The Porsche Taycan Now Offers Charging Info in Apple Maps
Porsche wasn’t the first to jump onto the Apple CarPlay train years ago, but the automaker has fully embraced the technology. The Taycan EV recently gained the ability to map charging locations in Apple Maps, rather than using its in-built navigation system, giving owners more options with Apple’s friendly interface.
Porsche and Apple are more tightly integrated after the update, and the Maps app now has access to the vehicle’s state of charge and battery performance. That enables trip planning with charging locations included. Mapping accounts for speed and elevation changes to more accurately estimate the range. Interestingly, Apple gets Porsche data, but the automaker gets no Apple data in return.
Though convenient, the feature doesn’t offer all the functionality of using Porsche navigation. The OEM function includes a battery preconditioning function that speeds charging upon arrival, but the one-way data flow doesn’t allow Apple to influence the Taycan’s hardware in any way. Preconditioning helps when using the fastest chargers but may not be as beneficial on a 150-kw or slower charger. Owners’ iPhones must be running iOS 16.4 or later and have the My Porsche app installed.
It's interesting to see automakers’ different approaches to integrating third-party tech. While Porsche is expanding the use of Apple CarPlay and Ford has promised to keep the feature going forward, others aren’t so sure. General Motors recently announced that it would kill off CarPlay in its EVs starting soon, but there has been intense blowback, leading many to ask if it’s a joke.
[Image: Porsche]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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VW's SW troubles are infamous - they got the CEO canned last year. So this is not surprising - if you don't have the talent to build a proper driver interface yourself, you outsource.
Tesla has better recognition and charging network than this pile of crap. BUY AMERICAN.