By Michael Giles and Jeff Powell | 2 min. read
Google Maps announced a groundbreaking in-app feature last month, triggering a surge of appreciation from electric vehicle (EV) owners across the globe.
Now, by simply typing keywords like “EV charger” or “EV charging” into the Google Maps search bar, drivers can instantly pinpoint supported EV charging points in their area. The update adds unprecedented convenience to electric vehicle ownership and helps diffuse the hold of “range anxiety.”
“Google Maps helps people get wherever they need to go, no matter what mode of transportation they’re using — and this includes electric vehicles,” Tatiana Gianini of Google Canada told Impark. “There are currently over 3 million EVs on the road today — and this number is expected to increase to 100 million by 2030.”
“To assist the increasing number of EV drivers, Google decided to make it easy to see EV charging stations on Google Maps — so you can always make sure your car is charged and ready for your ride.”
The Google Maps EV charger listings connect users with a charging location’s business information; charger types, their availability, and charging speeds; and user reviews. In North America, Tesla, Chargepoint, SemaConnect, EVgo, and Blink chargers are all currently visible on the platform.
A Tesla Destination Charging Location at an Impark-managed parking facility. Photo credit: Tesla
What Does This Mean for Property Managers?
The new Google Maps charger listings have the potential to increase transient parker demand for EV chargers, making it all the more crucial that stations are well maintained and appropriately monitored.
In the event that demand spikes at your property, consider taking preventative measures to keep your EV charging stations from being improperly occupied by non-EVs and fully charged EVs. DC Fast Charging stations, for example, can fully charge an EV in under one hour. However, if the driver purchases a full day of parking, they may not be compelled to return for six or seven hours after reaching full charge. This limits the charging station’s occupancy potential and negatively impacts other EV owners. By diversifying charging options to include some slower Level 2 charging, best for parking stays of over one hour, patrons can select the charging equipment that aligns best with how long they plan to visit nearby amenities.
A communications system can be used to notify drivers when their car has reached a full charge. The system, which Impark can tailor on a site-specific basis, can also be implemented in conjunction with late fees for those who fail to return to their vehicle within a specific time period.
Valet assist can also be introduced where appropriate, allowing parking ambassadors to move EVs to regular spaces when fully charged. In addition to solving the challenge at hand for property managers, valet assist optimizes customer convenience and can help build long-lasting customer loyalty.
Are you having difficulties effectively managing your EV charging stations? We can help. Speak to an Impark consultant today.
For more information about enhancing your property’s presence on Google Maps, speak to an Impark Digital consultant today.
