Android Auto is getting major Google Maps upgrades on Ford EVs

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 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.

More on Android Auto:

• Don’t buy sketchy wireless Android Auto adapters – what to look for
• Hands-on: AAWireless TWO builds on the best wireless Android Auto adapter
• Android Auto 13.0 update is now rolling out

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