Infotainment: Navigation app vs. We Charge app. Conflicting info on chargers?

[N21]

Hello!

I'm curious if anybody knows why the Navigation app and We Charge app on the car's infotainment appear to differ?

For example, I've noticed sometimes that the Navigation app's route planner has had a couple of instances of showing chargers that are no longer there or that are incorrect power levels—but when tapping the charger for further information, this brings up the We Charge overlay which shows different information (or no charger at all if the unit is decommissioned).

Are they using different datasets? Seems odd that they're not consistent with each other.

In addition, does anyone know what the green circle/red circle means when a charger is added to your route plan? I'd assume it means if a bay is currently available but again they don't seem to be internet-connected in the route planner, so I'm not sure...

[smyth1492]

I believe that they are different datasets between navigation and WeCharge but don't know why or anymore about it.
Beware that sometimes WeCharge will show 12 chargers available and when you get to the chargers, there are only 6 but each charger has Chadmo and CCS. (so counted as 2 per charger).
The green/red dots show if the charger(s) are in use or not. I assume if there are multiple chargers and its red then there are non-available.

[N21]

I believe that they are different datasets between navigation and WeCharge but don't know why or anymore about it.
Beware that sometimes WeCharge will show 12 chargers available and when you get to the chargers, there are only 6 but each charger has Chadmo and CCS. (so counted as 2 per charger).
The green/red dots show if the charger(s) are in use or not. I assume if there are multiple chargers and its red then there are non-available.

Ah great, thanks! I assume the dots are unreliable then given the dataset conflicts.

[smyth1492]

That's a good question on the dot reliably. I do tend to avoid reds and try greens. I'm not fast charging regularly enough to be able to fairly answer this

[duckworthsj]

Based on my unfortunately very bitter experience, I would basically forget both apps and use an Independent one.. Chargemap, Zap-Map.

Anything to do with VW and software is a pile of something you accidentally step in on the street.

[sidehaas]

I've found that the live availability data (red/green status and the extra info when you click for more detail) is ok for Ionity (but fairly limited experience ie maybe 5 occasions when I've looked it) but definitely unreliable for other networks I've checked it for. When I looked at it recently for some BP and EG chargers it was completely wrong.

Worth noting that in my experience live data is always a bit unreliable unless you get it directly from source, ie the CPO's own phone app. There is seemingly always a few minutes delay before 3rd party apps like zapmap get updated. It's easy to test this by seeing what change they show after you plug in yourself!

I think the ID3 navigation route planning function works quite well now but is fundamentally let down by an inability to filter out chargers with too few CCS connectors or from certain CPOs that I don't trust. If they added those filters in the menu it would be quite useful.

[Theitchers]

Hello!

I'm curious if anybody knows why the Navigation app and We Charge app on the car's infotainment appear to differ?

For example, I've noticed sometimes that the Navigation app's route planner has had a couple of instances of showing chargers that are no longer there or that are incorrect power levels—but when tapping the charger for further information, this brings up the We Charge overlay which shows different information (or no charger at all if the unit is decommissioned).

Are they using different datasets? Seems odd that they're not consistent with each other. This situation definitely points to some improvements that could be made in syncing data across these systems, especially considering how critical accurate charger information is for electric vehicle drivers. If you're interested in how such systems are built, developing a high-quality navigation app that integrates accurate, real-time data for EV chargers can be a complex task. If you want to learn more about how to approach this kind of development, you can check out a detailed step-by-step guide on https://www.cogniteq.com/blog/navigatio ... step-guide to better understand the process.

In addition, does anyone know what the green circle/red circle means when a charger is added to your route plan? I'd assume it means if a bay is currently available but again they don't seem to be internet-connected in the route planner, so I'm not sure...

Hello!

It seems like you're noticing some inconsistencies between the Navigation app and the We Charge app, which can definitely be confusing. From what you've described, it does appear that the two apps may be pulling from different datasets or sources, which is likely why the information isn't always consistent. The Navigation app could be using an older or less frequently updated database, which might be why it occasionally shows decommissioned chargers or incorrect power levels. Meanwhile, the We Charge app might be accessing a more up-to-date or more specific dataset, leading to those discrepancies.

As for the green and red circles, you’re probably right in assuming that they represent availability, but the lack of real-time data could explain the confusion. It’s possible that these indicators are static and don't update in real-time, meaning they only reflect availability based on the most recent update of the system, but they aren’t pulling in live data for each charging station’s current status.

This situation definitely points to some improvements that could be made in syncing data across these systems, especially considering how critical accurate charger information is for electric vehicle drivers. Hopefully, future updates will improve the consistency between the apps and offer better real-time integration.

Hope this helps clarify things a bit!