Google Maps Update Will Make Finding EV Chargers Easier

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Google Maps is getting smarter through a series of updates that aim to make finding chargers and information about them easier than ever. These features will be rolling out in the coming months and many of them are focused on vehicles with Google built-in.

While several electric vehicle chargers are located at the edge of a parking lot, some are tucked away and hidden from view. This can make them difficult to find unless you know where to look.

More: Google Chrome Comes To Cars, Android Auto Gets New EV Smarts

To address this problem, Google Maps will begin showing “AI-powered summaries” that describe the charger location based on information from user reviews. As an example, when entering a parking garage, Google Maps could provide written directions saying something along the lines of “Enter the underground parking lot and follow the signs toward the exit. Just before exiting, turn right.”

Besides helping you find chargers, Google is collecting more information about them. When users leave a review about chargers, they’ll be asked for additional information such as what type of plugs (CCS or NACS) are available and how long was the wait time. This information is extremely useful as it can help others determine whether or not to use that charging station.

Speaking of charging, Google Maps will soon display nearby chargers as well as their real-time availability and charging speed at a glance. This update will initially roll out to vehicles with Google built-in and charger information will automatically be displayed when the battery is low.

Google Maps is also making long-distance journeys easier as suggested charging points will be added to multi-stop trips. This is helpful if you’re going to multiple different locations and will need to charge somewhere along the way.

In other news, Google Travel will now let you filter hotels to show ones with onsite EV chargers. Furthermore, in certain cities – such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Montreal, Paris, Rome, and Sydney – Google Maps will soon show “public transit or walking suggestions next to driving routes, if travel times are comparable and practical.” This sounds like a tourist-friendly feature that could save you a few bucks as well as time to boot.

Last but not least, Google Search is making it easier to plan trips by train. As the company explained, “If you search for something like ‘Boston to Philadelphia train,’ you can quickly see schedules and ticket prices right on the results page.”