Google Maps just added a major EV charging update — and it fixes one of my biggest electric driving problems

One of my biggest EV gripes is that EV-specific navigation, with routes that account for your charging needs, has only been available with the built-in navigation system. If your car's navigation is awful, like mine, you're essentially cut off from that crucial piece of tech — and completely reliant on mobile apps like Google Maps.

But Google is changing that, and has announced that AI-powered charging predictions will be coming to Google Maps for over 350 different electric vehicles. Essentially, this means Google Maps will be able to calculate when it thinks you'll have to stop to recharge, recommend an appropriate stop for your route, and account for charging time in your ETA.

Opened up to more cars

Obviously, Google Maps already does this if you have one of the "cars with Google built-in," which run on a version of Android. In those instances, Google Maps is hooked into the car's computer and can read battery information in real time — which isn't what's happening here.

This new system works with Android Auto (sorry iPhone users), which runs on your phone and doesn't link up to the in-car computer. Instead, you'll need to enter your EV's information into Maps, along with your battery percentage. Once Google knows what car you have and how big the battery is, it uses AI to calculate a route based on road elevation, real-time traffic levels and weather data.

It's important to remember that this is only an estimate, and without access to real-time battery data, Google Maps can't automatically update the route as you drive. Certain apps can do this with a link to your car's OBD-II port, but that's not something Google is offering.

This means that factors affecting driving efficiency that Google doesn't know about, such as a roof rack or a trunk full of heavy stuff, will drain your battery much faster than Google Maps can predict.

So be sure to keep tabs on your battery level, and be aware that Google's estimates are not Gospel. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the highway because you decided to put all your trust into a mobile app.

Google Maps is rolling out its new AI-powered battery predictions in the U.S. right now, with support for 15 brands and over 350 different EV models. While we don't have a full list of the exact cars, Google has confirmed that the following brands are supported:

• Audi
• BMW
• Chevrolet
• FIAT
• Genesis
• Hyundai
• Jaguar
• Kia
• Lexus
• Lucid
• Mercedes-Benz
• Nissan
• Porsche
• Subaru
• Toyota
• Volkswagen

Cars that run on Android directly, like Polestars, aren't included. Nor are the car brands that don't support Android Auto, like Tesla or Rivian. Then again, they all have their own charging-friendly navigation systems that will probably do a better job.

If you're unsure about whether your car is part of this, you can put your vehicle into Google Maps and see if estimated battery usage is available. You just need to be in the U.S., and have Google Maps 25.44 and up on an Android phone. Considering version 26.13 was released last week, updating should be fairly simple.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

More from Tom's Guide

• iOS 27's 'extensions' could be the start of a true AI App Store on iPhone — what we know
• This iPhone and Android setting might be quietly leaking your home address
• These 9 hidden Android settings will give your phone longer battery life