Google is waging war on the anxiety of the EV range

For many, the hardest part of having an electric vehicle is route planning for long trips. Readers within range aren’t much of a problem, but if you need to stop to charge, it can be a bit tricky to estimate when and where to do it, and the longer the trip. A conservative estimate only wastes time, which is already a bonus, as you have to wait at each pit stop to refuel. But for EVs with built-in Google Maps, like the recent Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 Recharge, it’s less of a problem thanks to new tweaks being rolled out.

The calculations behind these changes and how they work are quite complex, but even a quick glance shows just how difficult a problem like this is. The shortest or most direct route may not actually be the most ideal given the charging stations, the distance between them, the time spent charging and the difference in charging time depending on the current level. battery – among a huge list of other variables. .

It’s counterintuitive, but this kind of problem is actually Easier to Google to resolve if there are fewer charging stations in a given area: you have no choice of where to stop based solely on range, and these limited options allow for a more predictable route. But in markets where electric vehicle charging is thriving, such as Europe and the denser parts of the US coastline, it is more compute-intensive due to the large number of choices. And while those extra options mean range anxiety isn’t as much of an issue for EV owners, since they can charge almost anywhere, it is. ideal route for longer, more difficult journeys.

There are also a lot of variables to balance in addition to the much simpler problem of direct routing. Google also takes into account road characteristics such as length, elevation, and slope during your trip. It even estimates the battery level it expects you to have when you arrive at a given charging station to determine how long it takes to charge, as one affects the other – a charge of 20. % to 60% for a certain leg of the trip might be faster than 0% to 40% or 60% to 100%, as you might end up doing on another route.

Ultimately, the new Google Maps system calculates and optimizes everything so you don’t have to, finding a route for any trip with two or more stops that minimizes the time you have to spend not just on transport. , but while waiting for a charge, with a precise ETA which takes everything into account. Better yet, this sophisticated calculation occurs by less than 10 seconds.

For short trips with a single charge, you’ll be able to choose from a list of charging stations, with estimates for things like estimated charging time listed conveniently. And in Europe, it will also indicate accepted payment methods – because that can actually be a problem in this market. You can even see if a given charging point has something like a grocery store or cafe nearby, so you can run errands, grab coffee, or use the Wi-Fi for a quick bit of work while you wait.

This feature is being rolled out for electric vehicles with integrated Google Maps, which is currently only the Polestar 2 and the Volvo XC40. But new cars with Android Automotive are coming, starting with GM this year. More and more electric vehicles with Android Automotive and Google Maps are coming, and features like these can help reduce range anxiety on long trips and provide another good reason to go electric with your vehicle. next car.