Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by ETC Team
Waze began revealing electric vehicle charging station data in select countries, bringing it up to speed with Google Maps and PlugShare, both which have offered this feature for years.
One of the more popular navigation apps, Waze is adding more electric vehicle charging station data to its maps, beginning a global rollout that should reach US users by mid-April.
Waze announced in a blog post that users can enter their electric vehicle’s car and plug type into the Waze app to find EV charging stations along their route. The feature will roll out globally in the Waze app.
Find EV charging stations with Waze
Waze’s map will show you not only all of the closest charging stations, but also the types of plugs in those stations, their speeds, how many plugs are available, and directions to find them. This charging station data should be everything you need and more.
“Charging station information is often inconsistent, outdated or unreliable, creating a major pain point for EV drivers who may navigate to a charging station only to discover they can’t find it or use it,”Waze says, highlighting one of the most common frustrations of owning an EV. “By adding up-to-date EV charging information to the Waze map, it’s even easier to charge your car and get help finding where or when you’ll come across the next station.”
Ever since Google merged Waze with the Maps team, they have made worthy improvements. Back in December, Waze launched its first dedicated app for cars. That app is about to be even more useful with the addition of charging stations on the map.
The new experience will add key details such as number of chargers available at the location, charging speed, plug type, hours of operation, and on-site directions to find the station. Drivers can also enter their personal data(electric vehicle and plug type)to make finding stations that work for them a breeze.
To keep facilitate the data, Waze will lean into its driver community. “Thanks to local Map Editors from our Waze Community, EV data is reviewed and updated in real-time to provide the most accurate, comprehensive information to the map,” Waze says. The app is already known for tapping user feedback on things like traffic, collisions, and whether police are nearby.
Adding these incredibly popular features will bring Waze closer-to-par with the likes of Google Maps and PlugShare, much to the delight of EV drivers who already use the app.
