Mapbox vs HERE – which is best for EV navigation apps?

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, the need for reliable and efficient navigation systems has grown significantly. Modern EV apps require more than just basic mapping; they need features like real-time charging station data and optimized routes based on battery range.

Two prominent platforms offering APIs tailored to these needs are HERE and Mapbox. In this post, we’re taking a closer look at how these two mapping solutions compare in terms of EV-specific features and capabilities, helping you choose the right tool for your EV app.

What is Mapbox? 

Mapbox is a powerful map library known for enabling developers to create highly customizable and interactive maps. Its API allows for extensive control over map design and functionality, making it a popular choice for applications that require visually appealing and dynamic maps.

Due to its ease of use and ability to handle complex visualizations, Mapbox has become popular across various industries, particularly in apps that benefit from rich, interactive mapping experiences.

Popular apps benefitting from Mapbox include Lyft, Strava and Snapchat.

What is HERE? 

HERE Technologies is a well-established provider of various location-based services oriented at supporting the automotive and navigation sectors. Offering a comprehensive suite of APIs, HERE is particularly strong in precise routing, traffic data, and geospatial technologies.

HERE is widely recognized for its reliability and accuracy, especially in contexts where real-time data and advanced routing features are critical, such as in the development of EV apps.

Apps built with Here technologies include Garmin, Uber and Grab.

Key features for EV routing and navigation

Developers working on electric vehicle (EV) navigation apps need to ensure that the chosen platform offers specific features that address the unique challenges of EV drivers.

Mapbox features

Mapbox offers a range of features that can be tailored to the specific needs of EV apps. One of its standout capabilities is the high level of customization available for map styles and layers, allowing developers to design a user interface that fits the branding and functionality of their application. Here is a number of other useful features:

• While Mapbox doesn’t explicitly focus on electric vehicle routing, it does provide the ability to include charging station locations through third-party integrations or custom data layers. This flexibility allows developers to incorporate EV-specific information, though it may require additional configuration compared to platforms more focused on EV use cases.
• Dynamic routing features: for real-time navigation, Mapbox provides up-to-date traffic data, which helps ensure that routes are efficient and responsive to changing road conditions.
• Integration with Navigation SDK: Mapbox also offers turn-by-turn navigation, making it easier for developers to build comprehensive navigation experiences.
• Geocoding API: Mapbox has a geocoding feature with access to EV-related places of interest, including charging stations and EV-friendly parking spots. Charging stations can be mapped with real-time data if connected to a third-party API for status updates.
• Map customization: Mapbox excels in Custom Map Styles and interactive features, allowing developers to design EV apps with tailored visuals for ease of use in displaying charging locations, routes, and points of interest for EV drivers.
• Traffic-based route optimization: the Mapbox Traffic Data provides real-time traffic data, allowing EV apps to generate optimized routes based on current traffic conditions to avoid unnecessary energy consumption during high-traffic times.
• Range visualization: using Mapbox GL JS and data-driven styling, developers can create range polygons that show how far an EV can travel on its current charge – a valuable tool for planning within a safe radius of charging infrastructure.
• Environmental data layer: Mapbox provides environmental data integrations, which are useful for applications needing real-time information on air quality, temperature, and other factors that can affect EV performance and energy consumption.

HERE features

HERE was, in fact, specifically designed with electric vehicle navigation in mind, offering robust features tailored to the needs of EV drivers. Here’s what the SDK offers:

• Detailed information on charging stations: one of its key strengths is the HERE EV Charge Points API, which includes data on availability, types of chargers, and real-time status updates. This makes it easier for developers to integrate accurate and reliable charging station data directly into their apps.
• Advanced EV routing and range calculation capabilities: in terms of routing, HERE offers options that go beyond traditional mapping solutions. It takes into account critical EV-specific factors such as battery charge level, energy consumption rates, and the need to plan around charging stops. This ensures that the routes provided to EV drivers are optimized for their vehicle’s range and charging needs.

• Energy consumption model: HERE’s routing API allows you to input parameters like weight, drag coefficient, and energy consumption for more accurate range and energy predictions, which are essential for EVs.
• EV-specific POIs: the platform includes points of interest specific to EVs, such as service centers, dealerships, and support centers, which enhance the utility of the app for EV drivers.
• Traffic and hazard detection: HERE API provides Traffic Incident Data, which can help drivers avoid traffic congestion, thus optimizing energy use. Hazard warnings for weather, road conditions, and accidents are also available, which are useful for EV route planning.

• Customization options: HERE’s SDK also allows for the creation of custom navigation solutions, giving developers the flexibility to build tailored experiences while leveraging the platform’s extensive EV-focused features.

