Does Apple Maps' New EV Routing Beat Google Maps for Electric Car Trips?

Apple's iOS 17 update significantly enhances its electric vehicle routing feature in Apple Maps, making it a more intelligent and practical tool for EV owners on the go. The key upgrades include the ability to select a preferred charging network and view real-time availability of charging stalls, addressing two major pain points for drivers. However, this advanced functionality is currently limited to specific vehicle models due to technical requirements.

What Are the New EV Routing Features in iOS 17?

The latest iteration of Apple's mobile operating system, iOS 17, introduces more granular control over long-distance electric vehicle travel planning. When using Apple Maps via Apple CarPlay, drivers can now:

• Choose a Preferred Charging Network: If you have a membership with a specific provider like Electrify America or EVgo, you can set it as a favorite to prioritize stops at their stations.
• See Real-Time Charging Stall Availability: The system displays how many chargers are currently available at a suggested stop, helping to avoid queues and reduce wait times—a growing issue as EV adoption increases.
• Filter for Compatible Connectors: The routing automatically filters out charging stations with plugs that are incompatible with your vehicle, simplifying the selection process.

These features build upon the existing EV routing capability, which calculates a route based on your car's current state of charge (SoC)—a term for the remaining battery percentage—and automatically adds necessary charging stops.

Why Is This Feature Only Available for Ford and Porsche EVs?

A common point of confusion is why this enhanced experience is currently exclusive to drivers of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Porsche Taycan, despite Apple CarPlay being available in hundreds of car models. The reason is rooted in data flow and security.

Standard Apple CarPlay transmits information from your iPhone to your car's infotainment screen. To provide accurate routing, the phone needs to receive real-time data from the vehicle, specifically the precise state of charge (SoC). Establishing this secure, two-way communication requires additional integration and data-sharing protocols between Apple and the automaker. Based on our assessment experience, this level of integration is part of a deeper partnership, which Ford and Porsche have initially embraced.

How Does Apple Maps' EV Routing Compare to Other Apps?

While dedicated apps from automakers or charging networks exist, the advantage of Apple Maps' integration is seamlessness. The routing is built directly into the navigation system you already use, eliminating the need to switch between apps. It proactively manages your trip's energy needs, showing the estimated charge you'll have upon arrival.

However, it's important to note that other platforms, like Google Maps, also offer EV routing features. The competition centers on the accuracy of range predictions, the comprehensiveness of charging station data, and the intuitiveness of the interface. For now, the real-time availability feature gives Apple a distinct edge for compatible vehicles.

What Should EV Drivers Do to Use These Features?

To take full advantage of these iOS 17 updates, ensure you meet the following criteria:

1. Your iPhone must be updated to iOS 17 or later.
2. You must be driving a compatible vehicle—currently, the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Porsche Taycan.
3. You must use Apple Maps through Apple CarPlay for navigation.

For drivers of other electric vehicles, the standard Apple CarPlay experience remains available, and it is likely that more automakers will adopt this deeper integration in the future.

The iOS 17 update marks a significant step forward in making EV ownership more convenient by providing critical, real-time data directly within a familiar navigation interface. For compatible vehicle owners, the ability to see live charger availability is a game-changer. All EV drivers should keep their software updated and watch for announcements from their automaker regarding future compatibility to reduce range anxiety and streamline long-distance travel.