Finding a charging station for your electric vehicle (EV) while on the go just got a whole lot easier. Google has announced a new update to its navigation app, Waze, that will provide EV drivers with locations of charging stations tailored to their specific car.
While Waze has offered the ability to find charging stations since the end of 2021, this new update is a game-changer. Users simply need to share their car model and charging connectors with Google, and Waze will show charging stations that are compatible with their EV’s specific requirements. No more driving around with a dangerously low battery only to find an incompatible charging port.
See also: Waze is adding support to help you find nearest EV charging stations
The rise of electric vehicles has been exponential in recent years, with the International Energy Agency reporting only 120,000 EVs sold globally in 2012. Within a decade, that number has skyrocketed to the point where 120,000 electric cars are being sold per week. In September 2021, US President Joe Biden set an ambitious goal for 50 percent of cars sold across the United States in 2030 to be electric. In line with this shift, US companies invested over $700 million in 2022 towards electric vehicle charging, along with $13 billion into domestic manufacturing of electric vehicles.
The new Waze update will roll out globally over the next few weeks, providing EV drivers with a hassle-free way to find compatible charging stations while on the go. To ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date, Waze’s Local Map Editors will continue to review and make necessary changes to charging station information in real-time.
With more and more drivers making the switch to electric vehicles, the availability and convenience of charging stations is crucial. Google’s latest update to Waze is a step in the right direction towards a more seamless EV driving experience.
