Ford bets on Apple for its next-generation of EVs

The companies said that by embedding Apple Maps directly in the vehicle, drivers will gain access to smarter EV routing, including battery preconditioning. This feature prepares the battery before arriving at a charger, reducing charge times by ensuring it’s at the optimal temperature.

It could also enable smart home integrations, like opening the garage door and turning on the lights when the driver arrives at home.

While the technology will be open to any automaker, Ford is Apple’s first partner on the new effort. The companies have signed a commercial agreement, but did not disclosed its terms.

Ford noted that the Apple integration could also help its Ford Pro business, which serves its commercial fleet customers. For example, businesses could use the technology to route drivers to their next job site or display other fleet vehicles on the map. Those kinds of fleet features become much easier when the mapping platform is built directly into the vehicle.