The Westover Group, part of the UK’s largest network of motor dealerships, has welcomed the move Google has made to introduce a real-time electric vehicle (EV) charge point search function to Google Maps.
In the last 12 months with the Westover Group witnessing more and more interest from drivers wanting to learn more about electric cars, their benefits as well as access to charging points, this new function on Google Maps to deliver immediate search results detailing electric (EV) charge point availability coincides with this increase in interest.
With five of the 15 car brands represented by the Westover Group in Dorset and Wiltshire – Jaguar, Nissan, Kia, Renault and Hyundai – currently producing all-electric vehicles, this update by Google means electric car owners can easily find the nearest available charge point to replenish batteries.
With a wider selection of electric cars available, the Westover Group is proud to represent a diverse range of these vehicles which have been acknowledged with awards. These include the Jaguar I-PACE, awarded the coveted title of ‘Car of the Year’ at the European Car of the Year Awards 2019, the Kia e-Niro, presented with the 2019 What Car? Best Electric Car award, the Huyndai Kona, gaining the 2019 Fleet News Award for Best Zero Emission Car, the Renault Master Z.E, awarded the Green Van of the Year at the 2019 Great British Fleet Awards, as well as the multi-award-winning Nissan LEAF which is the world’s best-selling electric vehicle with more than 380,000 sold globally since the original car launched in 2010.
Mark Whittam, group operations director at the Westover Group, says: “With the electric vehicle charging infrastructure expanding massively across the country, it is making electric cars more viable for more people. To have real-time charging points now highlighted on Google Maps is a great addition to help encourage more drivers to switch to electric vehicles.
“The selection of electric car options available is increasing and is likely to continue to do so as further manufacturers offer vehicles with increased technology, longer drive ranges and faster charge times.”
Established in 1923, the Westover Group operates from 28 locations across Dorset and Wiltshire and represents 15 vehicle manufacturers – Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Dacia, Fiat, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lotus, Nissan, Renault, Skoda and Toyota. The motor firm is now part of the Hendy Group.
