Own An Electric Car? You Must Begin Using This Hidden Google Map Feature!
Most people today use Google Maps to reach their destinations. However, did you know that if you own an electric vehicle, you can change a very key setting to make your drives more comfortable? Well, today we'll teach you what you need to do to make sure that you get the best Google Maps experience if you own an electric vehicle. Here are the details.
This hidden feature of Google Maps has been shared on YouTube by AkkiNagpal on their channel. In this video, the creator mentions that if you own an electric vehicle, then you need to change this setting on your Google Maps application. Following this, he opens the Google Maps app on his phone and starts guiding.
Change Google Maps settings if you are an EV owner
He mentions that the first step is to open the profile settings on the Google Maps app. Then you need to navigate to the button that says “Your Vehicles.” After this, you'll find the setting to change the vehicle engine type that you own. There are options including Gas (Petrol), Diesel, Hybrid, and Electric. The creator then selects the Electric option.
Following this, he opens the plug type option, which opens up another page. On this page, you have to select the type of charger that your electric vehicle is compatible with and then return to the main settings page and back to Google Maps.
What is the benefit of changing this setting?
If you change these settings as an electric vehicle owner, you'll be recommended personalized search options. You’ll also be recommended routes that have EV chargers of your preferred type. Additionally, whenever there is an EV charger near your vehicle, it will be displayed on the map. As for ICE vehicle owners, they will be presented with fuel-efficient route recommendations.
Range anxiety is a huge problem
Most electric vehicle owners suffer from one major problem, and that is range anxiety. We all know that electric vehicles today are not offered with very high range unless they are premium EVs. So, many people fear that they might get stuck after their range depletes. Now, with this setting change, owners will not have to panic and look for chargers when they are running on low battery.
The route on their maps will show them electric chargers nearby. On most urban roads, there are fast chargers that can quickly recharge the batteries for a fraction of the cost of a traditional refuel. The only issue is that it takes a bit more time than refueling an ICE vehicle.
Charging infrastructure is developing
For those who may be wondering whether this feature may not be very useful today as there are not that many chargers around, we have to highlight that EV charging infrastructure in India is developing very rapidly. Governments across the states are pushing for major development of charging stations on highways and within city limits.
So, changing these settings today will set up all EV owners for the future, as they will be able to drive on routes that already have chargers installed that they can use in case of range depletion.