Summary
- Ford is now allowing Apple iPhone users of its Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning to specify Tesla Supercharger or other North American Charging Standard (NACS) DC fast-chargers when using Apple Maps EV route planning
- Users can select NACS as a preference in the settings of Apple Maps, allowing automatic routing to stations using that connector type
- The functionality is available with iOS 17 and later versions and does not require software updates to the vehicle
- Ford launched Apple Maps EV route planning for the Mach-E and Lightning in 2023 and later added similar functionality for Google Maps and Android Auto
- Ford’s emphasis on Apple Maps EV route planning includes all NACS chargers, not just Tesla Superchargers, indicating a potential expansion in the future with networks like Ionna aiming for 30,000 charging connectors by 2030
Article
Ford is making it easier for Apple iPhone users to navigate to Tesla Supercharger stations with their electric vehicles. Through Apple Maps EV route planning via Apple CarPlay, Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning drivers can now specify a Tesla Supercharger or other North American Charging Standard (NACS) DC fast-charger. This functionality allows drivers to select NACS as a preference in the Apple Maps settings menu, automatically routing them to stations using that connector type without the need for manual entry. This feature is available with iOS 17 and later versions and does not require any software updates to the vehicle.
The adapters that enable Ford EV owners to use Tesla charging have been available since early 2024, simplifying the charging process for those with Ford electric vehicles. Ford initially launched Apple Maps EV route planning for the Mach-E and Lightning in 2023 and announced a similar feature for Google Maps and Android Auto at CES 2024. This functionality was later rolled out with the ability to show Tesla Supercharger stations from the beginning. Ford highlighted that Apple Maps EV route planning includes all NACS chargers, not just Superchargers, indicating potential changes in the future with the buildout of the Ionna network. Ionna aims to have 30,000 charging connectors by 2030, supported by eight automakers, with a mix of NACS and Combined Charging Standard (CCS) types.
By integrating Tesla Supercharger navigation into Apple Maps EV route planning, Ford is streamlining the charging experience for drivers of its electric vehicles. This enhancement allows Apple iPhone users to easily locate and navigate to Tesla Supercharger stations or other NACS DC fast-chargers without the need for manual entry. The availability of this feature with iOS 17 and later versions ensures that drivers can efficiently plan their charging stops without requiring any updates to their vehicles.
The adapters that enable Ford EV owners to use Tesla charging have been available since early 2024, offering flexibility in charging options for those with Ford electric vehicles. Ford’s commitment to enhancing the charging experience for its customers is further demonstrated by its launch of Apple Maps EV route planning for the Mach-E and Lightning models in 2023. This integration of Apple Maps with Ford electric vehicles showcases the automaker’s dedication to providing convenient and efficient solutions for EV drivers.
Ford’s announcement of similar functionality for Google Maps and Android Auto at CES 2024, with later rollout, underscores the company’s effort to expand EV route planning capabilities across platforms. The inclusion of Tesla Supercharger stations in the mapping features of these apps ensures that drivers can easily locate and navigate to these high-speed charging points. Additionally, the emphasis on all NACS chargers, not just Superchargers, in Ford’s Apple Maps EV route planning indicates a broader focus on supporting various charging standards and networks for electric vehicles.
As the Ionna network continues to expand and aims to have 30,000 charging connectors by 2030, the future of electric vehicle charging infrastructure looks promising. Supported by eight automakers, including Ford, Ionna’s focus on providing a mix of NACS and CCS charging types suggests a comprehensive approach to meeting the charging needs of a growing number of EV drivers. Ford’s alignment with this network reflects its commitment to supporting the development of a robust and accessible charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
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