EVgo, a US-based public fast charging network for electric vehicles (EVs), has launched a new EV charger navigation experience with Amazon’s cloud-based voice service Alexa.
The new feature will enable drivers with Alexa-enabled vehicles as well as automotive accessories such as Echo Auto to ask Alexa for assistance in finding and navigating to nearby EV charging stations.
The integration is part of a partnership forged by EVgo and Amazon earlier this year.
By utilising PlugShare, which is EVgo’s EV community, the Alexa-enabled EV charging experience allows drivers to access the former’s public EV charging repository to find nearby stations.
The PlugShare application programming interface (API) integration is said to create a smooth charging experience for Alexa-enabled EVs, such as the Nissan ARIYA, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and F-150 Lightning.
EVgo chief technology officer Ivo Steklac said: “The customer experience begins well before a driver arrives at a station. Enabling voice-initiated, hands-free navigation to charging stations enhances the customer experience, providing peace of mind for EV drivers on the go.
“As Amazon’s first charging network for Alexa, we’re thrilled to provide simplified charging experiences for customers with Alexa. It is yet another example of EVgo’s leadership in the development of customer-centric charging technologies.”
Customers can seamlessly locate and drive to the nearest charging station through a simple voice request, said EVgo.
The company further stated that Alexa gives a list of nearby public charging stations, with real-time availability by plug type and charging speed.
It will also provide the time and distance to arrival, thereby removing the need to manually stop and search for available EV charging stations.
Amazon smart vehicles vice president Anes Hodžić said: “Alexa is a natural way for people to interact with their vehicles, helping them do an array of tasks while they are on the go.
“This collaboration with EVgo to make the process of finding an EV charging station through Alexa is the latest example of how voice and multi-modal experiences can make life more convenient and we’re excited for customers to be able to try this for themselves.”
