iOS 15.4 Debuts EV Routing for Apple Maps in CarPlay

Apple on Monday started its public rollout of iOS 15.4. Among a host of other features, iOS 15.4 also brings a new ‘EV Routing’ feature for Apple Maps on CarPlay-enabled vehicles — reports Tesla North.

The new feature is designed to make route planning and navigation easier for electric vehicle (EV) owners by integrating vehicle battery data and charging needs into their routes on Apple Maps. The first EV to support the feature is the Mustang Mach-E from Ford.

“Apple Maps will use your iPhone to read vehicle and battery data when connected to CarPlay and assist you on your journey by adding chargers into your trip as necessary,” says Ford.

Right now, the feature is only available on Mustang Mach-E models:

• 2022 Model Year
• 2021 Model Year with the following SYNC software versions:
  • 21281_PRODUCT.244
  • 22028_PRODUCT.358
  • 22034_PRODUCT.364

Here’s how to check the SYNC software version on your Ford Mustang Mach-E:

1. Tap on the Vehicle image on your vehicle’s SYNC screen.
2. Tap on Settings.
3. Tap on General.
4. Tap on About SYNC to see your current software version.

You will also need iOS 15.4 or higher on your iPhone to take advantage of the feature.

Ford says it will roll the feature out to 2021 Mustang Mach-Es running different versions of the SYNC software later in 2022 through a Ford Power-Up update. The SYNC system must have a minimum of Ford Power-Up update version 2.3.0, explains the automaker.

As for whether Apple Maps EV Routing will be available for Ford’s upcoming F-150 Lightning or E-Transit vehicles, the carmaker said it is “working diligently to push new features and software out to customers. We have no estimation at this time for when these customers will get the EV routing feature in Apple Maps.”

There are numerous other EVs with integrated Apple CarPlay support, like the Porsche Taycan. There is no word yet on when compatibility with the EV Routing feature will expand to other automakers and their EVs.