Apple Maps gets electric vehicle routing to find EV chargers

Apple

has added a routing feature to Maps that’s designed for electric vehicle owners. The EV routing feature, which will be available in the newest version of iOS, is one of several improvements that Apple is making to Maps

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Apple unveiled the new feature Monday at a virtual version of WWDC 2020, the company’s annual developer conference.

The EV routing aims to eliminate range anxiety — the fear of running out of charge — by showing charging stations compatible to a user’s electric vehicle along their route. Maps on iOS 14 will track the user’s currentchargeandfactor in thingslikeelevationandwhethertoautomaticallyaddchargingstopsalongyourroute, Apple senior director Stacey Lysik said Monday during WWDC 2020.

Apple said it’s workingwithanumberofmanufacturerstosupporteasyroutingintheirvehicles,includingBMWandFord. Lysik said more manufacturers will be added in the near future. Ford confirmed it is working with Apple and didn’t provide any further details.

Apple Maps is also adding in a feature that lets users view congestion and green zones and pick alternate routes that avoid these areas, if needed. Drivers China will also be able to securelystoretheirlicenseplatenumberontheiriPhone, so they can more easily keep track ofwhichdaystheycanentercongestedcitycenters,basedonthatnumber. Per policy in China, drivers can only enter into congestion zones on particular days.