• Outdoors Outdoors

Google Maps announces upgrade to trip planning features for EV owners: 'Reducing range anxiety'

"Just add your EV info to Maps and set a destination in the car to see your expected battery usage."

A close-up of a smartphone screen displaying the Google Maps app icon beside the Chrome app icon.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Electric vehicle drivers will now have an easier time planning U.S. road trips after Google's most recent Maps update. 

According to a Google Blog post, the company announced plans to bring AI-powered EV charging features to over 350 models with Android Auto. 

Essentially, the new feature will recommend where and when to charge based on your make and model. 

The post noted that it will offer a simpler and stress-free experience for EV drivers, "reducing range anxiety and the need to juggle multiple apps."


In the market for a home EV charger? Qmerit makes it easy to get instant quotes on Level 2 charging stations that can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

To get an instant estimate, just answer a few questions about your garage and electrical panel. Within a few days, Qmerit will contact you with a final proposal from a certified installer, and their expert electricians make the process a breeze from there.

The Cool Down may receive a commission on signups made through links on this page, but we only promote partners we vet and believe in. For more cool tips like this one, check out our solutions marketplace here.

This latest move shows how quickly the EV market is evolving in the U.S., making it easier than ever for drivers to switch to electric. With every improvement, the former disadvantages of EVs disappear, and the advantages — especially financial savings — grow.

While this new feature will unlock easier road trips for drivers, EV owners already know the most convenient and cheapest way to charge is at home. 

By using a Level 2 charger, like those available from Qmerit, drivers can save big by relying on cheaper at-home electricity rates and get enough juice overnight for most driving needs. 

Still, this new feature is worth celebrating for drivers embarking on longer journeys. It combines advanced AI energy models that analyze car details with real-time traffic and road conditions to make planning your road trip a breeze.  

FROM OUR PARTNER

Get cost-effective air conditioning in less than an hour without expensive electrical work

The Merino Mono is a heating and cooling system designed for the rooms traditional HVAC can't reach. The streamlined design eliminates clunky outdoor units, installs in under an hour, and plugs into a standard 120V outlet — no expensive electrical upgrades required.

And while a traditional “mini-split” system can get pricey fast, the Merino Mono comes with a flat-rate price — with hardware and professional installation included.

"Just add your EV info to Maps and set a destination in the car to see your expected battery usage. Then, add your current charge level to get recommended charging stops, estimated arrival battery level, and an updated ETA based on charging time," the post explained

As of now, the battery prediction feature is rolling out on hundreds of EV models across 15 brands in the U.S. 

While this move makes EV road trips easier, to make at-home charging even more convenient, connect with Qmerit to get free estimates on Level 2 charger installations.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.

Cool Divider