Earlier this week, Google confirmed to The Verge an update to its Maps service. The Android Auto phone-to-car projection feature now allows electric vehicle users to opt for a shortcut to locate charging stations instead of the regular waypoint for gas stations.
A number of other options are also available to improve the user experience and functionality for electric vehicle drivers. These features enable users to filter chargers by plug speed, identifying the fastest chargers for their cars, and filter recharge points by plug type to ensure compatibility.
The most significant of these features is "Real-Time Charging Port Availability," where Google Maps displays the real-time availability of charging stations, allowing you to determine if a port is currently in use, thereby reducing waiting times.
Finally, during any trip that requires a midpoint recharge, Google Maps will provide recommendations for the optimal charging point based on battery level, estimated energy consumption, and present traffic conditions.
While some electric vehicles (EVs) such as the Polestar 2, Volvo XC40, and Cadillac Lyriq have already had these features available with Google's built-in software, they were not previously accessible to Android Auto users. However, following their introduction last year and recent visibility improvements, projected phone infotainment capabilities can now include these added functions. This functionality will greatly benefit car owners who elect to merge their phone's infotainment system with their car's screen.
Source: The Verge
