C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google and Ford are releasing a major upgrade to the Android Auto experience on the Ford EV.
- This upgrade adds features like battery level estimation and NACS charger integration to Google Maps, and battery preconditioning for faster charging.
- Currently, these updates are being rolled out to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.
Ford and Google are releasing new Android Auto features aimed at making road trips smoother and more convenient for Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning drivers. As part of this partnership, Ford electric vehicle owners will soon have access to smarter navigation tools to manage charging stops and track battery levels through Google Maps in Android Auto. (h/t: 9to5Google)
Ford and Google initially announced these updates at CES 2024, but Ford’s Anthony Phillips recently confirmed that the updates will eventually roll out to Ford’s Android Auto-enabled vehicles. For now, these improvements are focused on Ford’s electric trucks and SUVs and may be expanded to other models later.
A standout feature of this update is the integration of real-time battery level estimation within Google Maps. When heading to their destination, drivers will be able to see an estimated battery level upon arrival. This feature was previously limited to vehicles with the Android Automotive system, but is now available on Ford EVs with phone-based Android Auto.
To address the growing need for easily accessible charging infrastructure, the latest version of Android Auto in Ford vehicles will also include support for NACS chargers in Google Maps. This means drivers can easily find compatible charging stations, such as Tesla Superchargers, that can access their Ford EV through an adapter.
Beyond navigation, the update optimizes the charging process itself. If a DC fast charger is selected as the destination, the vehicle will automatically start preconditioning the battery while driving. This keeps the battery at the perfect temperature for efficient and fast charging.
Ford’s update also includes small but useful improvements, such as displaying nearby amenities at charging stations. Additionally, for users who need additional advice on their charging needs, Google Maps will now display a “minimum recommended fare” to reach a particular destination.
Now that Ford’s software update is available, Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners can test these features by updating their cars and the Android Auto app.
