Just in time for the holiday season, Google Maps is getting a handful of updates that should make the ever-convenient app even better, especially for electric vehicle owners.
First up, if you need some juice and don't have a ton of time on your hands, you can now filter through EV charging stations on Maps by selecting "fast charging" to find speedy battery life.
Beyond that, Google's also added the ability to filter by EV plug compatibility. Never again will you have to roll up to a charging station and find that your car's plug doesn't fit. It's a little weird that it's even a problem to begin with, but at least Google is doing its part to fix the situation.
Both of these new EV-centric features are available on Android and iOS immediately.
Another important feature you can take advantage of right away is the ability to see if a business is wheelchair-accessible or not. Head into the Google Maps settings menu, turn on the "Accessible Places" toggle, and you should see an icon next to businesses denoting whether or not they're easily navigable by those in wheelchairs. This feature has been available in the U.S., Canada, and a couple other countries for a while, but it's now a part of the Google Maps experience globally.
Lastly, a handful of cities are getting the new Search With Live View feature that Google teased back in September. The way this works is that you hold your phone up, tap a camera icon, and then use AR to navigate the world around you. Live View has existed for basic turn-by-turn navigation for years, but now you can use it to find restaurants, ATMs, or whatever else you need in the area. This is rolling out in Paris, London, Tokyo, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City next week.
And that's it for the latest Google Maps feature dump. If you drive an EV, I hope you can breathe a sigh of relief at never having to search for the right plug again.
Topics Google
