Who has or is planning to get an electric car / EV Talk

[cyb3rdud3]

Correct, auto high beams and wipers have existed well before Tesla. The difference is the integration with the car's OS/UI. Some vehicles have a sensitivity adjustment (some, most don't), but none I know of before tesla improve and add functionality after you own the vehicle. And as @diamond.g said, physical buttons limit the manufacture ability to improve/change functionality through OS updates.

I still stand by what I said that it is something that is easy to say you need the physical buttons until you actually spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel of a vehicle with a UI as well executed as Tesla. Nothing wrong with saying you like buttons (not knocking your preference), just saying once you regularly drive/own a Tesla you realize that you don't even notice the buttons are gone.

Totally agree, it is about how it is done. Us as Apple users should be familiar with that concept, Apple is often not the first to market, but when they do it is properly integrated and seamless with the rest of the experiene.

I am a big fan of Apple CarPlay. With my Teslas the only thing I miss is Waze, which, I simply open and run on my phone and hear the audio while using Tesla's UI. It would be nice to have CarPlay, but I am still not convinced it can be executed well without holding back or interfering with Tesla's UI.

Agreed. I’d not buy any car without wireless CarPlay. It’s a line in the sand for me.

My wife's' Polestar is based on Google Android Automotive Operating System, and earlier this year received a CarPlay upgrade. Despite all of us being full Apple users, we still don't use CarPlay in it as it just is a separate system. The integration of the core system is so good, and works so well with an iPhone that there is no point. Yet in all our other cars it is CarPlay all the way.

 

[Tagbert]

Totally agree, it is about how it is done. Us as Apple users should be familiar with that concept, Apple is often not the first to market, but when they do it is properly integrated and seamless with the rest of the experiene.



My wife's' Polestar is based on Google Android Automotive Operating System, and earlier this year received a CarPlay upgrade. Despite all of us being full Apple users, we still don't use CarPlay in it as it just is a separate system. The integration of the core system is so good, and works so well with an iPhone that there is no point. Yet in all our other cars it is CarPlay all the way.

So do you only use CarPlay for Maps? Then I can see why you might think that but there is more to CarPlay than just that and Tesla is a disappointment for not allowing it.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

So do you only use CarPlay for Maps? Then I can see why you might think that but there is more to CarPlay than just that and Tesla is a disappointment for not allowing it.

Predominantly maps, but also for streaming music, and voice interaction with messages when on the move, and phone calls.

LOL I feel like I'm missing out on some big use case that I'm not aware of

 

[Tagbert]

Predominantly maps, but also for streaming music, and voice interaction with messages when on the move, and phone calls.

LOL I feel like I'm missing out on some big use case that I'm not aware of

I mostly listen to podcasts using Overcast. All of my subscriptions, downloaded episodes, playlists, and progress records are held there. Even if there were a separate podcast app on Tesla it wouldn’t help as I could not just transition from listening at the gym to listening in the car and keep my current place in the same podcast. Bluetooth works but only for the most basic operations. I’m sure that other people use other CarPlay apps but my usage is heavily focused on podcasts.

 

[4sallypat]

@jz0309 would know best about my new Apple Watch S9 that came in yesterday after a week of grueling tracking...

Seamlessly transferred all my apps, settings, watch face and preferences in a few minutes...

I love how the Ford Pass app now works so much quicker than the S7 I traded in.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

I mostly listen to podcasts using Overcast. All of my subscriptions, downloaded episodes, playlists, and progress records are held there. Even if there were a separate podcast app on Tesla it wouldn’t help as I could not just transition from listening at the gym to listening in the car and keep my current place in the same podcast. Bluetooth works but only for the most basic operations. I’m sure that other people use other CarPlay apps but my usage is heavily focused on podcasts.

Fair enough, I’ve still not acquired the taste for podcasts. 😬 Just play hard style at 11.

 

[jz0309]

@jz0309 would know best about my new Apple Watch S9 that came in yesterday after a week of grueling tracking...

