Honda recently announced that its high-performance brand’s new SUV Acura ZDX will be the first electric vehicle equipped with Google Built-in, which will support native Android applications and OTA software updates. Owners of the Acura ZDX will have access to popular Google apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and more in the Google Store.
It is reported that Google Built-in means that the car directly integrates Google Automotive Services, which is different from Android Auto, which just projects the phone onto the car’s infotainment screen. It is also different from Android Automotive OS, which controls the entire operating system from Android.
According to Honda, the Acura ZDX will be equipped with an “enhanced version” of Google Maps to provide electric vehicle drivers with optimized charging route planning and location of charging stations along the way to reduce travel time. Google Maps can also estimate the required charging time based on the destination, and start battery preconditioning when the destination is a DC fast charging station.
Honda previously used custom-embedded Android software in some of its vehicles but did not take full advantage of Google’s services. Now with Google Built-in, new car navigation will use Google Maps, Google Assistant can be used to control the air conditioner, and Google Play is used to listen to music. The 2024 Honda Accord is already equipped with Google Built-in.
Notably, the Acura ZDX will retain wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. Honda also announced that the Acura ZDX will be the first model to be sold exclusively online.
It is noticed that Honda’s current electric vehicle strategy mainly relies on cooperation with other manufacturers. The company’s first two electric vehicles, the Acura ZDX and the Honda Prologue will be based on General Motors’ Ultium electric platform. At the same time, Honda also helped Sony launch its first car brand, Afeela, which is expected to sell its first model in North America in 2026.
