The downside of EVs is that on long road trips, most EVs need to carefully plan their charging stops to minimize travel time.
Since 2021, Google’s automotive operating system, Android Automotive, not Android Auto, allows you to plan routes of this type on Google Maps. And now this feature that allows you to add charging stops to a trip is on its way to the main Google Maps app for Android.
When digging into the source code of version 11.65 of Google Maps, an American media found some posts suggesting that charging station location-based route planning is on the way.
Once we look closely, most of them look like error messages, but we think they suggest that the feature is on the way. The inclusion would be a boon to anyone using Android Auto in his electric car instead of Android Automotive. They look the same, but they are not.
Doubts about this new Google Maps tool for Android Auto
We still don’t know how Google Maps on a phone can find out a car’s current battery level and estimated range in real time. Perhaps the solution lies in developing an already existing aspect of the application: the optimization of routes based on the type of vehicle engine.
Once Google Maps can integrate recharging stops on the route, planning longer trips without switching applications will be easier for electric vehicle owners who are feeling a bit left out right now.
In theory, they could also enjoy the added benefit of a familiar user interface and accurate time-of-arrival estimates at their final destination. Owners of electric vehicles with Android Auto are eagerly awaiting this new feature of Google Maps.
