New Google Maps and Search Tools for Aussie Electric Car Drivers

Google has announced new and expanded features on Search and Maps to help Australian drivers find information on how to use less energy during a drive, find chargers and also suggesting public transport or walking alternatives if travel times are comparable and practical.

Suggesting the most sustainable form of transport from A to B

New features include a routing tool on Google Maps to show drivers the most energy efficient route, a tool that provides public transport and walking alternatives and ways to help drivers easily find EV charging stations.

Sydney based Director of Google Maps Andrew Foster commented:

“These new tools will surface information in Maps and Search in an accessible and visual way, helping Australians consider sustainable transport more quickly and easily – at a glance”.

“[Suggesting alternate public transport and walking options] prompts people to consider more environmentally friendly alternatives. It builds on our long standing partnerships with local transport authorities to promote public transport and provide real-time information including schedules and route options on Search and Maps.”

Drivers using the new fuel efficient routing tool can specify their vehicle's engine type – whether that’s petrol, diesel, hybrid, or EV - so eco-friendly routing can be optimised to save the most fuel or energy. The fuel efficient routing feature is rolling out Australia wide.

Electric vehicle ownership is on the rise, which means more people are looking for ways to charge their car - whether they’re on the go or planning their drive.

Easier to find Chargers

Google has also announced new features for Google Maps and Search to help drivers easily find specific information about the location of EV chargers, plan charging stops for road trips and more.

Updates on EV charging will begin rolling out globally, starting with vehicles with Google built-in the coming months.

Navigating to charging stations and finding exactly where the chargers are located - like the right area of a multilevel parking lot can be tricky.

In the coming months, Google will start showing AI-powered summaries in Google Maps that describe a charger’s specific location based on helpful information from user reviews, so you can find exactly where to go.

For example, when you’re headed to a charging station you may see a detailed description, like “Enter the underground parking lot and follow the signs toward the exit. Just before exiting, turn right.”

This information is possible thanks to the millions of reviews posted every day in Maps, which help provide accurate and up-to-date information about places like charging stations.

To help make these even more useful, reviews about chargers now prompt you for additional details about your experience, like what type of plug you used and how long you waited.

Google is also thinking about other ways they can give people helpful EV charging information at a glance.

For example, if you’re low on charge while on the road or you need to top off while running errands, soon you’ll be able to see nearby chargers on the in-car map, with information like real-time port availability and charging speed. This update will roll out globally, starting with vehicles with Google built-in the coming months.

In addition to showing you where chargers are at a glance, Google wants to help you take more complex trips easily.

Last year they announced that Maps would suggest the best charging locations for vehicles with Google built-in.

This capability is expanding to multi-stop trips. So if you're planning a multi-stop road trip to several national parks, Maps will suggest the best charging stops along the way, based on your battery’s charge level.

This feature will be available globally in the coming months for vehicles with Google built-in.

And if you’re planning overnight stays, the last thing you want to do after a long day of driving is hunt around for a charging station. There is a new EV filter on google.com/travel you can use to find accommodation which offers onsite EV charging.