For many, the most difficult part of an electric vehicle is to use route planning on longer trips. Inside drives are not really an issue, but if you have to stop charging, it can be a bit of a hassle to estimate when and where to do it, and it gets more complicated the longer the journey. A conservative estimate just wastes time, which is already a premium because you have to wait at every pit stop to fill up. But for cars with built-in Google Maps, such as the recent Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 Recharge, it’s less of a problem, thanks to new adaptations.
The math behind these changes and how they work is quite complicated, but even a cursory overview shows how difficult a problem like this is. The shortest or most direct route may not be ideal when charging stations are considered, the distance between them, the time you charge, and the difference in charging time, depending on the current battery level – among a large list of other variables .
It’s counter-intuitive, but these kinds of problems are actually easier for Google to fix if there are fewer charging stations in a given area: you can not choose where to stop simply on the basis of range, and the limited options offer a more predictable route. But in markets where EV charging thrives, such as Europe and the denser parts of the US coast, it is more computationally intensive due to the large number of choices. And while these extra options mean that anxiety is not as much of a problem for EV owners as they can supplement almost anywhere, it does ideal route for longer journeys harder.
There are also many variables to balance over and above the much simpler problem with direct routing. Google also takes into account road features such as length, altitude and incline during your trip. It is even the estimate of the battery level that you expect when you arrive at a particular charging station to find out how long it takes to charge, as the one affects the other – from 20% to 60% for a certain to load part of the trip. be faster than 0% to 40% or 60% to 100%, as you may end up doing on another route.
Finally, Google Maps’ new system calculates and optimizes everything so you do not have to find it, and finds a route for any trip with two or more stops that reduce how long you not only have to spend in transportation, but also wait a levy, with an accurate ETA that takes everything into account. Best of all, this flashy math takes place in less than 10 seconds.
For short rides with only one recharge, you can choose from a list of charging stations, with estimates for things like estimated charging time. And in Europe, it will also mention what payment methods are accepted, as this can actually be a problem in the market. You can even see if a pick-up point has something like a grocery store or cafe in the area so you can do some errands, grab a coffee, or work a little fast on Wi-Fi while you wait.
These features are now starting for EVs with built-in Google Maps, which is currently just the Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40. But new cars are coming with Android Automotive, starting with GM this year. More cars are coming with Android Automotive and Google Maps, and features like these can help reduce distance anxiety on longer rides and give another good reason to go electric with your next car.