Google Maps/Android Auto integration?

[WheresMyCar]

Does Google Maps in Android Auto have any integration with the Mach-E? That is, does the car share the range it has remaining and does Maps show available charging stations on the way? It doesn't make much sense to me that these EV makers are rolling their own Navigation systems.

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[hbirring01]

AFAIK Google maps just shows up in the Instrument cluster display with the next navigation step. That is primarily why I have stopped using AA. I just use the built in maps now

 

[hbirring01]

How the Likes of Google Maps Help Deal With One of the Biggest EV Problems - autoevolution

 

[WheresMyCar]

How the Likes of Google Maps Help Deal With One of the Biggest EV Problems - autoevolution

Interesting, there is only direct integration if the vehicle is running "Android Automotive" as the OS which I don't think is the case for the Mach-E?

 

[SnBGC]

Interesting, there is only direct integration if the vehicle is running "Android Automotive" as the OS which I don't think is the case for the Mach-E?

Android Auto and Android Automotive are two different things. I only know this because I spent last weekend with a Polestar 2 which has Android Automotive integrated into the infotainment system. Prior to that day, I assumed it was same as Android Auto.

Integrated Android Automotive is pretty good. Better than Android Auto as far as usability and features etc but still not as good as the native Ford nav in my opinion.

So, I presume the reason why Ford developed their own nav is because Google Maps doesn't meet their specified needs.

If you want to experience Android Automotive then test drive a Polestar 2 (there may be other models using it as well....). It is kinda interesting.

 

[scoopman]

Ford and Google have announced that future vehicles will use Android Automotive (instead of the QNX-based operating system in Sync 4A).

Most of the legacy OEMs have announced that they are adopting Google's OS for future vehicles. Volvo and Polestar have been the first lead customer for this with the Polestar 2 and now many newer infotainment refreshes in Volvo's lineup.

You'll also see Android Automotive powering the infotainment for new GM products starting this year, including the Lyriq and Hummer EV. The Hummer also is using Unity (a full gaming engine) so has all sorts of cool animations and visualizations.

Android Auto (what our vehicles have) has provisions in its protocol for an OEM to send it fuel information or Battery SOC, but no car manufacturers have shown an interest in providing that data. There are complex factors that make them want to hold this information within the car, and not to share it where it can be collected and analyzed.

Apple announced back at WWDC 2020 that it was working with Ford and BMW to incorporate EV state of charge into route planning for Apple Maps in CarPlay, but I don't know what ever came of this. Ain't supported in my car as far as I've seen. https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/apple-wwdc-maps-ev-routing-range-anxiety/

Right now, the choices are either use the native nav (which is pretty bad for navigation and isn't great for EV route planning) or use CarPlay or Android Auto, and do your own guesswork on state of charge and range.

This is a key area where Tesla's route planning is hands-down better than the tech in the Mach-E -- for no other reason than just not enabling the right software APIs and not necessarily working intelligently with partners to deliver the best experience.

 

[SnBGC]

Ford and Google have announced that future vehicles will use Android Automotive (instead of the QNX-based operating system in Sync 4A).

Most of the legacy OEMs have announced that they are adopting Google's OS for future vehicles. Volvo and Polestar have been the first lead customer for this with the Polestar 2 and now many newer infotainment refreshes in Volvo's lineup.

You'll also see Android Automotive powering the infotainment for new GM products starting this year, including the Lyriq and Hummer EV. The Hummer also is using Unity (a full gaming engine) so has all sorts of cool animations and visualizations.

Android Auto (what our vehicles have) has provisions in its protocol for an OEM to send it fuel information or Battery SOC, but no car manufacturers have shown an interest in providing that data. There are complex factors that make them want to hold this information within the car, and not to share it where it can be collected and analyzed.

Apple announced back at WWDC 2020 that it was working with Ford and BMW to incorporate EV state of charge into route planning for Apple Maps in CarPlay, but I don't know what ever came of this. Ain't supported in my car as far as I've seen. https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/apple-wwdc-maps-ev-routing-range-anxiety/

Right now, the choices are either use the native nav (which is pretty bad for navigation and isn't great for EV route planning) or use CarPlay or Android Auto, and do your own guesswork on state of charge and range.

This is a key area where Tesla's route planning is hands-down better than the tech in the Mach-E -- for no other reason than just not enabling the right software APIs and not necessarily working intelligently with partners to deliver the best experience.

Great info. Sounds like some progress coming in the future. I do disagree about the native nav quality. I find it to be the absolute very best navigation system I have ever used. So good in fact that was one of the reasons I turned down a $55k trade in offer on a Polestar 2 because I would be giving up Ford's navigation, superior console, more range and more cargo. In return I would gain a better ride and superior 1PD feel in the P2. I was tempted for sure....but just feel the Mach-E is still a better choice for me.

Very cool that we have choices now and even more choices coming in the future.

 

[WheresMyCar]

The built-in nav requires some kind of Ford-only extra cell service, right? I would rather not pay for that. I doubt it, but it would be nice if in the future they would switch all of the Mach-E's over to Android Automotive...

 

[SnBGC]

The built-in nav requires some kind of Ford-only extra cell service, right? I would rather not pay for that. I doubt it, but it would be nice if in the future they would switch all of the Mach-E's over to Android Automotive...

I believe it is complimentary for a period of time. 3 years maybe? Then a subscription is expected for full functionality. I expect it will still work even without the subscription but might not have things like live traffic and weather. The rest of it will probably work fine.

I would not give up the native nav for Android Automotive. Not yet anyway. Maybe later when Android Automotive catches up with the Ford system then it could be a good thing.

 

[scoopman]

The built-in nav requires some kind of Ford-only extra cell service, right? I would rather not pay for that. I doubt it, but it would be nice if in the future they would switch all of the Mach-E's over to Android Automotive...

Nope -- no additional subscription required, although you do sorta get what you pay for. It'll route you to any ol' charger and it isn't exactly Apple Maps-level visualizations as you drive.

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