Honda Acura ZDX First EV With Google Built-In Integration

The Acura ZDX, Honda's first electric car, will include Google built-in integration, enabling native Android applications and over-the-air (OTA) software upgrades.

The next SUV from the performance brand will be accessible on Google Play with apps like as Google Assistant, Google Maps, and others. Google's native integration will be standard on all ZDX trim levels.

To refresh, Google built-in is the company's branding for vehicles that enable Google Automotive Services. Google applications and services are built right into the car.

In this regard, it differs from Android Auto, which simply displays your phone onto the vehicle's infotainment screen.

It is also distinct from Android Automotive OS, in which Android controls the complete operating system.

Honda claims that a "enhanced version" of Google Maps will provide Acura ZDX owners with "optimised route planning for recharging and finding charging stations along the way to minimise travel time." 

According to the carmaker, Google Maps will estimate the charging time needed to reach the location and can commence preconditioning of the EV battery if the destination is a DC Fast charging station.

Honda formerly employed unique (now obsolete) embedded Android software in some of its vehicles but hasn't taken use of many of Google's service offerings.

With Google now built-in, the Accord's navigation will be Google Maps, Google Assistant can handle heating and cooling, and music from the Google Play app is just a swipe away.

The Honda Accord 2024 comes standard with Google applications.

The Acura ZDX will be the latest vehicle to include the company's well-known navigation and music streaming applications.

Google said earlier this year that it will be introducing more services, like as YouTube, Waze, and Zoom, to vehicles with embedded Android.

According to Honda, the Acura ZDX, a premium SUV with many of the same style and themes as the Precision concept vehicle from last year, would be the first model sold completely online.

So far, Honda's EV strategy has been characterised by collaborations with other automakers.

Because of a relationship with General Motors, both of the automaker's inaugural EVs, the Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue, will be constructed on General Motors' Ultium electric architecture.

Meanwhile, Honda is assisting with the establishment of Sony's first car brand, Afeela, with the first model expected to go on sale in North America in 2026.