Google Maps AI upgrades can solve your electric vehicle charging problems
It’s a big day for Google Maps. Firstly, the 3D Buildings layer is being rolled out to all Android users after months of waiting. And now we learn that the app is expanding its eco-friendly features by introducing new ways to find EV charging stations and “low-carbon travel alternatives.” The first, according to the announcementis intended to help electric vehicle owners plan long road trips for the summer.
First, text summaries will appear in Google Maps describing the exact location of a nearby charging station. The tool uses artificial intelligence to use âuseful information from user reviewsâ to craft clues under a charger’s name. As the company explains, you’ll see step-by-step instructions telling you to drive to an underground parking garage, follow the signs and turn right just before the exit to find a station.
The company explains that because it uses community sources, the summaries generated are âaccurate and timely.â To continue powering the feature, charging station reviews will ask for additional details, from the type of plug you used to how long you waited.
As you drive your EV, Google Maps highlights nearby chargers on your car’s dashboard display. Indicators show the name of the station, how many ports are open at any given time, and the ports’ loading speeds.
Finally, Google Maps will recommend the best charging locations for people making multi-stop trips. The suggestions it makes depend on the battery level of your EV. For example, if the car is fully charged, the app will indicate stations closer to your destination instead of stations closer to you.
Everything you see here will roll out in the coming months, but availability will vary. Review summaries will be available on the mobile app, while charging station indicators and suggestions will be exclusive to vehicles with built-in Google software.
Travel update from Google Search
In the other half of the patch, Google Maps will make âpublic transport or walking suggestionsâ among driving routes â as long as travel times are âpracticalâ. It is not recommended to get on the bus if it takes longer to get from point A to point B. This feature will have a limited rollout as it will only be released for around 15 cities around the world, including London, Paris and Sydney.
Google Search is also getting a travel-focused update. The search engine started adding information for long-distance train routes to its results back in 2022. In the future, these details will include timetables and ticket prices with a purchase link on the side. In addition, there will also be long-distance bus lines.
The new train data on Search is now available in 38 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada and Spain. The bus route information, on the other hand, will get a more limited release as it will only appear in 15 global regions, including the United States, France, and Germany.
Be sure to check out Ny Breaking’s list of the 10 things you didn’t know Google Maps could do if you want to learn about all the neat tricks.