Google Maps now offers AI-powered route planning for electric vehicles in Android Auto, recommending charging stops based on battery level, traffic, and weather for over 350 car models.
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Google has introduced a route planning feature for electric vehicles in Android Auto, leveraging AI capabilities from Google Maps. This new functionality will enable over 350 car models to recommend when and where to charge based on the vehicle model and current battery level, reducing the need to juggle multiple apps.
Users can add their electric vehicle to Google Maps. When selecting a destination in the car, it will display estimated battery usage. By inputting the current battery level, the app shows recommended charging stops, predicted charge upon arrival, and updated travel time including charging breaks.
Google uses artificial intelligence and advanced energy consumption models for this feature, analyzing vehicle specs like weight and battery size, along with real-time traffic, elevation changes, and weather data. The company states that intelligent trip planning will soon be available for most EVs in the US.
This new functionality makes electric vehicle use more convenient, easing range anxiety and simplifying trip planning. Drivers can now focus on the road while Google Maps ensures routes are optimized for charging needs.