- Ford EVs are getting EV trip planning for their built-in Google Maps navigation system
- Ford already offered EV trip planning via Apple Maps through Apple CarPlay
- Google said Gemini AI-curated Maps functionality is coming to Ford EVs and soon to Rivians
Drivers of Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning electric vehicles are getting more EV trip-planning options, via Google Maps, in Ford's latest over-the-air software update.
Part of Android Auto, this feature makes use of vehicle data to show an estimated battery level upon arrival at a destination, suggest charging stops along the way, and estimate the amount of charging time needed. The feature was announced at CES 2024 in January but is now rolling out, Ford product manager Anthony Phillips explained last week in a LinkedIn post.
Ford already offers Apple Maps EV trip planning, via Apple CarPlay, on the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. That system, as this Google system, taps into the vehicle's state-of-charge data and includes battery preconditioning functions.
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally
The update also lets Google Maps show Tesla Supercharger stations, where Ford EV owners can charge with adapters the automaker began shipping earlier this year (some of which already need to be replaced). For all DC fast-charging stations, trip planning includes en-route preconditioning of the battery pack once one of these stations is selected as a stop.
This feature requires both the most recent Ford over-the-air (OTA) update for vehicles and the most recent version of Google Maps for smartphones. Once drivers have downloaded both, they can access EV route planning by opening Android Auto.
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash
In addition to the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto trip planning, Ford also offers its own embedded navigation features.
Google first added EV charging sites to its navigation app in 2018, but only as points of interest. Only in early 2023 did it announce a deeper level of data on charging stations, allowing some EVs with Google built-in features to contribute state-of-charge and range estimates necessary for dynamic navigation with charging stops. This has been essentially limited to brands using Google-based infotainment systems, including Volvo, Polestar, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC.
Meanwhile, as this Ford update rolls out, Google also on Friday marked the debut of new Gemini AI-curated Maps functionality, which appears to extend to route planning, and previewed it as headed into Rivian vehicles.
Google teases AI summaries in Rivian EVs
The tech giant pointed to its initial ability set as able to generate custom visualizations relating to EV chargers, services, and more.
"Next month, Rivian will start using this feature to show summaries of restaurants, shops and supermarkets on their infotainment screens—so drivers can quickly and easily learn more about a place," said Google.
Ford couldn't yet comment to Green Car Reports on how this next twist will impact the in-vehicle experience, but it's clear that it's among the automakers aiming to provide drivers with plenty of information to make road trips easier.
