# Ford EVs Now Allow Google Maps to Access Battery State of Charge via Android Auto
In an initiative designed to improve the experience for Ford electric vehicle (EV) owners, the automaker has launched an over-the-air (OTA) software update that permits Google Maps to retrieve the battery state of charge (SoC) information of Ford EVs when linked through Android Auto. This innovative feature is currently accessible to owners of the **Ford Mustang Mach-E** and **F-150 Lightning**, enhancing the navigation experience for Android users.
## Key Features of the Update
### 1. **Battery State of Charge Connectivity**
Upon installation of the software update, Ford EVs will relay their battery’s state of charge directly to Google Maps when the application is active on an Android device and connected to the vehicle’s infotainment system via Android Auto. This connectivity enables Google Maps to estimate the state of charge upon arrival at the chosen destination, assisting drivers in planning their journeys more effectively.
### 2. **Charging Stop Recommendations**
With the capability to access the vehicle’s battery data, Google Maps can now recommend charging stops along the route. This feature is especially beneficial for long journeys where drivers may need to recharge their EVs. Google Maps will also provide estimated charging durations at these stops, giving drivers a clearer understanding of their journey’s timeline, including necessary charging breaks.
### 3. **Preconditioning for Rapid Charging**
One of the notable features of this update is the ability for Google Maps to initiate **battery preconditioning** when a fast charger is set as the destination. Preconditioning involves adjusting the battery temperature to an ideal level for fast charging, which can greatly minimize charging times and enhance efficiency. This feature greatly benefits drivers who depend on fast chargers during their travels, ensuring quicker return to the road.
### 4. **Compatibility with Tesla Superchargers**
In a surprising development, Google Maps will now indicate **Tesla Supercharger locations** that are compatible along the route, including their real-time availability. This is a major advancement, as Tesla’s Supercharger network is renowned for its extensive and dependable charging facilities. By incorporating Tesla Superchargers into the array of compatible stations, Ford EV owners can enjoy a broader selection of charging options, simplifying long-distance trips.
## Advancing Beyond Apple Maps
While Apple Maps users have had similar functionalities available since late 2022, allowing them to assess the battery SoC and obtain charging stop recommendations when connected through **Apple CarPlay**, Android Auto users are now catching up—and even outpacing—Apple users in specific regards. For instance, features like battery preconditioning for rapid charging and Tesla Supercharger availability are not yet offered on Apple Maps.
This update signifies a considerable enhancement for Android Auto users, who have historically experienced fewer updates and functionalities in comparison to Apple users. The integration of battery SoC with Google Maps and the addition of Tesla Supercharger compatibility places Android Auto on a more competitive level with Apple CarPlay, especially for EV drivers.
## The Larger Context: Android Auto vs. Android Automotive
It is crucial to understand that **Android Auto** and **Android Automotive** are distinct systems, despite the similarity in their names. Android Auto is a smartphone projection tool that allows users to display their phone’s applications (such as Google Maps) on the car’s infotainment screen. Conversely, **Android Automotive** is a comprehensive operating system that operates natively on the car’s infotainment platform, independent of a smartphone.
A growing number of automakers, including Ford, are progressively implementing Android Automotive as the foundational OS for their infotainment systems. This transition enables richer integration of features like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and additional Google services directly into the vehicle’s system, without requiring a smartphone. However, at this moment, this recent update pertains to Android Auto, which is the smartphone-driven system.
## Implications for Ford EV Owners
For those who own the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, this update provides several practical advantages:
– **Enhanced Trip Planning**: With Google Maps now capable of calculating the battery state of charge upon arrival and recommending charging stops, drivers can plan their trips with increased assurance, confident that they won’t deplete their battery unexpectedly.
– **Quicker Charging**: The ability to precondition the battery for fast charging translates to less downtime spent at charging stations, optimizing long trips.
– **Expanded Charging Choices**: The addition of Tesla Superchargers to the list of charging stations in Google Maps provides Ford EV owners with access to one of the most reliable charging networks globally.
## In Summary
Ford’s latest OTA update for its electric vehicles marks a significant advancement in integrating EV technology with well-known navigation systems such as Google Maps. By allowing Google Maps to access the vehicle’s battery state of charge and make charging stop suggestions, Ford is facilitating a more manageable trip planning process for EV drivers.