Seamlessly transferred all my apps, settings, watch face and preferences in a few minutes...

I love how the Ford Pass app now works so much quicker than the S7 I traded in.

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View attachment 2278495

good that the Ford app is useful for you. there is a myChevy app and but it's mediocre to begin with, never installed it on my AW and most functions are onstar subscription based ;(

PS don't let Snoopy distract you while driving, and definitely don't let him take over the steering wheel

 

[JT2002TJ]

I mostly listen to podcasts using Overcast. All of my subscriptions, downloaded episodes, playlists, and progress records are held there. Even if there were a separate podcast app on Tesla it wouldn’t help as I could not just transition from listening at the gym to listening in the car and keep my current place in the same podcast. Bluetooth works but only for the most basic operations. I’m sure that other people use other CarPlay apps but my usage is heavily focused on podcasts.

I think you may have my thoughts about CarPlay wrong. I do like CarPlay, I also said to myself, I would never buy another vehicle without CarPlay. But then I bought a Tesla, and loved it so much I sold 2 vehicles and got a 2nd Tesla.

I agree in your use case, having CarPlay to run control your Overcast usage would make your user experience better, I do not disagree here. Most of my listening is like yours, radio shows on SiriusXM where I listen to several channels, or shows in podcast form (streamable after live show).

I spend 3 hours in my car a day, 1 hour in, and 2 hours home. I go between my SiriusXM shows, kids' channels since my son to be 2-year-old sone rides with me (his daycare is at my job) and music saved on my phone. So, I spend a lot of time listening to the radio in my TMY.

What I disagree with is how the user interface would be with CarPlay (with 1 screen). The screen real estate is all used, and in reality, the only area that can be used in the static screen is where the current audio is on the bottom left. See the image below. The right side of the screen is for Tesla's Maps, the left side is for vehicle info. So, in the static view CarPlay would only get the small portion on the bottom left where you can see I have a SiriusXM show on.

Also, CarPlay likes to take over the entire screen, or where it doesn't only a small portion is left for the manufacture's vehicle controls (for example the 12" U-connect screen).

I just do not see how the deployment of CarPlay in Tesla's UI can be successful without taking away from the current awesome UI.

Tesla wants to drive users to using Enhanced Auto Pilot or Full Sell Driving. Because of this, the full screen is used. I apologize, this was the only picture I could quickly find in my phone, the Energy Consumption screen is covering the Tesla GPS maps.

With the aftermarket clusters that have CarPlay, that makes more sense to me, as it wouldn't interfere with the current UI.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Can a Tesla connect to Waze through an iPhone for navigation? I rely on Waze every single day and despite being a Google product, it is so much better and more 'live' than Google Maps for journeys that are constantly evolving with heavy traffic.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

I think you may have my thoughts about CarPlay wrong. I do like CarPlay, I also said to myself, I would never buy another vehicle without CarPlay. But then I bought a Tesla, and loved it so much I sold 2 vehicles and got a 2nd Tesla.

I agree in your use case, having CarPlay to run control your Overcast usage would make your user experience better, I do not disagree here. Most of my listening is like yours, radio shows on SiriusXM where I listen to several channels, or shows in podcast form (streamable after live show).

I spend 3 hours in my car a day, 1 hour in, and 2 hours home. I go between my SiriusXM shows, kids' channels since my son to be 2-year-old sone rides with me (his daycare is at my job) and music saved on my phone. So, I spend a lot of time listening to the radio in my TMY.

What I disagree with is how the user interface would be with CarPlay (with 1 screen). The screen real estate is all used, and in reality, the only area that can be used in the static screen is where the current audio is on the bottom left. See the image below. The right side of the screen is for Tesla's Maps, the left side is for vehicle info. So, in the static view CarPlay would only get the small portion on the bottom left where you can see I have a SiriusXM show on.

Also, CarPlay likes to take over the entire screen, or where it doesn't only a small portion is left for the manufacture's vehicle controls (for example the 12" U-connect screen).

