Thanks to technical aids, quickly finding the nearest filling station by car is hardly a problem these days. It is more difficult with charging points for electric cars. But in future, you will also be able to find the nearest charging station on Google Maps.
The charging infrastructure is one of the main reasons why many consumers still decide against electric cars. In addition to the high purchase costs (71%), 59% of respondents in a survey cited insufficient range as a reason for not buying an electric car.
For 54 percent, charging simply takes too long. For 34 percent of respondents, the accessibility of charging stations is also a problem.
But a new feature of Google Maps could help here. In future, you will not only be able to find petrol stations on Google Maps, but also the nearest charging station.
How to find the nearest charging station on Google Maps
Google wants to help its users plan their routes better in future, as stated in an announcement for the new function.
More and more people own an electric vehicle and are therefore looking for ways to charge their car – whether they are already on the road or planning a trip.
It is not always easy to actually find a charging station. According to Google, these are sometimes hidden in a multi-storey parking garage or behind parked cars, for example.
For this reason, Google wants to describe the information for charging stations better in future and provide more information on the specific location. AI-supported summaries in Google Maps, which will also include information from other users’ reviews, will help with this.
In order to refine this information even further, Google will request even more information from its users in the future. So if you want to rate a charging station on Google Maps, the app will also ask you about the type of plug used or the waiting time, among other things.
Plan stops at the charging station in advance
If you are already on the road and want to charge your car, Google Maps will show you nearby charging stations directly on the map in your vehicle. You will also find information such as real-time availability and charging speed.
These updates will be available on the market worldwide in the future. However, Google first wants to make it available in cars with integrated Google apps and services.
In future, you will also be able to see the best charging stations on journeys with multiple stops. However, this function will only be introduced in the coming months and only for cars with integrated Google apps and services.
