EV Driving Just Got Easier With This New Google Maps Feature

Google is bringing an AI-powered Maps feature that will expand EV charging features for Android Auto users. The new features mean that Maps will recommend when and where to charge based on your car and its current battery level. Largely, this functionality is something that was previously limited to the native map systems of several brands. Hyundai, for example, has one for its EV lineup.

The functionality is the same: Maps will use your available battery power and a given destination to judge your vehicle's expected range use across the journey, even if the trip has multiple stops. From there, Maps will do the math and recommend a few charging options based on what's available. Owners will have to manually add their current battery percentage to get an updated ETA and the cost of any charging needed to get to a given destination.

Google says it has leveraged AI to deliver "accurate battery predictions for hundreds of vehicles," which are based on parameters like battery size and the weight of a vehicle, including real-time Maps data like elevation gain, traffic, and weather.

The update follows another for Maps, which added the brand's new Immersive Navigation feature. It depicts accurate, three-dimensional views that show buildings, overpasses, and the terrain nearby. The update will also highlight important details like lanes, crosswalks, traffic signals, and more. The update also leaned heavily into Google's Gemini AI model, which Google said analyzes "fresh, real-world imagery from Street View and aerial photos" to show what's ahead while navigating with Maps and Android Auto.