Google to give EV drivers enhanced maps to promote sustainable travel

Google has unveiled new features for across Google Maps and Google Search designed to boost the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and to promote sustainable travel choices.

The new additions include a feature that offers public transit options directly alongside driving directions, when the travel times are comparable. It is expected to roll out in 15 cities globally in the coming weeks.

Also, the Google Maps enhancements aim to give users better access to real-time information about EV charging stations, showing charger availability and charging speeds.

The app features are designed to address common concerns among drivers regarding the availability and location of charging facilities.

Furthermore, Google plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to provide more accurate directions and summaries for chargers, especially those in less visible locations like multilevel parking garages.

Elsewhere in the Google-verse, the Google Flights website will begin to include emission estimates for each flight that they list, to help conscious users choose less carbon-intensive options.

Explore Bias

Media reports emphasise the technological innovations being deployed by Google, possibly giving an enthusiastic and tech-centric view that may overshadow potential drawbacks or broader societal impacts.

Some reports meanwhile carry the story with more of critique of the current state of the EV sector, noting the criticisms and limitations such as slower-than-expected adoption by consumers and the inadequacies of broad infrastructure.

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• "Google's new features can help you make more sustainable travel decisions" - ZDNet
  
• "Google Announces New Features For Travel" - Forbes
  
• "Google Will Soon Show EV Charging Stations to Help With Range Anxiety" - Business Insider
  
• "Google Maps will use AI to help you find out-of-the-way EV chargers" - The Verge