Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the Android Auto experience has led to the introduction of new features for its in-car apps. Google Maps, a prominent app in this ecosystem, has recently received significant attention with the addition of several highly desirable features, including incident reporting. The latest development, however, focuses on electric vehicles.
With Android Auto 12.9, Google Maps now offers a feature that enables EV drivers to easily locate NACS plugs at Tesla charging stations. While Google Maps has previously supported common charging standards like J1772 and CHAdeMO, the NACS plug was previously absent. This update addresses that gap, allowing EV drivers to utilize this standard at Tesla charging stations.
However, Tesla owners cannot benefit from this feature as their cars do not support Android Auto. Tesla remains one of the major automakers that has not adopted Android Auto or CarPlay, leaving Tesla owners reliant on the car’s native software.
The absence of Android Auto and CarPlay support in Tesla vehicles has significant implications for Tesla owners. It limits their access to a wide range of in car features and applications that are available on Android Auto and CarPlay compatible vehicles.
These features can enhance the driving experience, provide convenience, and offer valuable information. While third-party methods exist to bring Android Auto to Tesla vehicles, they are often complex and less user-friendly compared to the seamless integration offered by native support.
The decision by Tesla to not adopt Android Auto or CarPlay has been a subject of much discussion and speculation. Some argue that Tesla’s decision is driven by a desire to maintain control over the in-car experience and avoid reliance on third-party platforms. Others suggest that it might be a strategic move to differentiate Tesla vehicles from competitors.
Regardless of the reasons behind Tesla’s choice, the lack of Android Auto and CarPlay support remains a point of contention for many Tesla owners who would appreciate the added features and flexibility these platforms provide. Google has been steadily refining Android Auto, and one of the most significant recent additions is support for new app categories.
This means that when your car is parked, you’ll soon be able to access games, browsers, and video apps on Android Auto, similar to Android Automotive. Google has confirmed that these app categories will initially be available in beta, with popular apps like Google Chrome and YouTube being offered to a limited number of users.
While it’s uncertain when the first testers will gain access to these apps, Google’s expansion of Android Auto’s app ecosystem is putting pressure on Apple to focus more on the app offerings for CarPlay users. In contrast to Android Auto, CarPlay has seen only minor improvements in the past few years, making Google’s platform a more appealing choice for drivers.
The new NACS integration, which allows for faster charging times for electric vehicles, is currently in beta testing, and if all goes well, Android Auto 12.9 should begin rolling out to production devices next week. This update is expected to bring additional features and enhancements, further solidifying Android Auto’s position as a leading automotive infotainment system.
However, it’s important to note that the availability of these new app categories may vary depending on the specific car model and manufacturer. Additionally, there may be restrictions or limitations in place to ensure safe driving practices. As Android Auto continues to evolve, we’ll likely see even more exciting features and innovations in the future.
