One of the many challenges faced by electric vehicles is infrastructure. As opposed to their gas-powered counterparts, EVs have a comparatively low level of investment into the necessary infrastructure – particularly charging stations – to make electrification more plausible. In an effort to help alleviate this lack of a charging network, Google Maps has just introduced new features to help drivers find charging stations.
Available on vehicles equipped with Google built-in, Google Maps has launched three new features for electric vehicle owners:
- Add charging stations to shorter trips
- For any trip that requires a charging stop, Google Maps will suggest the best station to stop at based on factors like traffic, charge level and expected energy consumption. This is intended to help ease the range-anxiety often associated with EVs.
- Very fast charging stations
- This filter will allow drivers to more easily find stations with chargers capable of 150 kW or higher. For many electric vehicles, this would allow drivers to get back on the road with substantial power in less than 40 minutes.
- Charging stations in search results
- When drivers search for places like supermarkets, Google Maps will also show results for places that charging stations on-site. This allows drivers to charge their vehicles will performing other tasks, like shopping.
It’s worth noting that many new GM products are equipped with Google built-in as standard, including:
- 2023-2024 Cadillac Lyriq
- 2023 Chevy Colorado
- 2022-2023 Chevy Silverado 1500
- 2024 Chevy Silverado EV
- 2024 Chevy Silverado HD
- 2022-2023 Chevy Suburban
- 2022-2023 Chevy Tahoe
- 2023 GMC Canyon
- 2022-2023 GMC Hummer EV Pickup
- 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV
- 2022-2023 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2024 GMC Sierra HD
- 2022-2023 GMC Yukon
Speaking of which, for any readers who may need a refresher on how to use the Google built-in feature, GM Authority previously gave a breakdown on how to access the Google Voice Assistant and Google Navigation features. These technologies allow drivers to execute hands-free calling and texting, in addition to providing up-to-date route info and gas and EV charge station location data, along many more features.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more GM-related technology news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
ABRP is a great app that does this with all GM EVs, if you wish to de-Google.
I can say it works extremely well, and is effectively Big Tech grade app quality.
Cars with Google Auto can do almost the same, since your own smartphone is the processing source.
So let me get this straight. You can’t talk on your phone while you are driving unless it’s through a hands free device because it distracts the driver, but legally you can use what’s basically a computer screen while you are driving. Wow!!!!!
Millennials apparently have never tried to use a paper map while driving.
A paper map isn’t going to know which EV stalls are available, and align kW charging so that you can take a pit stop every 2-3 hours for about 20 minutes, and drive for next to nothing – while waiting next to no time.
Apps like these are needed to make EVs as painless as gas, at a much lower cost. You need the car talking to the charging grid, as that eliminates waiting.
Also, I’m a Millennial and very much had to use paper maps. You’re thinking of Gen Z with your class warfare mentality.
You should Grammer and spell check. ” that have charging stations” and “…while, not will performing other tasks”.
grammer? grammER?
That makes sense that they have access to charging locations, that’s info I don’t need.
I do not and will never use anything Google! They are a biased, censoring, monopolistic company working against small businesses!
I also will never own a battery powered vehicle and will buy the last ICE vehicle produced and maintain it until the auto manufacturers stop being WOKE come to their senses!