Google has updated its Maps recently on Android, but beta testers already spotted its upcoming version, 11.65, and the features it will bring especially for electric vehicles and their charging routes. The soon-releasing Google Maps version will deliver better features for EV drivers, especially for planned drives towards a certain destination that would help them avoid getting low batteries.
This feature would show the locations of possible stops to charge their cars, preventing them from stopping in the middle of the road due to loss of battery power.
Google Maps Android: Future Update to Include EV Charging Routes
(Photo : Unsplash/Ernest Ojeh)
According to 9to5 Google, its latest APK Insight teardown of the Google Maps beta for version 11.65 found clues to what it will bring for the next update. Google Maps on Android smartphones would now help display useful information to EV owners about their drive and routes to take, one that takes into account their car's battery.
Electric vehicles are known for using their batteries to power the drivetrain and other features, but only for a certain mileage.
Google will bring what its Android Automotive delivers to users on Android smartphones, one that would help plan a trip and choose the best routes that will display charging stations.
The app may notify a user that there are not enough charging stations in the location or route, or how much power would be left once they reach their destination.
It would also tell people that their drive may require stopping to replenish their batteries to complete it.
Use Google Maps to Plan Your Next Drive with EVs
The latest version of Google Maps for Android on the Play Store is 11.64.0701 which was released on January 30. This means that the integrated features for EV routes are not yet available in this current version.
However, as per the report, the next version is coming soon and would deliver this assistive feature to EV drivers. It is unknown when Google's next update for the Maps would arrive.
Electric Vehicle Charging in the US
Different companies and car manufacturers offer their charging stations for the United States' growing community of electric vehicle owners. One of the companies behind this massive expansion and availability is Tesla with its Supercharger stations across the country, but its network may be limited to its cars' infotainment system for navigation.
For non-Tesla users, there are still other companies that offer charging station locations on their apps to inform users about where to stop and recharge. One notable initiative is from Electrify America which already offers its app for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay mirroring via their smartphone, to lead them to possible locations where they may hook their EVs for power.
Many app developers collaborate with charging stations in the country to provide users with information and locations of their next stops. Google takes the Maps app one step further by also integrating it into its navigation features, to help plan routes and connect its battery information to know the best location to maximize their drive and avoid losing power, for Android users.
Related Article: Tesla Shares its EV Charging Connector Design, Aims to be the New Standard in North America
