Tesla Supercharger Live Availability Added to Google Maps

Google Maps has introduced live Supercharger availability data, making it easier for non-Tesla EV drivers to access the Supercharger network. This integration is a welcome convenience for the growing number of NACS-equipped EVs and is already live.

The Google Maps integration now includes live availability of stalls at Supercharger sites, in addition to existing information such as charger speed in kW and daily popular times tracked by Google. This feature is expected to also roll out for Apple Maps users, which also provides EV charging and navigation support.

A Positive Development

While the addition of live Supercharger availability data on Google Maps is a significant step forward for non-Tesla EV drivers, there are still some important details missing.

One key missing piece of information is pricing details. Google Maps does not provide information on time-of-use pricing or whether a site has Congestion Pricing in effect. This information can greatly impact users’ decisions, especially when comparing nearby Supercharger sites with varying pricing structures based on live utilization.

Another area lacking clarity is in the labeling of Tesla-only charging sites. Non-Tesla compatible sites are labeled as “NACS,” while sites where only Teslas can charge (V2 Superchargers) are simply labeled as Tesla. This distinction may cause confusion for users who arrive at a site expecting to charge their NACS-equipped EVs.

Looking Ahead

Tesla’s Director of Charging emphasizes that this integration is just the beginning of a more comprehensive network management strategy. Reactive live data is a good start, but proactive network management is essential for optimizing Supercharger usage.

Tesla’s navigation system already routes vehicles to the most suitable Supercharger site based on various factors, including live availability, travel time, state of charge, and traffic conditions. With upcoming features like Virtual Queuing, Tesla aims to further enhance charger availability by aggregating demand data.

Collaboration with navigation and mapping providers like Google and Apple will be crucial for gathering incoming navigation information, including state of charge and arrival times, to improve Supercharger network management across different platforms.

While live Supercharger availability data is a positive step, there is still work to be done in terms of cross-provider integration to effectively manage the Supercharger network in the future. This initial integration marks the beginning of a more seamless user experience for EV drivers.