Google doesn't tend to slack off for long when it comes to Google Maps updates, and users are noticing two new tweaks that have been quietly introduced to the Android app: covering electric vehicle navigation and identifying particular roads.
First up is EV charging, as spotted by SmartDroid (via 9to5Google): In the Android app you can see nearby charging stations by simply tapping the corresponding filter button below the main search bar, in the top of the screen.
However, you must have your car set to electric to see it, which you can do from the Your Vehicle option in Google Maps settings. Gasoline is the default vehicle type, in which case you will see a quick link to gas stations.
A similar update was applied to Android Auto last year, so now it appears to have arrived in the Android app as well. Last month, Google announced some new AI-powered features to make it easier to access an electric vehicle charging point.
Where we are going, we need roads
The second Google Maps tweak, again via SmartDroid and 9to5Google, will show you the entire length of a road highlighted in blue when you search for it. Previously, you just had a pin stuck in the middle of the path to help you find your way to it.
This gives you a little better idea of the length of the road you're looking at, in terms of where it starts and ends, and how much space it takes up on the map. Of course, you can still navigate to any specific point on the road, if necessary.
So two fairly minor tweaks, but both should make Google Maps easier and more comfortable to use. It is not yet known whether iOS will receive the same updates or not, but we assume that it will.
It's set to be a big week for Google as its Google I/O 2024 software developer event kicks off on Tuesday, May 14. We may hear more about updates coming to Google Maps at that time, and you'll be able to see them live from wherever you are. be.
