Planning a trip in your EV just got a lot easier with this Android Auto update

Android Auto helps millions of drivers navigate every day, and it’s packed with features to make trips easier (and recently got a new UI, too). That’s even more true if you drive an electric vehicle, because Google is rolling out a major update to EV route planning.

EV-specific route planning in Google Maps

Now this is a good use for AI

Google is bringing “AI-powered EV charging features” to EVs with Android Auto. Here’s what that means:

• You can add info about your vehicle to Google Maps, and when you set a destination, you’ll get an estimation of how much battery you’ll use on the trip.
• You can then tell Maps your current charge level, and it’ll provide recommended charging stops and your estimated battery level on arrival. It’ll even update your ETA based on how long you’ll need to stop to charge.

The breakdowns are very handy — you can clearly see your starting battery, ending battery, and how long you’ll spend charging right on the trip summary before hitting start. The charging stops will also be displayed on the route overview so you can get a good feel for when and where you’ll be stopping. It’ll even show how much battery percentage you’ll gain at each stop (and yes, if you’re wondering, you can actually save a lot on gas with an EV).

How do the predictions work?

Google says that, to deliver accurate battery predictions, “we combine AI with advanced energy models that analyze car details — like weight and battery size — alongside Maps’ real-time information about traffic, road elevation and weather.”

How do you add your EV to Google Maps?

Just a simple option in settings

To take advantage of these features, you’ll need to add your EV to Maps. Here’s how to do that:

1. Grab your phone and open Google Maps.
2. Tap your profile picture and head to Settings > Your vehicles.
3. Select Electric under Engine type.
4. Under Vehicle, tap Add vehicle.
5. Enter the make, model, year, and trim of your EV.
6. Under Your plugs, confirm your plugs are correct.
7. Tap Save.

Which vehicles does this work with?

Most popular brands

Google says these EV charging features are available for “over 350 car models with Android Auto” from more than 15 different brands. Some of the more popular options include:

• Audi
• BMW
• Chevrolet
• Genesis
• Hyundai
• Kia
• Lexus
• Mercedes-Benz
• Nissan
• Porsche
• Subaru
• Toyota
• Volkswagen

Google says these AI-powered battery predictions are rolling out now, and more models and brands are coming soon. The feature is US-only for now, but hopefully it’ll expand to other regions in the future.