application to better meet the specific needs of these users. Gone is the stress of looking for a compatible charger and getting lost in car parks without finding a charging point… Thanks to artificial intelligence, Google Maps is becoming an indispensable travel companion. Here’s a closer look at the three new features that promise to transform the experience of electric vehicle drivers…
#1 Identify the exact location of charging points
The main concern of electric vehicle owners is often the location and availability of charging points. To address this issue, Google Maps will be rolling out a feature that uses artificial intelligence to interpret millions of reviews left by users in Maps. The aim? To provide precise, detailed information on the location of chargers. No more going round in circles in an underground car park. The application will guide you directly to the nearest available charging point, with clear, appropriate instructions. To make this information even more accurate, reviews of chargers will now ask for additional details about the user experience. For example, the type of socket used or the waiting time.
#2 Find the ideal charger during your journey
The new Google Maps update will do much more than simply identify the location of charging points. In fact, the latest update to Google Maps will allow drivers to view the best charging points directly on their vehicle’s built-in map, based on the vehicle’s remaining range and planned route, as well as the charging speed. Drivers will be able to plan their stops to recharge their vehicle seamlessly. This new feature will be rolled out worldwide, but will initially be available on vehicles with integrated Google Maps. These include Renault, Volvo and, in the near future, Porsche.
#3 Plan journeys with smart charging suggestions
Finally, Google Maps is committed to making electric car journeys as smooth as possible, even when they include several stops. After introducing the feature that recommends the best charging points for direct journeys, Google is extending it to routes with multiple stops.
For example, if you’re planning a trip that includes several points of interest, Maps will show you the ideal recharging points based on your itinerary and battery level. This innovation will soon be available worldwide for vehicles with Google integrated.
In addition, for nighttime travelers, Google will be introducing a filter on google.com/travel making it easy to locate hotels offering recharging facilities. All this to guarantee a road trip that’s as relaxing as it is recharged! With these innovations, Google Maps is positioning itself as an essential tool for all drivers of electric vehicles, seeking to make every journey more enjoyable and environmentally friendly.
