New Features Coming to Android Auto, Google Built-in

Unsurprisingly, Google is one of many companies using CES 2024 in Las Vegas this week to make various announcements and reveals. We’ll focus on the ones that are aimed at drivers.

First of all, electric vehicles compatible with Android Auto will be able to share real-time battery information with Google Maps. This integration will make driving an EV easier, as Google Maps will provide your estimated battery level upon arrival at your destination, suggest charging stops along the way and even estimate how long charging will take based on your vehicle.

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Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning customers will be the first to get the new feature sometime in the coming months, with others to follow.

Meanwhile, planning a trip becomes easier for cars with Google built-in. Starting to roll out today, you can send the trip you’ve planned on Google Maps on your Android or iOS phone directly to your car with Google built-in. Simply select the “Send to car” option next to the usual “Start” button. In your vehicle, this route will be marked as “Sent from phone.”

By the way, the list of brands offering vehicles with Google built-in continues to grow, with Nissan, Ford and Lincoln rolling out this year and Porsche expected to launch in the future.

Also with Google built-in, the Chrome browser is starting to roll out to select Volvo and Polestar cars in beta today, and will be available in more vehicles later this year. That means you’ll no longer have to grab your phone to search for something online when parked. That’s great.

Lastly, by popular demand, The Weather Channel app is now available for cars with Google built-in.