Ford CEO Farley Hints At Google Maps EV Route Planning

Back in April, General Motors announced that it would be ditching Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity in its future EV models, instead opting to go with its own infotainment system developed in partnership with Google. As one might imagine, that decision was met with massive criticism – including from Ford CEO Jim Farley himself – who recently reiterated that Blue Oval models won’t be following suit. In fact, Ford continues to expand the features available via these third-party apps, and Farley recently hinted that Google Maps EV route planning might be the next to join that list.

Can you work with @googlemaps to get EV route planning integrated like it is with Apple Maps on the Mach-E and Lightning?

— Mach-E Vlog (Patrick & Liv) (@MachE_VLOG) December 13, 2023

This bit of news comes from Farley’s recent tweet regarding the automaker’s commitment to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which drew a question from a curious fan asking if Google Maps EV route planning could be integrated in Blue Oval vehicles much the same way Apple Maps already offers it. Farley’s response was simple yet revealing – “absolutely,” the Ford CEO said.

FoMoCo has been adamant that it will continue adding features for both of these applications, with the Ford Mustang Mach-E getting improved Apple Maps integration a couple of years ago that enabled navigation directions to be displayed in the EV crossover’s digital instrument cluster. This past October, the Ford F-150 Lightning also added Apple Maps EV routing to its list of available features, which helps users locate EV charging stations, even planning out entire trips while adding charging stops along the way. The feature goes so far as to account for elevation changes and their effect on range, as well as various other factors that might impact how far one can drive on a charge.

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