I just do not see how the deployment of CarPlay in Tesla's UI can be successful without taking away from the current awesome UI.

Tesla wants to drive users to using Enhanced Auto Pilot or Full Sell Driving. Because of this, the full screen is used. I apologize, this was the only picture I could quickly find in my phone, the Energy Consumption screen is covering the Tesla GPS maps.

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With the aftermarket clusters that have CarPlay, that makes more sense to me, as it wouldn't interfere with the current UI.

I agree in full. Tesla need to open up the developers market place or app store such that key applications can be integrated properly. For example something like overcast so you have continuity across platforms.

Google AAOS is not that much better to be honest, whilst they have an app store, the platform categories are so limited originally that it is just not going to happen as apps couldn't be approved. Saying that an app like Overcast isn't crossplatform in the first place. No excuse for that in 2023 to be honest.

 

[JT2002TJ]

Can a Tesla connect to Waze through an iPhone for navigation? I rely on Waze every single day and despite being a Google product, it is so much better and more 'live' than Google Maps for journeys that are constantly evolving with heavy traffic.

I always have Waze running on my phone (including during that screenshot). If you change the setting in Waze (something like play audio over phone), it will say all the sounds using your Bluetooth phone connection (instead of Bluetooth audio), so you can play music and Waze at the same time.

I work in NYC, so I use Waze for Police (on the highway into NYC) and Red Light/Speeding Cameras, which are EVERYWHERE now in NYC.

Tesla's GPS is actually quite good, it just doesn't have the crowd sourcing that Waze has (which is awesome).

 

[JT2002TJ]

I agree in full. Tesla need to open up the developers market place or app store such that key applications can be integrated properly. For example something like overcast so you have continuity across platforms.

Google AAOS is not that much better to be honest, whilst they have an app store, the platform categories are so limited originally that it is just not going to happen as apps couldn't be approved. Saying that an app like Overcast isn't crossplatform in the first place. No excuse for that in 2023 to be honest.

App store is coming, eventually... Probably going to take as long as it takes/took for the Cybertruck... lol... But I am with you, THIS is how you add to Tesla's UI without taking away from it. And other apps seem to handle cross platform continuity, no excuse for not having it these days.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I always have Waze running on my phone (including during that screenshot). If you change the setting in Waze (something like play audio over phone), it will say all the sounds using your Bluetooth phone connection (instead of Bluetooth audio), so you can play music and Waze at the same time.

I work in NYC, so I use Waze for Police (on the highway into NYC) and Red Light/Speeding Cameras, which are EVERYWHERE now in NYC.

Tesla's GPS is actually quite good, it just doesn't have the crowd sourcing that Waze has (which is awesome).

I do like Waze as I can often see several people around me who are also users and the route is constantly updated. Some days I can get home from work in 35 mins and other days its 1hr 30 mins so a reliance on live updates is a must for me. I was just curious as to if this can be used through Tesla's system now, but looking into it, it appears Waze have now created an app purely for Tesla.

 

[JT2002TJ]

I do like Waze as I can often see several people around me who are also users and the route is constantly updated. Some days I can get home from work in 35 mins and other days its 1hr 30 mins so a reliance on live updates is a must for me. I was just curious as to if this can be used through Tesla's system now, but looking into it, it appears Waze have now created an app purely for Tesla.

If you are talking about the TeslaWaze web-based app, I tried it, and it is unusable... At least that was my experience...

You can use the app on your phone, set the destination, and listen to the audio. You can look at the HUGH tesla screen's Tesla Maps and see where the road is that Waze announced (if you need to).

It is a workaround yes, but all the other benefits of Tesla outweigh bad from the lack of CarPlay.

 

[Apple fanboy]

If you are talking about the TeslaWaze web-based app, I tried it, and it is unusable... At least that was my experience...

You can use the app on your phone, set the destination, and listen to the audio. You can look at the HUGH tesla screen's Tesla Maps and see where the road is that Waze announced (if you need to).

It is a workaround yes, but all the other benefits of Tesla outweigh bad from the lack of CarPlay.

