Google brings EV charging-stop planning to Android Auto for 15+ brands
Drivers enter their car's trim and charging connector in Google Maps, then a starting battery level, to get charging stops along the route.
Google has added an electric-vehicle route planning feature to Android Auto that recommends charging stops along a route, and the rollout now covers EVs from more than 15 car brands, according to digitaltoday.co.kr.
To use it, drivers register their vehicle's manufacturer, model, year, trim and charging connector standard in Google Maps, then enter the starting battery level. The system uses that information to suggest where to charge during the trip.
A test drive with a Lexus ES 350e showed how the estimates can differ from the car's own software. On a route of roughly 350 miles (about 560 km) from South Brooklyn to Rochester, New York, Android Auto estimated a total time of 7 hours 48 minutes including charging, while the Lexus native navigation suggested a route 46 minutes shorter.
Google Maps also listed the ES 350e's range as 307 miles, a figure that corresponds to the premium trim. The test car was a luxury trim with 21-inch wheels and a range of 292 miles (about 470 km).
Previewed earlier this year
Google first showed off the EV route planning feature in March 2026, before the wider rollout to Android Auto users.
Quick answers
Which cars does the Android Auto EV route planning feature support?
Google says the feature is being expanded to EVs from more than 15 car brands.
How does Android Auto plan charging stops?
Drivers enter their vehicle's manufacturer, model, year, trim and charging connector standard in Google Maps and input their starting battery level to receive charging stop recommendations.
What did the Lexus ES 350e test show?
On a roughly 350-mile route from South Brooklyn to Rochester, Android Auto estimated 7 hours 48 minutes including charging, while the Lexus native navigation suggested a route 46 minutes shorter.