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2025-01-31
Apple Maps is preparing a significant update aimed at improving the electric vehicle (EV) routing experience, specifically for Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning drivers. This update will make long-distance driving with EVs more efficient by enhancing the Apple Maps EV routing feature. Let’s dive into the improvements and the impact they will have on EV users.
the Upcoming Changes
Apple Maps has already introduced an EV routing feature designed to help drivers plan trips with automatic charging stops. This feature considers multiple factors like the car’s battery charge, driving speed, elevation, and charger availability to determine when and where to stop for charging. However, as of now, it only works with a limited number of EVs, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Porsche Taycan.
Currently, Apple Maps routes Ford EV drivers to charging stations based solely on the car’s CCS (Combined Charging System) plug type. This means that even though Ford EVs can charge at Tesla Superchargers with the right adapter, Apple Maps doesn’t yet account for this flexibility.
Ford has been providing adapters to allow Mach-E and Lightning owners to use Tesla’s Supercharger network. However, Apple Maps has yet to integrate this capability. Fortunately, Ford’s chief engineer for the Mustang Mach-E, Donna Dickson, revealed that Apple Maps is set to support routing to Tesla Superchargers through the integrated navigation system in the 2025 Mustang Mach-E.
This update will allow Mach-E and Lightning drivers to access both CCS and NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging stations. While Ford and Apple haven’t provided exact details on how the system will function, the update is expected to make routing more accurate and reduce range anxiety by offering better suggestions for charging stops.
What Undercode Says:
Apple’s EV routing feature is one of the most anticipated updates for electric vehicle owners, particularly for drivers of Ford’s popular Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning models. These vehicles are currently limited by their charging infrastructure, specifically the fact that Apple Maps only recognizes CCS stations, leaving out the vast Tesla Supercharger network that many EV owners rely on.
The inclusion of Tesla’s Superchargers is a major game changer. For one, Tesla’s Supercharger network is one of the largest and fastest charging infrastructures available, offering more convenience for EV owners during long trips. By allowing Ford EVs to access these stations via an adapter, Apple Maps users will have a broader range of locations to choose from, optimizing the driving experience.
The update also addresses the issue of inaccurate EV routing. Previously, the Apple Maps EV routing feature could only account for the type of plug on the vehicle. This left some drivers unable to access charging stations that could support their car’s charging needs. With this new update, Apple Maps will consider both CCS and NACS plug types, ensuring that Mach-E and Lightning drivers are directed to the nearest compatible charging stations, whether they are Tesla Superchargers or other CCS-equipped stations.
This is not just an enhancement for Ford drivers, but a significant leap forward for the EV market as a whole. The integration of Tesla’s network into Apple Maps could encourage more automakers to partner with Tesla or develop their own adapters, ensuring that all EV drivers, regardless of brand, have access to a wide variety of charging options.
Additionally, this move could also encourage Apple to expand the EV routing feature further. If the integration with Tesla Superchargers proves successful, Apple may look at supporting more vehicles, charging networks, and improving its routing algorithm. Such steps would go a long way in alleviating range anxiety, which has been a major hurdle for EV adoption.
From a technical standpoint, the seamless interaction between the car’s built-in navigation and Apple Maps is crucial for the success of this feature. The integration with Ford’s built-in navigation system ensures that users won’t have to manually search for chargers; the system will automatically suggest the best routes and charging points based on real-time data. This makes it easier for drivers, reducing the mental load of planning long trips.
In conclusion, this partnership between Apple, Ford, and Tesla represents a significant milestone in the evolution of EV infrastructure. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, the need for more versatile and efficient routing and charging options will become even more critical. Apple’s efforts to integrate Tesla’s Superchargers and improve routing for Mach-E and Lightning owners may just be the beginning of a new wave of innovations designed to make EV driving more practical, efficient, and widespread.
References:
Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/01/30/apple-maps-ev-routing-ford-nacs-chargers/
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