Best CarPlay Apps for Electric Vehicle Owners
The rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is transforming the automotive landscape, and with it comes an exciting array of applications designed specifically for EV owners. As more individuals transition to electric driving, the demand for tools that enhance the EV experience has surged. This article not only highlights the best CarPlay apps for EV owners but also delves into how these applications can streamline your driving experience, from finding charging stations to planning long trips.
Electric vehicles compatible with CarPlay
Nearly every major electric vehicle on the market today supports Apple’s CarPlay platform, making it easier for drivers to integrate their mobile devices with their vehicle’s infotainment system. Some of the standout models include:
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Kia EV6
- Porsche Taycan
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
However, notable exceptions do exist. Tesla and Rivian, two leading names in the EV sector, do not support CarPlay and have not indicated plans to change this. General Motors has also moved away from CarPlay in its latest electric models, opting for proprietary systems instead.
For those unfamiliar with CarPlay, it is Apple’s platform that mirrors your iPhone onto your car’s infotainment system, allowing access to a variety of apps, including navigation, music, and messaging, all while interacting seamlessly with Siri for voice commands.
For a comprehensive look at the best CarPlay applications across various categories, you can check out our detailed roundup here.
Furthermore, Apple is gearing up for a significant overhaul of CarPlay, set to launch in late 2023. This update promises to extend CarPlay functionality beyond the infotainment screen to include the instrument cluster, climate controls, and more vehicle-specific features.
Top EV applications for CarPlay
Apple Maps and EV routing
Apple Maps has made significant strides in catering to electric vehicle drivers, particularly with the introduction of EV routing features. Currently, this functionality is available for select models such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and Porsche Taycan.
The standout feature of Apple Maps is its ability to calculate routes that incorporate charging stops tailored to your vehicle's battery level. It assesses various factors, including:
- Distance to your destination
- Current charge level of your vehicle
- Availability and speed of nearby charging stations
- Elevation changes along your route
- Driving speed and traffic conditions
This thoughtful integration allows the app to automatically suggest charging stops that fit within your route, ensuring that you never run out of battery while on the go. Recent updates have enhanced this feature, enabling real-time tracking of charging availability at stations, which now includes data on how many stalls are open versus occupied.
To leverage these features, ensure your iPhone is updated to iOS 16 or later.
Google Maps for EV drivers
While Google Maps offers some useful features for EV users, it lacks the comprehensive EV routing capabilities found in Apple Maps. Currently, Google Maps does not access your car's battery information when used via CarPlay, meaning it cannot plan routes that specifically accommodate charging needs.
However, it does allow users to select their vehicle type as "electric," which can help Google pick routes that are more energy-efficient. The app also provides information about nearby charging stations, including:
- Connector types
- Charging speeds
- Availability of charging spots
For users with Google Maps integrated into their vehicles, the app can provide more advanced EV features than those available through CarPlay.
- App Store: Google Maps
Waze for navigation
Similar to Google Maps, Waze offers limited features specifically tailored for electric vehicle drivers. Its primary utility lies in helping users find nearby charging stations along their route, but the app lacks advanced EV-specific functionalities.
Many users find that Waze works best in conjunction with another navigation app, as its features for EVs do not match the robustness of Apple Maps. Over time, as Apple Maps has incorporated similar functionalities, reliance on Waze has diminished.
A Better Route Planner (ABRP)
If you are an electric vehicle owner who hasn't explored A Better Route Planner (ABRP), you are missing a valuable tool. ABRP excels in providing detailed routing and planning services tailored to the unique needs of EV drivers.
This application allows users to:
- Select their vehicle model
- Input a destination
- Generate a comprehensive trip plan that includes charging stops and estimated total trip time
ABRP integrates into CarPlay, enabling real-time updates and adjustments based on traffic and other variables during your journey. Following a trip, users receive a detailed report comparing actual performance against the planned estimates.
This year, ABRP introduced significant updates, including:
ABRP 6.0 features Navigation Amenity Search, allowing users to locate chargers with nearby amenities like restaurants and restrooms. The app now provides enhanced charger reliability details, including opening hours and the most recent successful charges.
ABRP is free to download, with a subscription model offering full functionality at $4.99 per month or $49.99 annually. For those serious about maximizing their EV experience, this investment is well worth it.
- App Store: A Better Route Planner
Electrify America app
Electrify America serves as a significant alternative to the Tesla Supercharger network, boasting nearly 800 charging stations across the United States. Their CarPlay app simplifies the process of locating these stations and routing drivers directly to them.
Key features of the Electrify America app include:
- Information on charging station availability and speeds
- Connector types and pricing details
- Filtering options for specific charger types or speeds
Additionally, users can initiate charging directly from the CarPlay app, enabling a more convenient and streamlined charging experience.
However, the app does not provide information while the vehicle is charging, which means users must revert to the car’s native interface for real-time updates.
- App Store: Electrify America
ChargePoint app
Similar to Electrify America, ChargePoint focuses on its network of chargers, offering users comparable features for locating and utilizing charging stations effectively. The ChargePoint app allows users to:
- Locate nearby chargers
- Filter results based on specific criteria
- Initiate charging sessions via CarPlay
Once initiated, the app communicates with the charging station, allowing for a seamless charging process without needing extensive interactions from the driver.
- App Store: ChargePoint
PlugShare app
PlugShare is widely recognized as an essential tool for EV drivers, aggregating charging station information from various networks. It provides comprehensive coverage of charging options, from standard outlets to high-speed chargers.
The CarPlay app for PlugShare mirrors many features available on the iPhone version, allowing users to:
- View detailed information about nearby chargers, including stall counts and plug types
- Access user reviews and ratings for charging locations
This functionality is invaluable for drivers looking to identify reliable charging stations before setting off.
- App Store: PlugShare
SpotHero for parking
Finding parking that includes EV charging capability can be challenging, especially in urban environments. SpotHero is an excellent CarPlay app that allows users to filter parking options based on the availability of charging stations.
Using SpotHero, EV drivers can ensure that their parking locations are equipped with chargers, enabling them to return to a fully charged vehicle after their errands.
- App Store: SpotHero
Additional useful apps for EV drivers
Beyond the previously mentioned applications, there are many other valuable tools available for electric vehicle owners. Some noteworthy options include:
- Chargeway - A user-friendly interface for locating EV charging stations.
- Zap-Map - A great option for EV charging in the UK.
- Chargemap - An extensive map for finding charging stations across Europe.
- ChargeFinder - Another useful tool for locating public charging stations.
As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve, the variety of applications available will also expand. These tools not only enhance the driving experience but also help to alleviate the common worries associated with EV ownership, such as range anxiety and charging logistics.
For those interested in enhancing their EV experience further, consider exploring rooftop solar panel installations to charge your vehicle at home. For reliable solar installers offering competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, which connects users with pre-vetted solar providers to ensure quality and savings.
Take advantage of these innovative apps to maximize your electric vehicle's potential and enjoy a more efficient and enjoyable driving experience.
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