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Google has announced a significant update to Android Auto, expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging capabilities to include support for the North American Charging Standard (NACS), a key charging protocol used at Tesla Supercharger stations. The latest version, Android Auto 12.9.143804, is currently available in beta and marks a notable advancement for EV owners using this popular in-car platform.
The integration of NACS support addresses a notable gap in Android Auto’s previous EV settings. When the “Electric Vehicle Settings” menu was introduced about a year ago, it provided tailored navigation and charging station information for EVs using J1772, CCS (Combo 1 and 2), Type 2, and CHAdeMO standards. However, it initially excluded the NACS standard, which has become increasingly prevalent.
With the rollout of this new update, Android Auto users with non-Tesla EVs will now be able to select NACS as their charging standard within the app. This enhancement facilitates more precise and convenient access to compatible charging stations, thanks to improved integration with Google Maps. Users can now toggle the NACS option and effortlessly locate available charging points, streamlining their journey and reducing range anxiety.
It is important to note that Tesla vehicles are not directly supported by Android Auto, as Tesla has not integrated the platform into its infotainment system. Consequently, while this update enhances functionality for non-Tesla EVs, it does not impact Android Automotive users, as their charging settings are managed separately from the phone-based Android Auto system.
This update underscores Google’s commitment to advancing EV support and aligns with the broader industry trend towards enhanced interoperability and user convenience in electric vehicle infrastructure.