What you need to know
- Google Maps announced the launch of a new EV-focused feature for Android Auto users that adds battery predictions for trip planning.
- Maps will ask the driver to enter their “starting percentage” before handing over charging stations along the route and how much energy they will consume.
- This feature echoes a similar feature in Maps during CES 2024; However, now Google is using its artificial intelligence to go further, in addition to deploying more than 350 electric vehicles in the US.
Google Maps is rolling out an update this week that could make your summer road trips top of mind.
in a blog postThe company shared what EV drivers can expect from Android Auto and Google Maps support. The core of this update focuses on its electric vehicle model and its battery. Google says it is rolling out support for “battery predictions in Google Maps” to more than 350 electric vehicles compatible with Android Auto. After you add your model information to Maps, the app will use its AI software and “real-time traffic information” and more to give you a usage estimate.
What the driver needs to provide is his destination and the starting battery percentage of his car. Google Maps will detail your route, as well as point out charging points along your path, to make sure you get there. Under “Route Details”, users can see the names of these places listed. The app will tell you how long it should stay on the charger and what your battery might be after a 22 minute charge, etc.
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Android Central’s opinion
The funny thing is, managing your electric vehicle’s battery is like someone needing to know how far you can go on a tank of gas. Except there’s probably more. Additionally, charging stations are not everywhere; Not yet, anyway. For me, this update helps make everything easier, so drivers just need to watch and check their progress. The idea is to enjoy your trip, not stress over something as mundane as electricity.
Electric vehicles also get information about how much energy they will consume on their trip. Everything else you’d expect from Google Maps remains the same: arrival time and other travel anecdotes. These EV battery predictions for Google Maps on Android Auto are rolling out today (March 30) to “hundreds of EV models in the US.” Google says this covers “over 15 brands.” However, there are plans to expand its coverage.
TO support page is there to help you see if your electric vehicle is compatible.
A feature for summer.
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Electric vehicles have not taken a back seat on Google Maps. Many of your updates In recent history they have focused mainly on find charging stations. More importantly, what Google is launching this week for electric vehicles builds on what it started two years ago. Google launched a huge Android Auto update during CES 2024 that integrated the battery of an electric vehicle with Maps. The feature contained many of the capabilities that Google teased for its latest update, such as charge and battery estimates upon arrival.
Android Central’s opinion
I really had to dig into my memory for this one. I knew I looked familiar. Today, Google is deploying its AI wherever it sees fit, and that’s what this update will bring here in March. Additionally, Google is bringing this feature to more than 15 brands and 350 electric vehicles in the US. Suffice to say, this feature is getting even more coverage and more utility for drivers.
The main differences, and the reason this is more important now, is that Google is powering this with AI and many other EV-related details for an improved experience. Last year, Rivian partnered with Google Maps for accurate range estimates and load scores, along with rerouting information, satellite imagery, and more location details.
