Google Maps will soon use AI to help you find EV chargers that may be in hard-to-find corners of garages or parking lots. Rolling out "in the coming months," the feature will describe a charger's location based on data collected from other users.
"Navigating to charging stations and finding exactly where the chargers are located—like the right area of a multilevel parking lot—can be tricky," Google says.
When EV drivers arrive at a station, they will see more detailed instructions, such as, "Enter the underground parking lot and follow signs toward the exit. Just before exiting, turn right."
(Credit: Google)The instructions are written by AI, using data from "millions of reviews posted every day in Google Maps." Google will also add new prompts to collect more information, such as the plug type a driver's vehicle has and how long they waited to charge.
Other EV charging apps like PlugShare have aggregated anecdotal feedback for years. Google might be late to the party, but it will presumably have the advantage of a large user base that can provide more information. This week, Rivian unveiled a different approach using data pulled directly from its vehicles rather than community input.
Google also expanded its existing EV charging route planner by adding multi-stop trips. "So if you're planning a multi-stop summer road trip to several national parks, Maps will suggest the best charging stops along the way, based on your battery's charge level," Google says. The feature is only available for vehicles with Google built-in, such as Ford, GM, Polestar, and other brands.
Drivers who use Google built-in will also start seeing nearby chargers on the in-car map in the next few months. The new experience will also show the number of available ports and the charging speed, which Google Maps already shows on desktop and its mobile app.
(Credit: Google)