Google Maps makes electric vehicle trips easier and safer thanks to its latest innovation for Android Auto: you can now plan the routes taking as reference two or more charging points. In addition, Google Maps is starting to include payment methods for power plants in Europe.
With the drawbacks of electric cars in terms of supply and the obligation to properly plan routes always taking into account the load points, Google has decided to update Android Auto’s Maps app to make it even more useful in electric vehicles. The routes will be safer, faster and more precise.
Optimized routes based on available charging points
Given the special requirements of electric vehicles, and the difficulties encountered by their owners when it comes to making long journeys, plotting the stops of the journey on the map implies taking into account all the charging points. Usually, each brand of electric vehicle includes its own GPS route planner with the various “ power stations ”, but it is not always up to date, nor should it include all available charging points. Google Maps comes to solve these problems.
The app included in Android Auto preinstalled vehicles is updated to offer optimized trip planning for electric cars. Google specifies that its algorithm now takes into account all charging stations so that the driver does not have to worry about his route straying too far from the stations: Google Maps can trace the route, taking special care to ensure that the vehicle’s range is not in danger.
Google ensures that the new version of Maps optimizes routes for electric vehicles in just ten seconds. The application takes into account the trips in which they will be necessary two or more refills to plot the most optimized route possible. Charging times, as well as those of driving, will be previewed in the approximate duration of the trip (ETA or ‘Estimated Tie Arrival’).
Google Maps on Android Auto already shows the different stations with their charging speed. In addition, Google adds the different payment methods of these stations in twelve European countries. This way it is much easier to plan the routes since the points where the user has an account can be selected.
The novelty comes from Android Auto’s Google Maps, first in the Polestar 2 and the Volvo XC40. Later it will be extended to other vehicle models.
More information | Google