The latest update to Google Maps could make some electric car owners scream. Why? Google has simply decided to remove a basic, if not essential, feature by surprise: the estimated time of arrival.
Indeed, for a few hours now, some vehicles equipped with Android Automotive that have carried out the latest update no longer display the ETA (Estimated time of arrival). This change has not gone down well with users who have been quick to speak out on social networks and dedicated forums. Useful clarification: this change only concerns certain vehicles equipped with Android Automotive; drivers using Google Maps via their Android or iOS smartphone are not affected.
Why remove the arrival time from Google Maps?
What is the logic behind this arbitrary removal? For the moment, neither Google nor the manufacturers concerned have commented on the subject. Is it to take into account the sometimes variable duration of charges? Is this a not very inspired attempt at simplification? Or is it a simple error during the deployment of an update? The measure nevertheless seems difficult to understand since the Google Maps route planner takes into account the necessary stops for recharging in its calculations and automatically adjusts the ETA when the driver chooses to stay more or less time at the terminal.
Which vehicles are affected by the removal?
For the moment, two brands seem to be concerned by this problem. These are Volvo and Polestar, both of which belong to the Geely group. The question of the manufacturer's responsibility necessarily arises since Android Automotive is only an OS that each vehicle manufacturer is free to refine using its own overlay. Questioned by us, Volvo France explains that it has indeed noticed this famous disappearance on the instrument screen, the one placed behind the steering wheel. The arrival time indication appears on the central screen when it displays navigation. Volvo also confirmed to us that a fix would be deployed during the next software update scheduled for February 24.
According to our information, other manufacturers running on Android Automotive, such as Renault, have not seen this feature disappear either. For its part, Google has not communicated on a possible problem. We have also contacted Mountain View to find out a little more and are awaiting a complete response.
Of course, this article will be updated according to the next information available.
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