Google Rolls Out Android Auto EV Route Planning for Over 15 Brands

Google has begun rolling out EV route planning capabilities to Android Auto, a move designed to simplify long-distance electric travel for drivers of more than 15 automaker brands. The feature, initially announced in March, integrates with Google Maps to suggest charging stops based on user-input vehicle data.

What Happened

The new functionality allows Android Auto to calculate charging stops along a route by accounting for battery percentage and range. Because Android Auto operates as a smartphone mirroring system rather than a direct interface with vehicle onboard diagnostics, users must manually configure their EV details within the Google Maps app. This includes selecting the vehicle's make, model, year, trim, and compatible charging connector, such as CCS, NACS, CHAdeMO, or J1772. Once configured, entering the starting battery percentage prompts the system to generate a route with suggested stops.

Why It Matters

This update has the potential to democratize EV route planning across a wide spectrum of vehicles, from budget models to luxury cars, eliminating the need for drivers to manually locate charging stations. During a test drive in a Lexus ES 350e, the feature helped mitigate charging anxiety by removing the psychological barrier of finding plugs. However, the system’s accuracy lags behind native vehicle navigation. For a roughly 350-mile trip from South Brooklyn to Rochester, New York, Android Auto estimated a total journey time of 7 hours and 48 minutes, whereas the Lexus native system recommended a route that was 46 minutes shorter. Additionally, Google Maps displayed 307 miles of EPA range for the vehicle, while the specific test unit, a Luxury trim with 21-inch wheels, had a rated range of 292 miles. The system does not account for real-time variables like roof racks or trailers, nor does it offer minimum arrival battery settings common in integrated systems.

The Bottom Line

While Android Auto’s EV route planning is not as precise as native systems like those found in Tesla, Rivian, or newer Lexus models, it provides a functional and familiar interface for planning electric road trips. The feature relies on static vehicle specifications and external factors like traffic and weather, making it a viable tool for general planning despite its lack of real-time battery management system integration.