Google Maps update: New features bring immersive view; shows charging stations for e-cars

Google has unveiled a new update for its maps app Google Maps that introduces the immersive view for isolated cities introduced last year. For users of electric cars, charging stations will also be displayed on the route from now on.

This is what’s in the new Google Maps update

Google Maps is getting an exciting update. As the Internet giant revealed on its own blog, it is now introducing, among other things, the immersive view for isolated cities, which it had already introduced in May 2022. Immersive View is rolling out in London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Tokyo starting today, with more cities like Amsterdam, Dublin, Florence and Venice to follow shortly.

“Immersive View is a whole new way to explore a place – it makes you feel like you’re right there. Using advances in AI and machine vision, Immersive View fuses billions of Street View and aerial images to create a detailed, digital model of the world,” Google said.

Thus, the respective city is presented in a realistic 3D view. At the same time, other details are visible in real time, such as the current traffic situation or the weather including weather forecast.

This is made possible by AI technology called neural radiation fields (NeRF), which converts ordinary images into 3D representations. It allows places to be accurately reproduced – including lighting, textures of materials and backgrounds.

This is how Google Maps wants to score points with electric cars

In the new Google Maps update, there are also practical features for those who travel with an electric car. The feature will initially be introduced for cars that drive with integrated Google apps and services. These include Polestar, Renault and Honda, for example.

Added to this is the option to add charging stops to journeys. If the calculated route determines that a charging stop is necessary due to range, Google Maps will automatically suggest the best stop (based on factors such as current traffic, your charge level, and expected energy consumption).

It is also possible to filter charging stations that have an ultrafast charging function and thus charge at 150 kilowatts or more. The search results also show directly whether, for example, a supermarket or gas station also offers a charging station.

• More on this: Google Maps now helps save fuel

Overview directions

Also new to Google Maps is Clear Directions, which lets you track driving, walking and more right from your route summary or lock screen.

“You’ll see updated arrival times and where to turn next – information that was previously only visible when your smartphone was unlocked, when the app was open, and in comprehensive navigation mode,” the provider said.

If you decide to take a different route while on the road, the directions are also said to update automatically. The new clear directions are set to roll out globally on Android and iOS devices in the coming months, and will also support live iOS 16.1 activity.