Google has revealed several updates to Android Auto, and one significant improvement for EV owners is the improved route-planner which will be able to estimate your battery’s state of charge (SoC) at the end of your journey. This means that Android Auto will be aware of your EV’s current state of charge (SoC) to suggest charging points and to gauge whether or not you have enough range for a planned journey.
First rolling out to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning, the improved EV integration will later be available to more Android Auto-compatible EVs. Google says that “this integration will make driving an electric vehicle easier, as Google Maps will provide your estimated battery level upon arrival at your destination, suggest charging stops along the way and even estimate how long charging will take based on your vehicle.”
This feature is already available for cars with Google Built-in like Volvo’s electric models as well as electric cars from Polestar. Cars that already have Google Built-in will be further improved with the new ability to send your planned trip on Google Maps from your phone (Android or iOS) directly to your car. Google has started to roll out this feature on January 9, 2024, in the United States.
Selected Volvo and Polestar cars will also receive a Beta update that introduces Google Chrome to the head unit. This will allow you to browse the internet or do some online shopping while the car is parked. In selected cars, your children will be able to enjoy shows from PBS Kids and Crunchyroll. Lastly, Google Built-in-equipped cars will be updated with the Weather Channel app.
Google is also planning to expand its rollout of its Digital Key to more cars. According to Google, Android Auto is currently equipped in over 200 million cars on the road.
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