Google Maps has upgraded its search function for electric vehicle (EV) chargers, adding the ability to search by plug type.
First added in October, the EV charger search was a welcome addition to Google Maps, but the lack of a universal charging plug for electric vehicles finding the right one can at times be frustrating.
Drivers who enter the “Your Plugs” feature, which allows a driver to select a plug type, will now be able to view only the ones that are relevant to their own vehicles.
To find the correct charger for your vehicle, first open Google Maps on an Android or and enter “ev charger”, then select the blue button at the bottom of the page that reads “Get compatible charging stations”.
If you miss this button, you should also have a dropdown at the top of the screen that says “Your plugs”.
Hit “Add plugs” or “edit” to choose a plug, then navigate back to the maps screen to view locations.
For example, if driving a Nissan Leaf electric hatchback or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid), drivers can select CHAdeMO to access DC fast charging. If driving a Hyundai Kona or Ioniq, or a Jaguar I-Pace, select CCS2.
Destination chargers – such as those found in shopping centres, at workplaces or other locations where you would be likely to spend a few hours – drivers would choose wither J1772 (type 1) or Type 2 (otherwise known as a Mennekes).
And of course, there is Tesla as an option for those driving, well, a Tesla – although, owners of new Model 3s are also able to choose CCS2 fast chargers.
Of course, choice is further opened up depending on whether or not a driver has adaptor cables, such as a Type 1 to Type 2.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.