No Android Automotive, no problem
Electric vehicles are becoming the norm and gaining acceptance around the world. On long road trips, most of these vehicles need to plan their charging stops carefully to minimize travel time. Since 2021, Google’s automotive operating system, Android Automotive, has been able to plan routes like this on Google Maps. Now, this feature for adding a charging stop to a trip is on its way to the main Google Maps app for Android, and we couldn’t be happier.
Digging through the source code for Google Maps version 11.65, 9to5Google found a few posts suggesting that route planning based on the location of charging stations is in the works. Some messages are:
By the time you get there, your battery will be low
Charging stop required to reach destination
Trip too long to automatically add charging stops. Add stops after you start.
No internet. Failed to charge charging stops.
There are not enough compatible charging stations to reach your destination
Most of them read like error messages, but we think they still suggest the feature is coming. The inclusion would be a blessing for anyone using Android Auto on their EV instead of Android Automotive (yes, there is a difference between them).
While many EVs come with Android Automotive, some affordable EVs that share their platform with combustion engine counterparts come with proprietary operating systems, so you have to rely on Android Auto. Therefore, you must use the car’s built-in infotainment system or apps such as PlugShare, Electrify America, and Chargeway to locate charging stations. Some of these apps work with Android Auto, but EV owners still have to switch between them and conventional navigation, often resulting in a poor user experience overall.
We still don’t know how Google Maps on a phone will know a car’s current battery level and estimated range in real time. The workaround may be to expand on an existing aspect of the app – route optimization based on vehicle engine type.
Once Google Maps can integrate charging stops into your route, planning longer trips without switching between apps will become easier for electric vehicle owners. In theory, they could also enjoy the added benefit of the familiar user interface and accurate arrival time estimates at their final destination. As the owner of an electric vehicle equipped with Android Auto, I look forward to this new Maps feature.