Google Maps could integrate a charging planner on Android smartphones

According to the website 9to5GoogleGoogle Maps (version 11.65) provides for the introduction on Android smartphones of a trip planner function (trip planner in English) dedicated to electric vehicles. Natively implemented by certain car manufacturers or available from mobile apps (ABRP, Chargemap, etc.), this is the Michelin 2.0 map of the electric vehicle. It allows you to plan a route by indicating the number of charging stops to be made according to the number of kilometers, the type of electric vehicle and taking into account the charge capacity of the battery.

Strangely, this function was previously unavailable on Android smartphones, unlike Android Automotive, Google’s infotainment system that some manufacturers have already implemented. This is the case of Volvo Cars, Renault and soon BMW.

Like the Google Maps trip planner available on Android Automotive, owners of an Android smartphone and users of an electric vehicle will benefit from the same functions. Thus, the driver will know the time to destination and will be warned about the remaining capacity of the battery on arrival, especially if it is too low. In which case, an additional stop will be suggested to arrive safely. It will be possible to add additional stops after having started and to be notified in the event of the absence of compatible terminals towards the final destination or of an internet connection making it possible to display the charging terminals.

On the other hand, there is the question of the estimation of battery life from the Google Maps mobile app. For comparison, on A Better Route Planner (ABRP), you can mention the level of charge (SoC) at the start, the make and model of the vehicle, as well as its reference consumption. It is even possible to filter its charging network.

Today, the only possibility offered by Google Maps is to choose the most ecological route based on the motorization of the vehicle. In the case of an electric one, it is even possible to specify the type of compatible charging socket, but no more.