Google Maps will no longer show gas stations to electric vehicle (EV) owners using Android Auto or Google built-in. The change will take effect in the coming weeks.
The move is part of Google’s efforts to make it easier for EV owners to find charging stations. Google Maps already shows EV charging stations, and the company says it will continue to improve this feature.
“We’re constantly working to make Google Maps the best way to get around,” said Google Maps product manager Amanda Mueller. “This includes making it easier for EV drivers to find charging stations. By deprioritizing gas stations, we hope to make it easier for EV drivers to find the charging stations they need.”
The change is likely to be welcomed by EV owners, who may find it frustrating to see gas stations when they are looking for charging stations. However, some drivers may still find gas stations useful, such as if they need to buy snacks or use the restroom.
Google Maps is not the only navigation app that is deprioritizing gas stations for EV owners. Apple Maps also recently announced that it would be doing the same.
The move by Google Maps and Apple Maps is a sign of the growing popularity of electric vehicles. As more and more people switch to EVs, it is becoming increasingly important for navigation apps to make it easy for drivers to find charging stations.
Here are some other things to know about Google Maps’ new EV features:
- Google Maps will still show gas stations if an EV driver specifically searches for them.
- Google Maps will continue to add more EV charging stations to its database.
- Google Maps also offers a feature that allows EV drivers to add charging stops to their routes.
If you are an EV owner, I recommend using Google Maps or Apple Maps to find charging stations. These apps are constantly being updated with new information, and they can help you find the charging stations you need when you need them.
Here are some other EV charging apps that you may want to consider:
- ChargePoint: This app shows the location of ChargePoint charging stations, and it allows you to reserve a charging spot.
- PlugShare: This app shows the location of charging stations from a variety of providers.
- EVGo: This app shows the location of EVGo charging stations, and it allows you to pay for charging sessions.
Google Maps has demoted gas stations in the points of interest categories list for electric vehicle (EV) owners while using Android Auto. The change was made in 2022 and was confirmed by Google spokesperson Pearl Xu.
“To help people get the most relevant information when navigating, last year we added the ability for EV drivers to see a shortcut for charging stations instead of gas stations on Google Maps for Android Auto,” Xu said.
The feature has also been live for vehicles equipped with Google built-in vehicle software since 2020.
In addition to demoting gas stations, Google Maps also offers a number of other features to help EV drivers, including:
- Real-time charging port availability: Google Maps users can see the real-time availability of charging ports at nearby stations.
- Charging speed filters: Users can filter for stations that offer different charging speeds, such as “very fast” (150 kW or higher) or “fast” (50 kW or higher).
- Plug type filters: Users can filter for stations that offer their EV’s plug type.
- Adding charging stops to trips: Google Maps can suggest the best charging stop for a given trip, taking into account factors such as current traffic, the EV’s charge level, and expected energy consumption.
- Charging stations in search results: Google Maps will show users when places like supermarkets have charging stations on-site.
The demotion of gas stations on Google Maps for Android Auto is a welcome change for EV owners. It makes it easier for them to find the charging stations they need and reduces the chances of them accidentally driving to a gas station.
The feature is currently only available in select countries, but Google plans to roll it out to more countries in the future.
Despite the demotion of gas stations, Google Maps still shows them if an EV driver specifically searches for them. The company also plans to continue adding more EV charging stations to its database.
Overall, Google Maps is a valuable tool for EV owners. It offers a variety of features that can help them find charging stations, plan their trips, and stay informed about the status of charging ports.
