Google Maps Is Bringing EV Route Planning To Android Auto
Google is rolling out native EV route planning for Android Auto in a move that could save some drivers the headache of deciding when to charge on a long trip.
The feature will compete with the trusty A Better Route Planner app and hit over 350 models across at least 15 brands on Monday, Google said. (Full list down below.) There’s no word yet as to whether route planning will also come to the Google Maps mobile app, so that drivers who don’t use Android Auto can or have an iPhone can use it too.
Photo by: Google
Here’s how it will work. First, drivers will need to select their vehicle’s make and model on their phone. That will help the feature predict battery usage and recommend the timing and duration of charging stops. Then they can route to a destination in their car’s interface and see how much battery the trip will likely use up.
“To deliver accurate battery predictions for hundreds of vehicles, we combine AI with advanced energy models that analyze car details—like weight and battery size—alongside Maps’ real-time information about traffic, road elevation and weather,” the company said on Monday.
Drivers can also adjust their preferred state of charge upon arrival. Importantly, this feature doesn’t communicate directly with the vehicle, so you’ll need to input your starting state of charge manually. From there, Google says, the state of charge should update automatically based on your driving and charging stops. A Better Route Planner, on the other hand, can use an OBD reader to get real-time battery data from a vehicle and improve recommendations.
Photo by: Google
If you already drive an EV with top-notch integrated route planning, like a Tesla or a Rivian, a new Google Maps-based route planner may not sound that useful. (Teslas and Rivians don’t offer Android Auto anyway.)
But if you don’t like your car’s native route planner (many are not great) or your car lacks native planning altogether (looking at you, Toyota) then this may be the answer to your prayers. At least for those longer drives. And let’s be honest, most people would rather use a seamless, familiar system like Google Maps over a clunky in-car navigation system. At least, I know I do. I’m delighted every time I test a car with Google Built-in, which makes Maps the default navigation and route-planning system.
Here are the Android Auto-supporting brands that will get the feature at launch, with more to come, Google says:
Audi
BMW
Chevrolet
FIAT
Genesis
Hyundai
Jaguar
Kia
Lexus
Lucid
Mercedes-Benz
Nissan
Porsche
Subaru
Toyota
Volkswagen
Contact the author: Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com
