Apple Maps users will soon be able to find electric charge points on their routes, as part of the iOS 14 software update.
The new feature considers the weather and elevation changes along a preset route, and can tell the driver whether they’re on track to make the next charge station based on the car’s current remaining range when connected to Apple CarPlay.
Only BMW and Ford have announced plans to integrate vehicle range with a connected iPhone at this stage.
BMW offers the pure-electric i3 in Australia, but the functionality will debut in the i4 set to be revealed next year.
Ford has yet to lock in the pure-electric Mustang Mach-E for our market, making the information slightly redundant at this stage.
Google Maps last year added the ability to find out what sort of plug was used at each public charge station, however it doesn’t pack the same range-anxiety-reducing functionality as Apple’s latest mapping software.
The deeper integration into electric vehicles was announced alongside Apple CarKey and a significant update to CarPlay at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference.
Connected to a phone running iOS 14, drivers will be able to choose wallpapers for the dashboard and home screens.
Perhaps more importantly, CarPlay on iOS 14 will support mirroring of apps for parking, electric car charging, and fast food ordering.
Currently only third-party navigation, messaging, and audio apps are supported. iOS 14 will be available later this year for users of the iPhone 6S or newer.
Apple CarKey was also announced, ahead of its arrival in Australia late in 2020.
