Google Maps predicts EV charging point availability

Google Maps is set to save electric vehicle drivers time by predicting whether a charging point is likely to be free when they reach a charging station.

Google Maps is continuing to evolve for electric vehicles. The app already offers routes designed to make the most of an EV’s range. For charging, it can also show charging points that are available in real time on selected charging networks. However, Google acknowledges that this approach is not flawless: a charging point listed as free in Google Maps may already be in use by the time a driver arrives.

Google Maps predicts EV charging point availability

To make day-to-day journeys easier for electric vehicle drivers, Google has announced a new AI-powered feature that provides additional information about charging points. “Now, you can see how many chargers are likely to be available when you arrive by simply searching for ‘EV chargers’ in Maps. To do this, we use AI to analyse historical and real-time charger availability to predict how many chargers are likely to be free once you get there, helping you avoid queues and save time,” Google says.

Put simply, the company will no longer provide real-time information alone: it will also offer forecasts, so users do not waste time. The new feature will be available from next week in vehicles using Android Auto and in cars with Google built in. These charging point availability forecasts will cover “hundreds of thousands of stations” worldwide.

Gemini continues its expansion in Google Maps

As Google Assistant is being replaced by Gemini, Google has already updated Google Maps navigation so that it is powered by its new AI. That is not all, however, as the company has also revealed new Gemini-based functions for the app. One example is a feature that creates useful information about locations users view in Google Maps.

“Thanks to Gemini’s capabilities, Maps does the research for you: it uses reviews and helpful information it finds online to surface the most relevant details, such as the best way to book, secret menu items, parking tips and more. You can click on each of these tips to get more information,” Google explains. Unfortunately, the feature is currently available only in the United States.

Local trends in the Google Maps Explore tab

Google Maps is also updating its Explore tab to display local trends, helping users find things to do. This new feature is available worldwide.