So audible from Waze on your phone and using different maps on the touchscreen. Sounds like a horrible user experience to me. I’ll stick with CarPlay instead thanks.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

If you are talking about the TeslaWaze web-based app, I tried it, and it is unusable... At least that was my experience...

You can use the app on your phone, set the destination, and listen to the audio. You can look at the HUGH tesla screen's Tesla Maps and see where the road is that Waze announced (if you need to).

It is a workaround yes, but all the other benefits of Tesla outweigh bad from the lack of CarPlay.

That wouldn't be ideal as its is the visuals of Waze like seeing traffic build up, icons showing police, crashes and other hold-ups that are the benefits over other sat navs. I don't know why these car companies can't get on the same page and implement Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as a standard option seeing as every smartphone user on earth would have access to one of those. Our Q4 has both of those and Audi's own system which gives a better choice depending on preference.

 

[Apple fanboy]

That wouldn't be ideal as its is the visuals of Waze like seeing traffic build up, icons showing police, crashes and other hold-ups that are the benefits over other sat navs. I don't know why these car companies can't get on the same page and implement Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as a standard option seeing as every smartphone user on earth would have access to one of those. Our Q4 has both of those and Audi's own system which gives a better choice depending on preference.

Exactly. Give the driver the choice. If there are disadvantages to Apple CarPlay then let the drivers decide that.
I’d go as far to say I’d not buy a car which require a wire.
Wireless CarPlay is much more convenient for short journeys. For long ones it’s usual to have the iPhone on the charging pad. But for short you can’t beat the convenience of leaving your phone in your pocket.

 

[JT2002TJ]

So audible from Waze on your phone and using different maps on the touchscreen. Sounds like a horrible user experience to me. I’ll stick with CarPlay instead thanks.

I agree it isn't idea, but it isn't ideal on the non-Tesla side, as opposed to the Tesla (vehicle controls, display settings, maps). If one is going to be horrible, the manufacture sure isn't going to make it on their side in order to accommodate a feature specific to a phone...

I listen to the announcements. I'm used to it, because I ride a motorcycle and use the audio commands from Waze through my motorcycle stereo.

 

[JT2002TJ]

That wouldn't be ideal as its is the visuals of Waze like seeing traffic build up, icons showing police, crashes and other hold-ups that are the benefits over other sat navs. I don't know why these car companies can't get on the same page and implement Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as a standard option seeing as every smartphone user on earth would have access to one of those. Our Q4 has both of those and Audi's own system which gives a better choice depending on preference.

Waze announces all these things... Police ahead, Red Light camera ahead, Heavy Traffic ahead (there is a setting on which notifications you want in Waze). It does it as soon as these appear on the map on the road you are traveling, so you do not actually need to view the map. Waze did it right, you shouldn't be taking your eyes off the road for their notifications. Now, I will admit, I have to take my eyes off the road, to my phone to participate in reporting incidents. I hit the report button(s) on my phone.

Other companies (other than Tesla) are not as heavily focused on having the vehicle drive for you. This is the catch. If you are trying so hard for autonomous driving, you need to have full control over the UI (also another reason there is a lack of buttons, other than cost savings).

 

[JT2002TJ]

Exactly. Give the driver the choice. If there are disadvantages to Apple CarPlay then let the drivers decide that.
I’d go as far to say I’d not buy a car which require a wire.
Wireless CarPlay is much more convenient for short journeys. For long ones it’s usual to have the iPhone on the charging pad. But for short you can’t beat the convenience of leaving your phone in your pocket.

If you turn down a $50k+ vehicle you want that has everything BUT Carplay, when there are cheap aftermarket solutions, you are the one missing out. The aftermarket support for Tesla's is the best I've seen since Jeep Wranglers and Mustangs... For <$300 you can add CarPlay on a cluster screen.

I haven't bought it, because I don't actually miss it... I use all the functionality I would have used in CarPlay via Bluetooth. And I have a car that can actually do 90% of my driving for me.

