Ford’s upcoming $30,000 electric truck will be the first vehicle to feature built-in Apple Maps, according to the report. The truck, which may be called Ranchero, will start production in 2027 and will be the first vehicle on Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle platform.
The mapping software will also be used to improve Ford’s hands-free driving and AI systems, with the goal of making autonomous driving affordable. The built-in maps will be used by an in-house software development company to hone future artificial intelligence and hands-free driving systems at Ford.
Ford will be one of the first automakers to use Apple’s new MapKit technology. Most manufacturers, including Ford, currently use Google’s built-in software for navigation and search features. Apple’s trying to get a piece of the pie, with Eddy Cue, senior vice president of services and health at Apple, saying the new software delivers the best map experience in the world.
Related: Acura Plans New Flagship SUV Model
Most useful for future UEV owners will be the ability for the system to find charging stations and automatically precondition the car’s battery before it reaches its destination. Both Cue and Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, say the collaboration will make driving and handling easier.
Ford currently offers BlueCruise, which allows for hands-free driving on select highway stretches when adaptive cruise control is in use. While it’s not a full self-driving system, it’s able to automatically adjust speed, change lanes, and stay centered on the road without driver interaction, although the driver needs to keep their eyes on the road ahead.
The new mapping system will also be used by Latitude AI, Ford’s in-house software development company, to create next-generation self-driving technology. The company is currently developing a software model to support self-driving capabilities that could even include eyes-off autonomous driving, according to an announcement in January.
In practice, this development means that future UEV owners will have access to more advanced navigation and hands-free driving capabilities, making their daily commutes easier and more convenient. The integration of Apple Maps will also provide a more seamless and intuitive user experience, allowing drivers to focus on the road ahead.
Related: Aston Martin’s V12-Powered SUV Is Ready for Battle
Ford says the UEV platform and the development work at Latitude AI are part of a bigger plan to democratize autonomy at an attainable price point. They have only confirmed one UEV at the moment, the truck slated to cost around $30,000, but production isn’t expected to start until 2027.
Though only a truck has been confirmed so far, Ford has teased the possibility of a van and multiple SUVs that could ride on the platform as well. They have gotten a few glimpses of the roughly Maverick-sized pickup from spy photos, and it features a large screen in the center of the dashboard, which will run Apple’s built-in software.
Ford’s only confirmed UEV at the moment is the truck slated to cost around $30,000, but production isn’t expected to start until 2027. ➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car. Shop New Cars Shop Used Cars
