As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads in the United Kingdom (UK) continues to grow, it is essential to have a clear and accessible way to locate EV charging stations. Google Maps is one of the most widely used mapping services, and it is possible to show EV charging stations on it. In this article, we will explain how to do this in the UK.
Step 1: Find the EV Charging Station Provider
The first step in showing EV charging stations on Google Maps is to identify the provider of the charging station data. In the UK, there are three primary providers of this data: Zap-Map, Open Charge Map, and Plugshare. These providers gather information from various sources and provide it to mapping services like Google Maps.
Step 2: Add the EV Charging Station Provider to Google Maps
To show the EV charging stations on Google Maps, you need to add the charging station provider to the map. Open Google Maps and click on the “Menu” icon in the top left corner. Select “Your Places” and then “Maps” from the menu. Click on “Create Map” and select “Untitled Map” to name your map.
Next, click on the “Add Layer” icon and choose “Import.” From the “Import” menu, select the option to “Select a file from your computer.” Navigate to the charging station provider’s website and download their data file. Once you have downloaded the file, upload it to Google Maps by selecting “Choose File” and then “Import.”
Step 3: Customize Your EV Charging Station Map
Once you have added the charging station provider to Google Maps, you can customize the map to suit your needs. You can change the color of the charging station markers, add labels, and adjust the zoom level. You can also add other layers to the map, such as traffic, public transport, or cycling routes.
To customize the map, click on the “Menu” icon in the top left corner and select “Your Places.” Click on the map you created and then click on the “Edit” button. From here, you can change the color of the charging station markers by clicking on the marker icon, selecting a color, and clicking “OK.” You can also add labels by clicking on the “Add a label” icon, typing in the name of the charging station, and clicking “Save.”
Step 4: Share Your EV Charging Station Map
Once you have customized your EV charging station map, you can share it with others. Click on the “Menu” icon in the top left corner and select “Your Places.” Click on the map you created and then click on the “Share” button. You can choose to share the map via email or by copying the link and pasting it into a social media post or website.
Conclusion
Showing EV charging stations on Google Maps is an easy process that can help EV drivers plan their journeys more efficiently. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can add a charging station provider to Google Maps, customize the map, and share it with others. With more and more EVs on the roads in the UK, having access to accurate and up-to-date charging station information is essential.
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