You may not know it, but Google Maps is packed with convenient features, such as street view, location sharing, and real-time traffic updates. And if you’re using an EV, the map app can show you nearby charging locations, the charging speeds of those locations, and more.
But it seems Google isn’t done with adding EV-related features to the app. According to a new Google Maps update, the app could have another EV-related option.
APK Teardown Suggests Google Maps Adding Plug and Charge Locations
On version 111.15.103 of Google Maps for Android, there are hints of Google adding the ability to show Plug and Charge charging station information. The strings discovered in APK teardown have multiple references to “Plug and Charge.”
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Now, if you’re hearing the term for the first time, Plug and Charge tech is basically a simplified form of EV car charging. It allows you to use the charging stations without needing to open an app or take out a charging card. The EV itself will handle the payment process and initiate the charging.
Some EV manufacturers, such as BMW, note that the EV doesn’t require any internet connection to make the payment. This convenient feature is available to a couple of vehicle models. That includes Ford, GM, BMW, and Mercedes. And with time, there will be more and more manufacturers offering the feature.
Getting back to the Google Maps update, the references in the APK teardown suggest that Google is working on the feature. It may soon make its way to the beta version with the upcoming updates.
But again, note that there’s a possibility of it not getting added to the stable version of Google Maps. In general, APKs can have strings of working features, which are not guaranteed to make it to the public release. The case could be the same for the EV Plug and Charge location feature. We will update you when there’s more information available.
