Google has recently announced a wave of new features that will pique the interest of EV users across the world. Already the most popular navigation app, Google Maps will be further catering to the growing EV market by implementing solutions to problems that have been frustrating EV drivers for years, many of which will be exclusive to EV vehicles with Google built-in.

Locating the Perfect EV Charger

Range anxiety is a persistent concern for every EV driver, and it's exacerbated when you reach a charging station only to find all the spots occupied! Soon you’ll be able to see all nearby EV chargers directly on your in-car map with highlighted pins. Each of these will be accompanied with real-time information on charging speed and availability, not only will this allow you to plan your charging stops more effectively, but it will also alleviate the stress of arriving at a station only to find it fully occupied. With real-time information at your fingertips, you can make informed decisions about where and when to charge, ensuring a smoother and more convenient driving experience.

AI-powered Charging Station Summaries

And once you find an available charging point, AI summaries from user reviews will better help users pinpoint charging stations. These provide valuable insights into the charger's exact location. Imagine helpful instructions like "enter the parking lot and follow signs towards the exit. Turn right just before exiting." A nifty little feature that will undoubtably save time and prevent us circling a parking lot in confusion!

Forecasted Energy Consumption

When you enter a destination in Google Maps and select the EV routing option (likely to be a new option), it will take into account various factors that can affect your battery usage. This includes:

·        Distance of your trip

·        Terrain (hilly areas require more energy)

·        Weather conditions (extreme cold or heat can reduce efficiency)

·        Typical traffic patterns (accounting for potential stop-and-go situations)

Based on this data, Google Maps can provide an estimate of how much energy your specific EV will likely consume during the trip. Google can also use this data to recommend the most convenient charging stops on your route, based on your battery’s charge level.

For longer excursions, you can use this information to plan your journey and give you peace of mind knowing you have enough range to reach your destination.

Finding the Perfect Place to Stay

We know what the top priority is when it comes to EV drivers choosing a hotel, and it seems Google now does too. Finally, the new EV filter on Google Travel lets you find hotels with on-site charging facilities. No longer the need to scour third-party apps or websites, soon EV users will be able to filter their hotel search to show locations with charging points available for customers.