If you have ever driven to a refuelling point with all ports occupied and you had to wait for an hour or so to recharge your car, you would definitely understand how grave the situation sometimes is. However, Google with the help of the latest technology has made the life of EV users a little easier.
Google updated its Google Maps and the latest update incorporates the feature that will show real-time availability of individual charging points. Google added the EV charging stations’ locations in its Maps last October which facilitated users in locating the nearby charging stations, while the current update aids customers even more as it will further indicate whether the charging port is free to use or occupied.
Now users won’t have to go out of their way only to find out that all charging ports are occupied in the charging station. They can search for the availability from the comfort of their home and save themselves from getting stuck in a waiting line.
The functionality is available across different regions and for different charging points:
- Google Maps will show all Tesla and ChargePoint stations across the world
- Blink, SemaConnect, and EVgo chargers will show up on the Map in the US
- In the UK, Chargemaster and Pod Point charging stations will be displayed
- Chargefox charging point will be displayed across Australia and New Zealand
To avail the feature, you simply have to search "EV charging stations" in the Google Maps and the Map will display all the available information about the networks like SemaConnect, Chargemaster, Pod Point and others. Moreover, it will also display the types and numbers of chargers that are available at the selected location.
By clicking on the little EV charger icon, you can also view other helpful details, such as:
- Location of the station and directions
- Charging speeds and wattage
- Pricing details
- Port types
- Photos of the station
- Ratings from other drivers
- Users’ reviews and questions