 

[Apple fanboy]

If you turn down a $50k+ vehicle you want that has everything BUT Carplay, when there are cheap aftermarket solutions, you are the one missing out. The aftermarket support for Tesla's is the best I've seen since Jeep Wranglers and Mustangs... For <$300 you can add CarPlay on a cluster screen.

I haven't bought it, because I don't actually miss it... I use all the functionality I would have used in CarPlay via Bluetooth. And I have a car that can actually do 90% of my driving for me.

Not missing out at all thanks. I have said it many times but I won’t buy a Tesla. Not now. Not ever. Not just because of CarPlay. Lack of buttons. Don’t like the way they look inside or out. I drive German cars. If not I’d probably go Korean before I went US.
Just not my type of car.
Fantastic battery and infrastructure. No to everything else.
I don’t need the range of superchargers for 99% of my journeys.
My BMW i3 will be with me for a long time (I hope). Such a shame they stopped making these brilliant little cars.

 

[JT2002TJ]

Not missing out at all thanks. I have said it many times but I won’t buy a Tesla. Not now. Not ever. Not just because of CarPlay. Lack of buttons. Don’t like the way they look inside or out. I drive German cars. If not I’d probably go Korean before I went US.
Just not my type of car.
Fantastic battery and infrastructure. No to everything else.
I don’t need the range of superchargers for 99% of my journeys.
My BMW i3 will be with me for a long time (I hope). Such a shame they stopped making these brilliant little cars.

I know you have your other issues with Tesla, more than just lack of CarPlay. I meant the in general "you" not you specifically. You have to buy what you want, I am making sure others who are deciding to go EV now (which I think this thread is really about) understand what their options are, and what they will or won't miss. I am giving my experience so they understand that the Tesla UI is so good on it's own, that one wouldn't miss CarPlay.

Just like to me, an i3 does not even come close to the range I need. It isn't even an option for me. And other manufacturers lack of automation and self driving (to cut down my the stress of 3 hours of daily commuting) take them out. I'm sure others will catch up, but right now, Tesla is King with these.

EDIT: Also, the i3 doesn't have the size I need. With a rear facing car seat for my <2 year-old, my wife wouldn't be able to sit in the front seat, and she also wouldn't be able to sit behind me.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I know you have your other issues with Tesla, more than just lack of CarPlay. I meant the in general "you" not you specifically. You have to buy what you want, I am making sure others who are deciding to go EV now (which I think this thread is really about) understand what their options are, and what they will or won't miss. I am giving my experience so they understand that the Tesla UI is so good on it's own, that one wouldn't miss CarPlay.

Just like to me, an i3 does not even come close to the range I need. It isn't even an option for me. And other manufacturers lack of automation and self driving (to cut down my the stress of 3 hours of daily commuting) take them out. I'm sure others will catch up, but right now, Tesla is King with these.

Self driving doesn’t really interest me. But my commute is 35 minutes each way!
I think Tesla have plenty to offer, especially for those who travel a lot. They are very popular in the UK with sales reps etc.

What we can agree on I believe that electric cars are better to drive than the ICE cars I have driven in the past. I won’t go back. I don’t know anyone who has.
Not having to go to the gas station is a real bonus. But I prefer the driving experience as well as being kinder to the environment.

 

[JT2002TJ]

Self driving doesn’t really interest me. But my commute is 35 minutes each way!
I think Tesla have plenty to offer, especially for those who travel a lot. They are very popular in the UK with sales reps etc.

What we can agree on I believe that electric cars are better to drive than the ICE cars I have driven in the past. I won’t go back. I don’t know anyone who has.
Not having to go to the gas station is a real bonus. But I prefer the driving experience as well as being kinder to the environment.

I agree. I won't go back unless I have to, and if so, I would be kicking and screaming...

 

[Apple fanboy]

I agree. I won't go back unless I have to, and if so, I would be kicking and screaming...

Same. In fact in I had to sell my EV due to some financial difficulties, I’d buy an older EV rather than a petrol car.