Google Chrome Comes To Cars As Android Auto Gets New EV Smarts

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Google has used CES to announce a handful of updates to Android Auto as well as vehicles with Google built-in.

Starting with Android Auto, EVs will soon be able to share real-time battery information with Google Maps. This will provide an assortment of benefits as the navigation system will soon be able to “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.”

The new feature will debut in the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning in the coming months. It will then spread to additional vehicles, although there’s no word on specifics at this point.

More: Porsche Embraces Android-Based Infotainment System With Google Built-In

Models equipped with Google built-in are getting a host of new apps including the popular Chrome browser. It’s being rolled out to select Polestar and Volvo vehicles as part of a beta test. The browser will come to additional models later this year, so you can read CarScoops while waiting for your kids to get out of school.

Speaking of new apps, Crunchyroll and PBS Kids are now available in select cars. More importantly, The Weather Channel app has been added due to “popular demand.”

Putting apps aside, owners can send trips they’ve planned on Android or iOS devices directly to cars with Google built-in. This is a welcome development as you can now plan a trip from the comfort of your couch.

Looking into the future, Google built-in will be coming to Ford, Lincoln, and Nissan vehicles later this year. Porsche will join them around the middle of the decade. Google also said digital key technology will be “rolling out to select Volvo cars soon and to even more phone and car brands in the future.”