Waze Malaysia can now display EV charging ports on its in-app map. In the same year, Google developed this EV charging port visibility for its native map application, but the feature was not available for Malaysian users. However, the navigation app was acquired by Google for AUD 1.79 billion last year. Now, Malaysian motorists can use the addition through Waze.
Carz Auto Media reviewed the new feature and noted that Waze and Google don’t provide the charging ports’ information. Instead, Waze relies on contributors like map editors and local business owners to add their public charging points in real time. Despite this, private charging points are not allowed to be added as the information is to be used by the community of users.
HOW TO USE IT
To enable this feature, users must open the settings page, then click “Driving preferences.” Under “Vehicle details,” users need to click “Electric vehicles” to finally enable “Turn on EV features.” When this is enabled, EV drivers can choose “up to seven different charging connector types” that suit their vehicle/s. Finally, go back to the home screen and click “Where to” and tap “EV Charging” on top left. The Waze app will then display nearby compatible charging ports according to the user’s preferences.
Interestingly, users can even add these charging points to their routes. Drivers only need to plan their routes like usual on their Waze app, then click the arrow icon on the lower right corner to add a stop. Tap “EV Charging” and select the charging point to be added to the route. This extended route-planning feature can ease drivers’ range anxiety, a common experience for EV users.
Though most Malaysian EV drivers are accustomed to the same feature on PlugShare, EV charging stations markers on Waze are sure to be useful. The feature is not yet widely available but will be released to the public in stages. Since Waze relies on user information, the map may still be incomplete. It may not be for long as Malaysia has the highest number of Waze users in Asia.
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