Google does not stop improving its celebrities maps. Although a few days ago we showed you the spotify integration in Google MapsToday we will surprise you with another novelty that has been recently included. We will teach you to how to find electric charging points for cars on Google Maps now to take advantage of all the functions related to electric and hybrid cars that the browser has been incorporating.
It is no surprise when we assert that electric cars they are already a palpable reality. More and more are seen on the street and more and more manufacturers are joining. The manufacture of electric cars has meant the need to create EV charging stations for electric vehicles distributed throughout cities, highways, and shopping centers. It has also meant a relentless battle against traditional gasoline engines, and as a result, the law is increasingly granting more rights of owners of non-polluting vehicles.
Now, with your location, you can find the charging ports Find the nearest charging stations using Google Maps. There you can charge your vehicle and locate other nearby charging points. If you're traveling, you can search along your route for gas stations with EV charging ports and other charging stations. dedicated electric vehicle charging stationsThis way, you'll avoid stress knowing that Google Maps will guide you to the new charging point.
It is already available in Spain and in other countries and this feature is expected to land around the world. We believe that it is a very useful measure on the part of GoogleBecause electric cars are sometimes overlooked, even though they're booming. Furthermore, the company is constantly improving the experience by adding filters, extra information, and features designed to help the driver. plan your trips better.
How to find electric car charging points on Google Maps
To find the nearest electric car charging points to our location, what we need to do is Download Google Maps GoWhether you're using Android or iOS, or by accessing the Google Maps website if you're using a computer.
Once inside, you need to head to search box and type terms like “electric car charging points”, “electric car charging”, “electric vehicle charging point” or “EV charging”. This way, the application correctly understands what you are looking for and shows the relevant results in your area.
When you press search, Google Maps will show you charging stations or electric vehicle charging stations on the map. that are in the area. These will be indicated with a red icon and the station symbol; on the left or bottom you will see one list with all locations.
In addition, you will also see information about each of themThis includes information such as the specific location, the type of site (parking lot, supermarket, car dealership, etc.), the number of chargers and their charging speed, the type of connector, opening hours, and any other available services. Although the real-time status of all chargers is not always displayed, this information allows compare options and choose better where to stop.
The latest Google Maps update also clearly shows the stations with a high charging power and allows users to save their usual charging points in custom lists to access them with a single tap when needed.
Filters by plug type and fast charging in Google Maps
One of the major advances of Google Maps for electric vehicle users is the ability to filter the loading points depending on the connector type and power output. This prevents you from arriving at a charging station that is incompatible with your car or that offers too low a power output for your needs.
In the mobile app, after searching for “electric vehicle charger” or “charging points”, you can open the filters and select the corresponding option. compatible connectorsAmong the most common ones shown are J1772, CCS (Combo 1 and Combo 2), Type 2, CHAdeMO, Tesla, and wall sockets (wallboxes or domestic Schuko sockets). Therefore, only the following are displayed on the map: stations that your car can use.
In addition to the connector, Google Maps allows you to limit the search to fast charging pointsThese high-power DC chargers minimize downtime, which is crucial on long road trips. While specific power thresholds may vary by region, Google's goal is to ensure you can quickly identify the fastest chargers.
In some vehicles with integrated Google Maps, it is also possible to filter by payment networks, charger type or charging speeds, to prioritize, for example, those points where you have a better rate or those that exceed a certain direct current power.
Not just the Tesla SuperCharger
A few months ago, Google incorporated charging stations for vehicles Teslacalls “SuperCharger”. However, there are not many stations of this type in Spain or many owners due to the high cost of cars.
On the other hand, the inclusion of plug-in hybrid engines, or electric motors, in more affordable cars has led to the emergence of new public charging points in parking lots, shopping centers, hypermarkets, hotels, or dedicated electric vehicle charging stations. Therefore, Google has anticipated this trend and, in addition to incorporating Tesla chargers, has also incorporated the common chargers with EV standard on their maps.
In practice, this means that with a single application you can see both Superchargers such as independent network chargers or those operated by energy companies. This avoids having to consult several different apps to plan a trip and makes it easier for any driver to find a station where refuel electricity without complications.
In addition, each charger's listing includes ratings and reviews from other users, so you can check the Average grade, in the comments about operation or influx, and decide if it is convenient to stop there or look for another nearby option within the same route.
Use Google Maps to find chargers without going out of your way.
When we take a long trip and have already started navigating, we don't always remember to look for a charging station before leaving. Google Maps solves this problem with a feature that allows you to add stops along the route without having to cancel the trip.
After starting navigation to your destination, you can slide the bottom panel upwards and tap on the option “Search on the route”From there, in addition to gas stations, restaurants, or rest areas, you can search charging points for electric vehicles that are on the way, with an indicator of the extra time it takes to detour to get to them.
If a charger appears in the results list marked as “Quick diversion”This means it takes very little time to get there from the main route. This helps you choose the station that offers less wasted time and maintain an efficient journey.
The best thing about this feature is that it can be used at any point along the routeIf the battery indicator starts to drop faster than expected, the co-pilot (to avoid distractions) simply needs to open the menu, find a charger and add it as a stop, without having to redo the entire initial route.
Vehicle profiles, compatible plugs and efficient routes
If you're driving, you can create a vehicle profile on Google Maps so that the system can better adapt the suggestions and route calculation to your actual needs.
In the app, within the "Your Vehicle" settings, you can select the type of motor (gasoline or gas, diesel, hybrid or electric). This not only influences recommendations for charging points or gas stations, but also the possibility of prioritizing the routes that save fuel or electricity.
By enabling the option to prioritize efficient routes, Google Maps calculates the route that will consume the least energy based on the engine type and road conditions. Diesel engines are generally more efficient at higher speeds, while plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles perform better in urban environments with frequent stops, and the algorithm takes these factors into account. optimize the route.
If your vehicle profile is “Hybrid” or “Electric”, when searching for “charging points” you can use the section “VE Plugs” To show only "Your connectors," meaning those you've indicated as compatible with your car. This way, you won't see charging stations that are useless to you and can focus on the ones that are actually useful.
In vehicles that come with Google Maps pre-installed, it's even possible to connect the car's profile directly to the app. Thus, compatible plugs They are automatically displayed on the map and the system is able to calculate the estimated battery level at the end of the route or suggest loading stops when it detects that you won't reach your current range.
Thanks to all these features, Google Maps has become a very complete tool for drivers of electric and hybrid cars, since brings together in one place Station search, filters by connector and power, minimum route deviations and efficient routes, making the planning of any journey as easy as possible.
