Google's New Maps, Search Features Address Major Pain Points For EV Owners

Google has revealed updates to its Maps app that will make it easier for owners of electric cars to locate a charging station.

The updates include the ability to locate charging stops on longer road trips, a tool to assist drivers in finding nearby chargers with real-time information about availability and charging speed, and more thorough directions about where to find chargers in parking lots and garages.

According to a blog post, Google anticipates launching these features "in the coming months." Some will be given first priority to owners of vehicles equipped with Google's driver-assistance software, or "Google Built-in." EV charger information was added to Google's other route-finding app, Waze, last month.

One of the main issues that Americans have with owning an electric car—locating a place to charge—is addressed in this update. Range anxiety is still a major deterrent to EV sales, particularly for drivers without a home. According to a 2023 Washington Post-University of Maryland poll, almost half of those who don't drive electric vehicles (EVs) believe it would be "extremely" or "very" difficult to find a location to charge.”
Roughly 7% of newly sold cars in the United States are electric vehicles (EVs), which some analysts predict will mark a turning point in the market for EVs as they gain popularity and market share. However, it seems that the EV market is cooling off. In the first quarter of this year, sales decreased.

According to Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of Industry Insights at Cox Automotive, businesses can make driving an EV easier by developing apps that assist drivers in finding chargers in addition to adding more charging stations. She said, "That could be really helpful with mitigating some of those charging anxiety concerns."
Google is working on a feature that will locate nearby chargers for electric car owners in need of a quick charge. The feature will provide up-to-date information about the number of available ports and charging speed. According to the company, this feature will initially be accessible to drivers who have Google Built-in, but it will eventually be available to all drivers.

When taking lengthy trips with numerous stops, like a cross-country road trip, EV owners with Google Built-in can now plan where to power up their vehicles thanks to the Maps update. In order to recommend the best locations for charging, the feature will access data regarding the battery life of your car.

Additionally, the business unveiled a search function that lets visitors find lodgings that have electric vehicle chargers.
Some electric vehicle chargers are hidden in obscure corners of parking garages. To provide more precise directions on how to get to a charger, the Maps update will crowdsource information from Google reviewers. The directions might say something like, "Enter the underground parking lot and follow the signs toward the exit," according to the company's blog post. Just before you leave, make a right.