Mapbox vs Here: what Mapbox offers that HERE doesn’t

One of Mapbox’s standout advantages is its ability to deliver highly customizable and visually engaging map designs. Developers working with Mapbox can tweak almost every aspect of the map's appearance, from color schemes to the types of data layers displayed. This makes Mapbox an excellent choice for applications that prioritize unique, interactive, and visually rich user experiences.

Another strength of Mapbox is its strong, active community and extensive documentation. The platform benefits from a wide user base, which translates into a wealth of tutorials, plugins, and community-driven tools that can help developers troubleshoot and enhance their projects. This community support, combined with detailed documentation, makes Mapbox approachable for developers at all levels of experience.

Moreover, Mapbox’s flexibility in building custom map layers allows developers to create highly tailored user experiences. Whether it's incorporating specialized data for specific regions or adding unique points of interest, this level of customization provides developers with the tools to build something truly distinctive.

Mapbox vs. HERE: what does HERE offers that Mapbox doesn’t

HERE, on the other hand, brings a different set of advantages, particularly when it comes to its deep integration with automotive industry standards. With a long history in the automotive and navigation sectors, HERE is trusted by car manufacturers and transportation companies worldwide. This makes it a natural fit for applications targeting EV users, especially those integrated into vehicle systems or fleet management solutions.

One of HERE’s most significant differentiators is its advanced EV-specific routing features. While Mapbox offers general mapping and navigation tools, HERE goes a step further by providing route optimization based on real-time battery data, energy consumption rates, and available charging stations. This EV-first approach ensures that drivers are always guided along the most efficient route, considering factors unique to electric vehicles, such as battery range and charging stop requirements.

Additionally, HERE boasts an extensive and highly detailed global dataset for road networks and traffic conditions. This rich dataset allows for precise navigation, especially in regions where road networks are complex or where real-time traffic conditions can dramatically affect travel times. For EV apps that require high levels of accuracy and reliability in their routing, HERE’s data infrastructure provides a robust foundation.

Developer friendliness and integration

When choosing a location-based service provider, the ease with which developers can integrate these tools into their applications is crucial. Both Mapbox vs HERE offer developer-friendly platforms, but they do so in slightly different ways, each catering to a broad spectrum of developer needs.

Mapbox integration

Mapbox is known for its developer-first approach, with an emphasis on flexibility, customizability, and ease of use. Here's how it stands out in terms of developer integration:

• Ease of use with well-documented APIs and tutorials: intuitive APIs with extensive, well-organized documentation and code snippets in multiple languages simplify setup and customization, from basic maps to advanced analytics.
• Community-driven resources and support forums: a strong developer community on platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow shares resources, tutorials, and troubleshooting advice. Mapbox’s own forums offer solutions and insights, enhancing support and collaboration.
• Seamless integration with platforms like React Native, Android, and iOS: dedicated SDKs for React Native, Android, and iOS provide platform-specific guides and samples, enabling seamless integration for mobile app developers to implement maps, geocoding, and other location services.

HERE Integration

HERE Technologies offers a robust suite of developer tools and SDKs that cater to a wide range of use cases, from simple map rendering to complex enterprise-level solutions. HERE’s focus on providing comprehensive SDKs and detailed guides makes it a strong contender for developers seeking a reliable and scalable mapping platform.

• Comprehensive SDKs for various platforms: HERE provides SDKs for web, Android, iOS, and Flutter, with advanced features such as routing, traffic data, navigation, and analytics. Options include the HERE SDK Lite Edition for lighter applications and the Premium Edition for complex enterprise needs.
• Extensive resources for developers, including sample code and use case guides: the HERE developer portal includes extensive documentation, sample code, use case guides, and tutorials that support both basic integrations and complex scenarios, like fleet management.
• Technical support and enterprise-level solutions: HERE’s premium support plans offer direct technical assistance, ideal for businesses with large-scale, mission-critical applications. Its enterprise solutions align well with industries like logistics, transportation, and automotive, integrating location services seamlessly with business processes.

Building an EV application - next steps

The decision to choose between Mapbox vs HERE ultimately depends on the specific needs of your organization and project.

Both Mapbox vs HERE offer strong ecosystems for developers, but they cater to slightly different audiences and use cases. Mapbox excels in providing an open, flexible platform with an active community and seamless integration into modern tech stacks like React Native. It’s ideal for developers looking for a customizable solution with a lot of community support behind it.

On the other hand, HERE is an excellent choice in scenarios where enterprise-grade features and comprehensive solutions are required. Its SDKs are designed for multi-platform support, and the extensive resources available for developers make it a great fit for complex applications that require advanced features like routing, navigation, and real-time traffic data.

If you’re looking to build a versatile solution tailored to the needs of electric vehicle users and look for a partner to support you in this endeavor, we’d be eager to put our expertise in the matter into use. Reach out to us through this contact form today and we’ll get back to you to schedule a free consultation during which we’ll discuss your unique needs.