Google Maps, which might be everybody’s preferring mapping app lately, is continuous so as to add new options. And the most recent characteristic is a giant one for EV drivers. You know the way while you open the Google Maps app, it’s going to have choices of issues to search for, like eating places, espresso, fuel stations, amongst different issues? Properly, now in case you have your car set as an EV, you’ll see chargers as an alternative of fuel stations.
Since fuel stations aren’t very helpful for EVs, this makes quite a lot of sense. Drivers will possible wish to discover charging stops on the way in which to the place they’re going. EV drivers do are likely to plan journeys round charging stops, relying on how far the journey is. So including this characteristic is a very nice choice. However Google nonetheless has rather a lot to do, for EV drivers.
This characteristic, at present, seems to be unique to the Android Auto model of Google Maps. However it’s going to possible be coming to the common Google Maps app on Android and iOS within the very close to future.
Google Maps must work higher on non-Android Automotive EVs
Google Maps works fairly effectively on Android Automotive, which is out there in automobiles just like the Polestar 2, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and even the Hummer EV. Since Android Automotive is extra carefully tied into the car, it is ready to do issues like, inform you how a lot cost you’ll have left while you get to your vacation spot. Or inform you when you should cease to cost and the way lengthy you should cost.
These are options that Tesla has built-in as effectively. And it could be nice to see Google Maps do that on EVs with out Android Automotive. Nonetheless, quite a lot of EVs are transferring to the Android Automotive OS, together with GM who’s utilizing it within the Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq in addition to the brand new Chevy EVs just like the Silverado, Equinox and Blazer. Which can also be why they’re ditching Android Auto and Apple CarPlay sooner or later.