…..and more…..


Google Maps got a big update that shows where fast-charging EV stations are and more

…… An updated version of Google Maps for Android and iPhone is rolling out with several new features, like the option to search for electric vehicle stations with fast chargers and an augmented reality feature that overlays more information about local points of interest on top of the real world around you.

Here’s what’s new.

Find fast chargers for your electric car

If you drive an EV, you’ll be able to filter charging stations to find the most time-efficient option. So, if you search for a “charging station” in Google Maps, for example, a new option appears that allows you to filter out to only show “fast charge” stations that are compatible with the plug your car uses. It builds on an earlier update that allows users to search for stations by plug compatibility.

Fast charging includes stations with chargers 50kW or higher. The update is available in countries where EV charging stations are available, according to Google.

Google Maps is also getting an update to its augmented reality tool. Starting next week, a feature called “Search with Live View” will let you use your phone camera to find out what’s around you.

When you hold up your phone, for example, and tap the camera icon in Maps, you’ll see nearby landmarks, parks, hotels, restaurants, bars, banks and ATMs. You’ll also see info like how busy the location is, whether or not it’s open, what the price range is and how it’s rated by Google Maps users.

The feature will first launch in six major cities: New York, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tokyo and Paris.

Google has expanded its Accessible Places feature, which shows an icon on a business profile to indicate that it’s wheelchair accessible, to all global markets. The option has been available in the U.S., Australia, the U.K. and Japan since 2020. Google highlighted that the feature can be useful for people who are walking with a stroller or a cart, too, since they may want to know if a ramp is available before visiting a specific location. The accessibility indicator is powered by business owners and people who use Google Maps…..


…….shows more detail…….?!

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I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Nice of them to do that, but someone needs to do it like Tesla. They need to have it integrated to the car’s navigation system, and the software needs to account for charger status (broken or not, in use or not, etc.). Would be nice if that software would also prewarm the car’s battery in anticipation of arrival to the charger (better for battery and speeds up charging too).

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Carnos Jax
Nice of them to do that, but someone needs to do it like Tesla. They need to have it integrated to the car’s navigation system, and the software needs to account for charger status (broken or not, in use or not, etc.). Would be nice if that software would also prewarm the car’s battery in anticipation of arrival to the charger (better for battery and speeds up charging too).

And STILL, people don't get it when we say "Tesla is a software company that makes cars"...

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Paul F.
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A sword never kills anybody; it is a tool in the killer's hand. - Lucius Annaeus Seneca c. 5 BC - 65 AD
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Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision.
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Eureka, CA

The Hyundai Ionic 5 (late 2022 and 2023 do the pre charged warming based on GPS destination.

Some Ionic forumites would prefer that that work with CarPlay/Android Auto, but it works with onboard GPS currently.