Google has announced it is introducing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to its Maps coverage, allowing EV drivers to see on the map where they can stop to recharge during their journeys.
Searching in Google Maps for keywords like "ev charging" or "EV charging stations" will display the nearest supported stations, including information on the types of ports available, charging speeds, and how many ports there are. However, there's currently nothing to tell you how many ports are currently occupied at a given station.
Typical location information is also provided for EV stations, so you can check out user-posted photos, ratings, reviews, and questions. Businesses that have charging stations will also feature links to information about the chargers.
The types of charging stations Google Maps supports around the world:
- Global: Tesla, Chargepoint
- US: SemaConnect, EVgo, Blink
- UK: Chargemaster, Pod Point
- AU & NZ: Chargefox
Google says the ability to search for electric vehicle charging stations is rolling out now on Android and iOS devices after users have updated the Maps app, with desktop support launching in the coming weeks.
Google Maps can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
I picked the Nissan Leaf. I get 175 mile range (more than advertised) and the comfort and performance are excellent. We're a two-car family and usually rent a car for super long road trips, so this works for me. I charge it once per week, for free, while I'm at work. Their next model is going to have a 220+ mile range, and by the time I get my next Leaf I'm sure it'll be up past 300.
They start around $29k but that's before the tax incentives of $7,500 to $10,000 off. Not only does that make them more affordable, but buying one puts money in your pocket at tax time. The federal incentive is being phased out, but I assume that'll come back when the adults are back in charge.
Mostly, at this point, I think they're just expensive for what you get - for the lower priced ones. Here in the U.S. to get one without limitations (range or back seat room adults heads touch the roof/glass in the back of the Volt / Bolt etc.) you're looking at a Model 3 Tesla which starts (at this point) around $49k. Those are selling quite well in the U.S. - but that is a high end market.
I think the average new car in the U.S. sells for in the mid $20k's. Based on past capacity increases and price declines we'll need a good chunk of a decade (2025 or so) to get battery costs down (short of a real breakthrough) to where a $28k electric car without real limitations (range / size) is practical. JMHO.
Searching “EV Chargers” produces two results in my vicinity: one ‘POD Point’ location and one ‘Polar Network’ location.