For many, the most difficult part of having an electric vehicle is planning routes for longer trips. Drives within range are not really a problem, but if you have to stop to load, it can be a bit of a hassle to estimate when and where to do it, and it gets more complicated the longer the trip. A conservative estimate only wastes time, which is already very valuable, since you have to wait at each stop to complete. 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 some new tweaks that are being launched now.
The math behind these changes and how they work is quite complex, but even a cursory overview demonstrates how difficult a problem like this is. The shortest or most direct route may not be the most ideal when considering charging stations, the distance between them, the time spent charging and the difference in charging time depending on the current battery level – from a list huge number of other variables.
It’s counterintuitive, but that kind of problem is actually Easier for Google to decide if there are fewer charging stations in a given area: you have no choice where to stop based only on reach, and these limited options make the route more predictable. But in markets where EV charging is flourishing, such as Europe and the denser parts of the United States’ coasts, it is more computer intensive because of the sheer number of options. And while these extra options mean that reach anxiety is not a big issue for EV owners, since they can recharge almost anywhere, it’s hard to find the ideal route for longer trips more difficult.
There are also many variables to balance over the much simpler problem of direct routing. Google also takes into account the characteristics of the roads, such as length, elevation and slope when traveling. You are even estimating the battery level you expect to have when you arrive at a particular charging station to find out how long it takes to charge, as one affects the other – charging from 20% to 60% for a particular leg of the trip can 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 how much time you have to spend not only in traffic, but waiting for a load, with an accurate ETA that takes everything into account. Best of all, this sophisticated math happens in less than 10 seconds.
For short trips with just one recharge, you can select from a list of charging stations, with estimates for things like estimated recharge time conveniently listed. And in Europe, it will also list which payment methods are accepted – as this can really be a problem in that market. You can even see if a particular charging point has something like a grocery store or cafe nearby, so you can run errands, grab a coffee or go on Wi-Fi for quick work while you wait.
This feature is now being implemented for EVs with integrated Google Maps, which is just Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 for now. But new cars with Android Automotive are coming, starting with GM this year. More EVs with Android Automotive and Google Maps are coming, and features like these can help ease reach anxiety on longer trips and provide yet another good reason to use electricity in your next car.