Honda Announces Its First E-Car With Built-In Google Services
Honda has announced that its next vehicle with integrated Google services will be the 2024 Acura ZDX electric vehicle.
Built-in Google apps are better than stock Android Auto in that they will be integrated directly into the car, while Android Auto simply projects your phone onto the car’s built-in display. For example, the automaker claims that an upgraded version of Google Maps for the Acura ZDX will optimize route planning to charging stations along the way to minimize travel time. In addition, it can initiate pre-cooling of the EV battery if the destination is a fast charging station.
Honda has previously used built-in Android software in some of its vehicles. Now, thanks to built-in Google services, navigation will be carried out using Google Maps, and Google Assistant will provide voice control throughout the car, including control of multimedia content. Earlier this year, Google announced that it would be providing more services to cars with built-in Android, including YouTube, Waze and Zoom.
Sales of the Acura ZDX crossover will begin next year exclusively online.