Tech

Google to Ease Finding Commercial EV Charging Station

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Commercial EV charging station, EV, Google Maps, Charging Station

Updates are coming to Google’s Maps and Search platforms, making finding commercial EV charging stations easier.

  • Google Maps will introduce AI-powered summaries derived from user reviews to offer precise directions to charging stations.
  • The app will provide real-time data on nearby charging stations, including availability and charging speeds.
  • It will suggest optimal charging stops for multi-stop trips based on the vehicle’s battery life and route

In a new blog post on Wednesday, Google announced new features coming to its Maps and Search platforms that promise to make electric vehicle (EV) owners’ lives easier.

According to Our World in Data, there are currently over 25 million EVs in use worldwide. And that number is steadily on the rise. As a result, finding reliable commercial EV charging stations is becoming increasingly important for drivers, both on the road and during trip planning.

Commercial EV charging stations are still not as common as traditional gas stations. So, finding one is not as easy, especially if you are planning to take a road trip or even looking for a station in a pinch. You need to plan. If you check the map showing Tesla superchargers locations worldwide, you’ll see how sparse they are in Newfoundland, Canada, for example.

To address this, Google Maps is introducing AI-powered summaries that provide detailed descriptions of charging station locations, drawing from user reviews. These descriptions will offer specific instructions, such as navigating through parking structures. The users will also be prompted to provide their own reviews to enhance the accuracy and usefulness of the information available.

Beyond simple location guidance, Google Maps will also be displaying real-time information on nearby commercial EV charging stations. Information like availability and charging speeds will then be readily available for you. This feature, however, will initially only be available to those equipped with “Google Built-in” software. You’ll avoid showing up just to find that there are no unoccupied charging stations.

Now, if long road trips are up your alley, Google Maps will suggest optimal charging stops based on the vehicle’s battery life and route. This feature was already introduced in 2023, but now the developers have updated it to support multi-stop trips.

Google is introducing an EV filter into its travel planning platform. Users will then identify hotels equipped with on-site charging facilities, enhancing the convenience of EV-friendly travel accommodations.

Soon enough, you’ll be planning your cross-country drive without worrying too much about the logistics of keeping your EV charged. Google is relieving EV owners’ concerns about range anxiety and accessibility of charging infrastructure.

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