Tesla’s Supercharger network just became more accessible to all EV drivers. As of this week, Google Maps users in Canada and the U.S. can now view live Supercharger availability. This feature is also available in Apple Maps, but currently only for Supercharger stations in the U.S.
The new feature gives EV driver real-time data on how many stalls are open, charging speeds, and site details — all without needing Tesla’s in-car navigation or app.
The new integration displays the number of available stalls directly within Google Maps listings for Tesla Superchargers. For example, users might see “15/16” or “2/12.” While it isn’t immediately clear whether this number is the number of stalls available or in use, a comparison of the Tesla app shows it is how many are free and available for use.
However, based on a comparison of the data being displayed between Google Maps and the Tesla app, there appears to be a delay in the Google feed, as the utilization figures are almost always different between the two platforms.
Meanwhile, Apple Maps users can access the same live data, with the UI much clearer. However, this is currently only within the United States for now.
From Tesla’s 2017 Launch to Industry Standard
Tesla first introduced live Supercharger availability in 2017, setting a new benchmark for EV charging transparency. The system allowed drivers to see which stations were busy and automatically reroute to less crowded ones. Over time, this innovation was incorporated into the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) standard, which helps connect various charging networks and apps.
According to Max de Zegher, part of Tesla’s charging leadership, this new phase of integration for third-party platforms like Google Maps represents just the beginning. He emphasized that future improvements should include real-time wait times, forecasted availability, and dynamic re-routing, mirroring Tesla’s internal Trip Planner system.
Tesla’s Trip Planner: The “Air Traffic Control” of EV Charging
De Zegher likened Tesla’s Trip Planner to an air traffic controller, coordinating where vehicles are headed and distributing demand efficiently across the network.
“Trip Planner knows where customers are routing, creates Supercharger usage forecasts, and gets everyone to their destination the fastest,” he explained. This system minimizes congestion, especially on busy travel days, and ensures optimal use of charging infrastructure.
Tesla says reciprocal data sharing between navigation providers will be key to improving network performance for all EV drivers. Without it, De Zegher warned, navigation systems are essentially “like air traffic control not knowing what planes are inbound.”
More Visibility, Better Utilization
By bringing Tesla’s real-time charging data to Google Maps, drivers — whether in a Tesla or not — can make smarter route decisions and avoid unnecessary waits. It’s a small but significant step toward a more open, interconnected EV charging ecosystem, one where availability, speed, and cost transparency help reduce both congestion and range anxiety.
