electric vehicles Archives

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

These 16 Car Brands Just Got A Huge New Android Auto Feature

Google Maps is rolling out an update (version 25.44) for Android Auto users that will provide battery status monitoring for electric vehicles (EVs). This feature will support over 350 car models from 16 manufacturers, offering AI-driven recommendations for charging needs during long journeys. Users can enter their destination to receive insights on battery level upon arrival and estimated time of arrival (ETA), including necessary charging stops. To use this feature, users must add their EV to Google Maps by entering details such as make, model, year, and trim. The feature will not maintain a live connection to the vehicle, and its accuracy depends on the information provided by the user.

AppWizard

March 30, 2026

Get in: Android Auto EVs see AI battery predictions in Google Maps for stress-free plans

Google Maps is introducing a new feature for Android Auto that enhances the driving experience for electric vehicle (EV) users by providing battery predictions. This allows drivers to enter their vehicle's starting battery percentage and receive a list of charging stations along their route, along with energy consumption estimates. The feature will be available for over 350 EV models in the United States and integrates real-time traffic data and specific vehicle information for more accurate usage estimates. This initiative leverages artificial intelligence and aims to improve EV functionality within Google Maps, building on previous updates focused on locating charging stations.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

4 Android Auto apps that make EV range anxiety a thing of the past

Owning a Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle has provided insights into EV charging, particularly with a Level 2 charger installed at home. Key Android Auto applications help alleviate charging anxiety during road trips. Finding public fast-charging stations can be challenging, requiring more planning than traditional gas vehicles. PlugShare is a useful app for locating reliable public EV chargers, providing a comprehensive list of charging stations, user reviews, and average charging speeds. In the Greater Toronto Area, many EV chargers are often out of service, making PlugShare's features valuable. Waze offers navigation with EV charger information, but its updates may lag behind PlugShare. A Better Route Planner (ABRP) helps plan road trips by tailoring recommendations based on specific EV models and factors affecting battery life, though it requires a subscription. FLO EV Charging is the preferred charging network in the Greater Toronto Area, allowing convenient payments through the app and filtering options for chargers.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Steam Next Fest is back and you’ve once again got just 7 days to find your favorite demos among hundreds of choices

The Steam Next Fest is currently taking place, offering a week-long celebration of game demos. It features a wide variety of upcoming titles, including: - Prime Monster: A card-based political roguelike where political leaders are depicted as monsters. - All Will Rise: A narrative deck-builder focused on seeking justice for a slain god. - Vampire Crawlers: A card-based dungeon crawler from the creator of Vampire Survivors. - The Last Gas Station: A game where players control a red panda running a gas station in an electric vehicle-dominated world. - Windrose: An open-world PvE pirate survival game with "soulslite combat" and sea shanties. - Tap Tap Loot: An action-packed game featuring a character reminiscent of Bongo Cat. - Phonopolis: An adventure game from Amanita Design. - Titanium Court: Highlighted as the "first must-play demo" of the event. The Steam Next Fest runs until March 2.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Google hasn’t forgotten about video apps for Android Auto

Google announced plans to enhance Android Auto by introducing video app support for users while parked, aimed at improving the experience for electric vehicle owners during charging breaks. A new flag, "CradleFeatureallowvideoapps," was discovered in the latest Android Auto beta version, v16.3.160744, indicating that video app functionality may be forthcoming. However, the feature is not yet active, and additional components are needed for seamless video playback. An APK teardown can reveal potential future features, but not all may be released to the public.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Google Signals Android Auto Video Apps Are Imminent

Google is advancing its initiative to enable video applications on Android Auto while vehicles are parked, as indicated by the recent beta update (version 16.3.160744) that includes a configuration flag labeled “CradleFeatureallowvideoapps.” This flag suggests that Google is preparing for approved video experiences on car displays when stationary, although end-user functionality is not yet available. The infrastructure for compatible streaming or playback apps is being established, with safety protocols ensuring that playback will be restricted to parked conditions. Google is likely to introduce a new curated category for video within Android Auto, initially limited to select partners and focusing on content optimized for touch-first interfaces. The beta update also hints at a broader Android Auto UI refresh, including new network icons and driving avatar selection. A staggered rollout of the video feature is anticipated, influenced by content licensing, regional regulations, and automaker collaborations.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

5 Free Android Auto Apps You Should Be Using

Android Auto allows drivers to engage with smartphone functions like calls, music, and messages through voice commands and touch controls. It supports third-party applications to enhance the user experience. Notable apps include: - Fuelio: Monitors fuel expenses, maintenance logs, and mileage, providing insights into fuel consumption and costs, and features a crowdsourced fuel price database. - Gaia GPS: Offers offline maps for outdoor activities, allowing users to explore points of interest and access vital information like weather conditions. - Weather & Radar: Provides animated weather radar, wind speed checks, hurricane updates, and natural disaster alerts for effective trip planning. - AntennaPod: A podcast management platform that allows users to import podcasts, create playlists, and adjust playback speed, available for free and ad-free. - PlugShare: Helps electric vehicle users find charging stations and plan optimized routes to avoid running low on battery. These apps are free to download, with optional paid features, and have been tested for real-world effectiveness.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Android Auto™ Compatibility Now Available to Lucid Air Owners

North American and European owners of the Lucid Air can now connect their Android smartphones to their vehicles as of June 16, 2025, through an over-the-air update to Lucid OS 2.7.0. This update enables access to Android Auto, allowing users to utilize their preferred smartphone applications for maps, media, and messaging on the Lucid Air's 34-inch Glass Cockpit, either via USB or wirelessly. To use Android Auto, owners need an Android phone running version 9.0 or higher, an active data plan, and a compatible USB cable, with wireless connection available for Android 11 or higher. Compatibility for Lucid Gravity owners is expected soon.