Google and Ford have collaborated on big updates for Android Auto on the automaker’s electric vehicles for routing and finding charging stations.
As announced on LinkedIn, Ford’s Anthony Phillips has confirmed that updates are now rolling out that bring upgrades to the Android Auto experience on Ford EVs. Specifically, these updates are designed with the Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning in mind (both vehicles are equipped with phone-based Android Auto, but not the new Android Automotive experience that runs natively).
The first and biggest update is in regards to showing the estimated battery level of the vehicle within Google Maps on Android Auto for when you arrive at a destination. So if you pick a location on Maps, you’ll be able to see how much battery will be remaining when you arrive at that location. Google and Ford teased this as far back as January, but it’s only just now rolling out. Google Maps already does this on vehicles with Android Automotive, but further integration is required to make this work through Android Auto. This works on all stops.
Beyond that, Google Maps on Android Auto can also now show charging stations equipped with NACS chargers, primarily including Tesla Supercharger stations in Ford EVs equipped with the port. This functionality was added in Android Auto v12.9, as 9to5Google first reported, where Google added support for EVs that use the NACS (Tesla) charging plug.
On the car’s side, these updates also allow the vehicle to start preconditioning the battery for charging while en route to the charging station. As such, you’ll need more than just an update to Android Auto on your phone. You’ll also need to check for software updates on your Ford vehicle.
Other upgrades you’ll find include showing a list of “nearby amenities” at charging stops and a “minimum recommended charge” for a destination.
All of these updates are rolling out now, and it stands to reason that many of these upgrades will extend to other EVs in time.
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