At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Guemmy Kim, Director of Product and User Experience at Android for Cars, detailed a series of updates and collaborations designed to enrich the driving experience, particularly for electric vehicle (EV) users.
These new features, focusing on navigation, connectivity, and entertainment, are part of Android’s commitment to enhancing the safety and enjoyment of driving, including EVs.
A significant update for EV drivers is the integration of real-time battery information from electric vehicles with Google Maps. This feature, debuting first with the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning EVs, will allow Google Maps to display estimated battery levels upon arrival, recommend charging stops, and provide charging time estimates.
“This feature is tailored to make driving an electric vehicle more convenient by seamlessly connecting your EV with Google Maps,” said Kim.
Additionally, trip planning is becoming more intuitive for cars with Google built-in. Drivers can now send their Google Maps trip plans from Android or iOS phones directly to their EVs, streamlining the transition from planning to actual navigation.
The expansion of in-car apps further enhances the EV driving experience. The rollout of the Chrome browser, initially in beta for select Polestar EVs and Volvo cars, will allow drivers to access the internet while parked. Entertainment options are also expanding with the addition of PBS KIDS and Crunchyroll apps in select EVs. For keeping up with weather conditions, The Weather Channel app is now available, providing live forecasts and alerts from the EV’s dashboard.
The digital car key feature continues to evolve, with plans to extend it to select Volvo EVs and other brands in the future. This innovative technology enables drivers to control their EVs using supported Android phones and to share access securely with family and friends.
“With Android Auto now compatible with nearly every major car brand and present in over 200 million cars, we are transforming the in-car experience. The upcoming integration in EV models from Nissan, Ford, Lincoln, and Porsche further expands our footprint in the EV market,” explained Kim.
Visitors to CES can experience these new features firsthand at the Android booth with demonstrations in the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Polestar 3 EVs. For those not at the event, these updates can be explored on the Android Auto and cars with Google built-in websites or at local vehicle showrooms.
