Why EV Drivers Are Stopping Use of Phone Apps for Directions

Post by : Ramanpreet Kaur

Photo : MSN

In the past, drivers had to use big GPS devices stuck on their car windows. These systems were often slow, hard to use, or gave wrong directions. People got tired of them. So, most drivers began using their phones with apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps for navigation. It was easier and more reliable.

Later, both Google and Apple made safer tools for driving—Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. These systems connect your phone to your car's screen, allowing you to use maps and other apps directly on your car's display. Now, almost every new car supports one of these systems, and many car buyers demand them. A study in the US found that 80% of new car buyers want smartphone mirroring, and 98% of new cars support either Android Auto or CarPlay.

However, electric vehicles (EVs) need more than just directions. They also need to help drivers find charging stations. This is where many navigation apps still struggle. If you don’t have a smart system that tracks your battery and knows where to charge, long trips can become difficult.

Tesla, the leading EV brand, understood this from the start. That’s why Tesla cars don’t use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Instead, they have their own built-in system. It tells the driver exactly where to go and which Tesla charging station is free and fast. It even helps plan stops at restaurants or restrooms near charging stations. The system also pre-heats the battery before reaching a charger, so charging is faster. This makes Tesla travel easier and faster than many other EVs.

Now, other car companies are learning from Tesla. For example, Porsche has built its own powerful navigation system. In cars like the Taycan Turbo, this system gives very smart directions. It knows which chargers are free, fast, and close. It even warms up the car's battery before stopping to charge so that charging is quicker. Porsche also allows drivers to choose preferred charging networks, making it easier to pay and keep track of charging costs.

These systems are connected to the internet and can plan very long trips across Europe or other regions in seconds. They pick the best chargers and tell drivers when and where to stop. This saves time and gives peace of mind.

In contrast, using apps like Waze or even Google Maps on a phone doesn’t always help EV drivers as much. These apps might not show if a charger is broken, busy, or slow. Also, many charging companies are not connected to these apps. So, drivers using only their phones may miss important information.

Some new cars now use Android Automotive OS, a system made by Google that is built into the car itself. This version of Google Maps works better because it uses real-time data from the car, such as battery level and range. It helps plan better EV routes, though it’s still not perfect. Google Maps in some cars can even filter chargers based on speed or type.

Another problem is that the EV charging world is still very messy and unorganized. Many different companies run charging stations. Not all of them share data with apps or carmakers. This makes it hard to know which chargers are working properly or are in use.

For example, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, a new electric car coming soon, supports 800V charging. This means faster charging, but it can’t use many of the older 400V chargers unless you have an adapter. Mercedes is trying to fix this with software that directs users to the best 800V charging stations, but it only works if you use their built-in navigation system.

Also, carmakers are now improving their systems using over-the-air updates (also called OTA). This means the car’s software can be updated just like a phone, without going to the workshop. Tesla and Rivian already do this well, and other carmakers are catching up. This makes cars smarter over time and keeps maps updated.

Built-in systems are also becoming more user-friendly. Companies like Porsche are investing in stronger computer systems inside cars. These systems are fast and can do more things at once. They help drivers plan trips better and react to real-time data on roads and chargers.

More importantly, built-in systems can be safer. They don’t need a phone connection, so there’s less chance of getting distracted or losing signal. They’re also made to work with the car’s own controls, making driving more comfortable and smooth.

In the future, we will see cars that are even more connected and smart. Navigation systems will be part of a car’s full digital setup, working together with the car’s energy, comfort, and driving systems. They will adjust routes not just based on traffic, but also on battery health, driver habits, and weather.

The future of driving electric cars is not just about the battery or design. It's also about how smart the car is when it comes to navigation. If a car can’t guide you to the right charger or doesn’t show real-time charger information, the whole journey becomes stressful.

That’s why more and more drivers are moving away from using phone apps and choosing to trust the car’s own built-in system. These systems are improving fast, and they will soon be the best way to travel in EVs.

In short, built-in navigation is now more important than ever for electric car drivers. It helps save time, reduce stress, and makes long trips much easier. And as carmakers continue to improve them, the experience will only get better.

EV navigation system electric vehicle charging