Ford and Apple Team Up for Next-Generation EVs
Ford has made a significant bet on its next-generation of electric vehicles (EVs), which it has promised will be affordable, efficient, and packed with the latest technology. To build them, Ford has ditched its century-old tradition and started with a universal EV platform, or UEV, that will underpin the midsize truck and eventually other vehicles including a sedan, crossover, three-row SUV, and even small commercial vans.
Apple Maps Integration to Enhance EV Experience
The Apple Maps integration is central to Ford's plan to deliver more responsive features to owners, such as navigation that includes efficient routing designed for EVs and turn-by-turn directions with natural language capabilities. Drivers will be able to see real-time traffic and incident information, search for destinations, and view detailed place information.
Key Features and Benefits
- Apple Maps integration will run natively in the vehicle, separate from Apple CarPlay, which mirrors apps from an iPhone onto the vehicle's central display.
- Drivers will gain access to smarter EV routing, including battery preconditioning, which prepares the battery before arriving at a charger, reducing charge times by ensuring it's at the optimal temperature.
- The integration will also feed road-level information from Apple Maps to Ford's next-generation BlueCruise hands-free driver assistance system.
- Smart home integrations, like opening the garage door and turning on the lights when the driver arrives at home, will also be enabled.
Ford Pro Business to Benefit from Apple Integration
The technology will be open to any automaker, but Ford is Apple's first partner on the new effort. The companies have signed a commercial agreement, but did not disclose its terms. Ford noted that the Apple integration could also help its Ford Pro business, which serves its commercial fleet customers. For example, businesses could use the technology to route drivers to their next job site or display other fleet vehicles on the map.
A New Era for EVs
Ford's decision to use a universal EV platform and integrate Apple Maps navigation into its vehicles marks a new era for electric vehicles. With this partnership, Ford is setting a high standard for the industry, and other automakers are likely to follow suit. As the EV market continues to grow, it's clear that technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation.