Teslas navigation consumer interface is just out of this world stunning. Each software program replace that they make, leaves me questioning; how do they do it? Did they create this huge map database on their very own? What maps does Tesla use?
Tesla’s navigation system makes use of Google Maps and is predicated on a number of third-party providers (similar to Mapbox), from which it gathers the info it requires to perform as precisely as attainable. You too can use Google Maps immediately on the Tesla display by utilizing numerous strategies.
Take a look at the remainder of this text, as I took a deep dive into this attention-grabbing subject. I simply needed to placed on my nerd glasses for this one!
Can You Use Google Maps In Tesla?
In case you’re questioning, “Does tesla use Google Maps?” then right here’s your reply: Sure! Tesla makes use of Google Maps for its navigation system.
How Tesla Makes use of Google Maps
Earlier than diving additional into how Tesla makes use of Google Maps, it’s important to know that Tesla’s navigation system is predicated on a number of third-party providers, from which it gathers the info it requires to perform as precisely as attainable.
Tesla makes use of Google Maps as a base for all of its personal maps, that means the precise visuals you see in your car’s display are derived from Google. Nevertheless, the precise navigation knowledge comes from different exterior suppliers, similar to Mapbox, an organization with which Tesla has been cooperating since 2015.
Throughout these previous couple of years, there have been rumors flying round about Tesla reducing off outsourcing on its navigation system altogether. Nevertheless, because it stands, the corporate nonetheless depends on map knowledge sources like Google Maps and Mapbox.
Having stated that, the corporate has been capable of transfer on to utilizing a few of its personal programs relating to visitors knowledge. Despite the fact that Tesla has all the time been (and nonetheless is, to a point) reliant on INRIX for one of these info, they’ve made some progress in turning into extra impartial and relying solely on their very own fleet.
Tesla’s fleet, or what’s often known as “crowdsourced knowledge,” helps collect up-to-date info from everywhere in the nation from drivers who cowl these routes on a day-to-day foundation.
To search out out precisely how correct Tesla Navigation Journey planner is, take a look at this associated article that I wrote. I additionally talk about widespread issues with the planner and tips on how to resolve them.
Utilizing Google Maps on a Tesla
Let’s face it: As spectacular and revolutionary as most of Tesla’s options are, their navigation system leaves loads to be desired. Despite the fact that no system available in the market is 100% correct, when in comparison with established giants like Google Maps, Tesla’s model comes up brief.
Their navigation system doesn’t even give essentially the most correct charging level ideas, which is the least you may anticipate driving the most well-liked electrical car of all time. Furthermore, their know-how doesn’t enable for correct info on what lane you have to be in, to not point out that a few of the knowledge you’ll discover within the system will be outdated.
So is it actually higher to make use of Google Maps than Tesla’s personal navigation system? Sadly, you’ll have to attend a bit for a solution on this one. (See: Tesla Navigation vs. Google Maps)
Whereas there are a couple of methods to make use of Google Maps on a Tesla, that is the best strategy (relevant to all Tesla fashions):
Open the Google Maps app in your smartphone.Select your vacation spot.Faucet the “Share” button.Select the “Tesla” possibility that seems. This may solely occur if you have already got the Tesla app put in in your telephone.Decide the precise Tesla you need to ship the knowledge to (should you’ve bought multiple within the storage).Comply with Google Maps’ instructions.
In case you’re nonetheless uncertain how this course of works, take a look at this video by Alex Venz, taking you thru it step-by-step.
If you need to make use of Google Maps on the Tesla onboard display/pc, you can even do it by utilizing the next two methods:
You possibly can seek for a location on Google Maps (in your smartphone) and share the placement to your Tesla.You should utilize the TeslaAA web site from the automotive’s browser which is able to run similar to every other Android Auto unit, letting you run Google Maps.
As you possibly can see, whereas sharing a location out of your telephone to your Tesla isn’t that massive of a deal, you’ll nonetheless need to undergo a number of extra steps than should you had been to make use of Tesla’s personal navigation system.
Despite the fact that, as I discussed, this method is predicated on Google Maps, the corporate nonetheless desires you to make use of their model as a substitute of the OG.
One other simple method to make use of Google Maps when driving a Tesla (additionally relevant to all fashions) is to make use of the onboard pc and display. You are able to do so by merely opening the Google Maps web site, inputting your vacation spot, and following the instructions.
Nevertheless, whereas this strategy is less complicated, it may be buggier than the share-location-from-smartphone strategy.
Initially, the app is understood to run extra easily than its web site counterpart. Secondly, utilizing Google Maps by way of your onboard display can generally intervene with Tesla’s autopilot. Subsequently, if attainable, I all the time advocate going for the smartphone strategy as a substitute.
Downsides to Utilizing Google Maps on a Tesla
Utilizing Google Maps on a Tesla isn’t all the time as simple because it appears. Not solely is the app far much less suitable along with your car with Tesla’s navigation system, however you’ll even be reliant on a number of exterior elements when utilizing Google Map’s knowledge.
You’ll have to fret about updating two totally different software program religiously, and also you’ll additionally need to test the connection high quality between the 2 units.
Furthermore, Tesla homeowners have expressed that there have been a couple of bugs and technical points which have gotten in the way in which of them utilizing Google Maps on their automobiles.
Enjoyable Truth
All through the years, Google Maps has collected greater than 20 petabytes of knowledge (or 20,000,000,000 megabytes). To place this into perspective, the Milky Means includes roughly 250 billion stars (a median of the estimated vary of 100 billion to 400 billion). If every star had been a person byte, you would want 80,000 Milky Methods to achieve this amount of knowledge.
In line with this thread on Tesla Motors Membership, customers have discovered it difficult to run Google Maps on their Android smartphones after the 2021.36.5.5 replace. In consequence, they haven’t been capable of share any of the app’s locations to their Tesla both.
The identical thread makes it look like many Android customers have gone by way of an analogous expertise, which is one thing to contemplate should you’re one your self.
As I stated, what’s inconvenient about having to depend on your smartphone to get your navigation knowledge is that the slightest bug may break a whole journey. What’s even worse is that whereas some units are solely going by way of a brief bug or problem, others (just like the Pixel 2XL) are now not receiving software program updates in any respect.
If so along with your telephone, you’ll see a “Did not open map for instructions” message pop up as quickly as you attempt to open the app to share your required vacation spot.
However don’t panic simply but. Earlier than coming to the conclusion that your telephone isn’t working because it ought to and tossing it away, listed here are a couple of ideas you would possibly need to attempt that will resolve the difficulty:
Delete your entire current caches.Delete the Google Maps app and re-install it.Restart your telephone.
If none of those options appear to work, I’m afraid you both need to pay to have your smartphone serviced, exchange it altogether, or return to utilizing Tesla’s personal navigation system.
As you possibly can see, utilizing Google Maps isn’t all rainbows and butterflies both, as your car was actually designed to work higher with its personal navigation system. Choosing the proper navigation system may make a world of distinction when discovering your vacation spot on time versus taking seven flawed turns and falsely stopping thrice beforehand.
Subsequently, there are a couple of elements you’ll need to remember when weighing Google Maps and Tesla’s Navigation System towards one another.
Random Stat: Tesla Mannequin 3 is the best-selling electrical car on this planet, with 501,000 items offered (as of 2021). Tesla Mannequin Y is available in third at 411,000 items offered. Fortunately, it’s attainable to make use of Google Maps on a Tesla, although doing so isn’t as easy as you would possibly suppose.
Tesla Navigation vs. Google Maps
In the case of the query, “Which is healthier: Tesla Navigation or Google Maps?” there’s no one-size-fits-all reply. For that reason, I’ll be taking you thru every system’s professionals and cons in hopes of serving to you higher perceive which one will get you the place you need to on time.
In case you don’t really feel like going by way of these lengthy paragraphs, I recommend you soar proper to the desk discovered on the finish of this part. There, you’ll discover the summarized model of the knowledge I’m about to take you thru.
I need to begin by saying that each programs are wonderful navigational instruments in their very own proper, though in addition they include their very own set of disadvantages. Each platforms show their routing on Google Maps, that means that should you’re a fan of the show, you’ll be joyful both method.
Nevertheless, relating to turn-by-turn steering, Google continues to make the most of its personal knowledge whereas Tesla outsources their info from third-party providers.
Tesla’s Benefits
Tesla’s navigation system is designed with EV homeowners in thoughts, whereas Google Maps is constructed to serve a way more common goal. For instance, Tesla consists of car charging knowledge in its navigational system, a characteristic that its competitor lacks.
Despite the fact that Tesla doesn’t all the time present essentially the most correct charging level ideas, its navigation system continues to be far superior to Google’s when permitting EV homeowners to seek out close by stations as shortly as attainable.
As a system constructed particularly to your car, Tesla Navigation is extra suitable and in tune with its different options. For instance, if the system notices you’re driving first and utilizing extra cost, it’ll robotically replace the charging level ideas for you.
Google Map’s Benefits
Whereas the entire above options are undoubtedly an enormous benefit for Tesla, there’s nonetheless one massive downside that retains Tesla homeowners from committing to the in-built navigation system 100%: It doesn’t help waypoints.
In consequence, the system doesn’t provide you with correct info on the precise lane you’re in or must be taking, which may make an already complicated scenario a lot worse.
This downside will be particularly arduous to recover from by these Tesla homeowners who’ve grown to depend on Google’s extremely correct instructions all year long.
Despite the fact that there’s no official analysis on this, for my part, that is the #1 purpose Tesla homeowners hesitate to retire Google Maps altogether.
Primarily based on anecdotal proof from studying by way of numerous boards and speaking to Tesla homeowners, I’d say that Google Maps is a little more correct general. Furthermore, when inputting the identical vacation spot on each programs, Maps’ route generally appears to be a bit faster in comparison with Tesla’s. That is particularly widespread relating to shorter journey distances.
When inputting an hour-long journey, likelihood is each programs will present the identical route and ideas. Nevertheless, you’ll discover that after you strategy your vacation spot, Google will begin making changes based mostly on visitors circumstances, whereas Tesla’s instructions will stay the identical.
In consequence, so far as shorter distances go, you’re often higher off utilizing Google Maps, as its navigation knowledge is up to date in real-time. Following the identical logic, should you anticipate to come across heavy visitors alongside the way in which, go for Google Maps, because it’ll make higher real-time ideas.
Nevertheless, should you’re off on a day-long highway journey, utilizing Google Maps all the way in which is each a waste of power and time. On this occasion, it’s higher to begin the experience utilizing Tesla’s navigation system after which swap to Google’s as you strategy your vacation spot.
Needless to say Google Maps isn’t the one third-party navigation system you should utilize on a Tesla. Waze, for instance, is one other extraordinarily common navigation app that has gained plenty of success by way of its driver-focused strategy.
Anyway, talking of which, take a look at this associated article that I wrote referred to as: “Can You Use Waze in a Tesla?” It’d aid you additional.
Not like Maps, Waze was designed with automotive homeowners in thoughts, and consequently, the standard of voice instructions it supplies is unparalleled. Nevertheless, Google Maps nonetheless has the sting relating to accuracy and real-time ideas.
Tesla Navigation vs Google Maps: Comparability Desk
You too can take a look at this associated article that I wrote about altering the voice on Tesla navigation, and what it entails. Can you utilize different apps to play your most well-liked voice over the Tesla audio system?
Finest Options of Tesla’s Navigation System
If, after evaluating every different’s benefits and downsides, you’ve determined to stay to Tesla’s built-in navigation system, you’re in for a deal with. Tesla’s innovation and sample of thrilling options are evident even of their navigation system, even when it’s nonetheless not as excellent as any of us would’ve favored.
These are a few of the most fun options of Tesla’s navigation system:
Computerized Navigation. Computerized Navigation is a characteristic that may predict the vacation spot you’ll be driving to with out you having to enter it into the system. This characteristic isn’t obtainable on all areas and configurations but, but when your car is synced to your telephone’s calendar and you’ve got an occasion arising that takes place in a selected location, Computerized Navigation suggests stated location robotically.I’m feeling hungry/ fortunate. When you have a Mannequin S, you’ll discover two tabs on the navigation bar labeled “I’m feeling hungry” and “I’m feeling fortunate.” Tapping the previous will immediate the system to recommend close by eating places whereas tapping the latter will show a few of the hottest sights.Journey planner. When on longer journeys, this characteristic is not going to solely choose the quickest route however may also offer you charging time ideas to assist make the highway journey as time- and cost-efficient as attainable.
Did You Know?
The “I’m feeling fortunate” characteristic was launched after a Tesla proprietor steered it to Elon Musk on Twitter. Now that Musk has formally acquired Twitter, it might be simpler to contact him for different belongings you need in your Tesla, in addition to different belongings you need from Musk’s different properties. (Or not.)
Often Requested Questions
Does Google Maps Intrude With Tesla’s Autopilot?
Google Maps doesn’t intervene with Tesla’s autopilot so long as you share a vacation spot through your telephone. Tesla Navigation is predicated on Google Maps’ satellite tv for pc photographs, so you shouldn’t have any points when utilizing autopilot and Maps concurrently on this occasion.
How Correct Is Tesla Navigation?
Tesla Navigation is just not 100% correct, although it’s nonetheless extremely helpful. Tesla’s navigation system doesn’t let you know what lane you have to be in, doesn’t give essentially the most correct charging level ideas, and exhibits outdated exit numbers.
How Does Tesla’s Navigation System Work, and Which Knowledge Sources Does It Rely On?
Tesla’s navigation system operates by amalgamating knowledge from a number of third-party providers to offer correct steering. Though the visible map interface is primarily sourced from Google Maps, the navigation knowledge is acquired from numerous exterior suppliers, together with long-term collaborator Mapbox.
Moreover, Tesla has began harnessing its personal “crowdsourced knowledge” from its fleet of automobiles, which helps in gathering real-time info from drivers throughout the nation. So “Tesla Google Maps” is barely improved over the common Google Maps.
Can I Make the most of Google Maps on My Tesla’s Onboard Display?
You possibly can entry Google Maps in your Tesla’s onboard display by way of a few strategies. One strategy is to share a location out of your smartphone to your Tesla. Alternatively, you should utilize the Tesla browser to entry Google Maps, though this methodology won’t be as seamless as the previous.
What Are the Drawbacks of Using Google Maps on a Tesla?
Utilizing Google Maps in your Tesla can introduce sure challenges. It might not be as suitable along with your car’s programs as Tesla’s native navigation, necessitating updates for each the Tesla and Google Maps apps. Furthermore, there’s a danger of encountering technical bugs that may disrupt your navigation expertise.
Does Google Maps Assist Waypoints for A number of Locations on Tesla?
Google Maps doesn’t help waypoints when used on Tesla’s navigation system. This limitation will be particularly inconvenient when planning routes with a number of stops and when requiring exact lane steering.
Is Tesla’s Navigation System Extra Correct Than Google Maps?
Whereas Tesla’s navigation system excels in some facets when evaluating Tesla maps vs Google maps, similar to offering specialised knowledge for electrical automobiles, Google Maps is usually thought of extra correct general. It affords superior real-time visitors updates and tends to carry out higher for shorter journeys.
How Does Tesla’s Computerized Navigation Function Operate?
Tesla’s Computerized Navigation characteristic operates by predicting your vacation spot based mostly on occasions synced to your calendar. When you have an upcoming occasion in your calendar with a selected location, Tesla’s navigation system will robotically recommend that location, simplifying journey planning.
What Do the “I’m Feeling Hungry” and “I’m Feeling Fortunate” Tabs on Tesla’s Navigation Bar Provide?
These tabs, discovered completely in Tesla’s Mannequin S, present added comfort throughout your journeys. “I’m Feeling Hungry” suggests close by eating choices, whereas “I’m Feeling Fortunate” shows common sights in your neighborhood, making impromptu exploration extra accessible.
How Does Tesla’s Journey Planner Function Improve Longer Journeys?
Tesla’s Journey Planner goes past merely deciding on the quickest route to your journey. It additionally affords invaluable charging time suggestions, permitting you to optimize your lengthy highway journeys for each time and price effectivity.
Does Utilizing Google Maps Intrude With Tesla’s Autopilot?
Using Google Maps through your smartphone doesn’t intervene with Tesla’s Autopilot performance. Since Tesla’s navigation system depends on Google Maps’ satellite tv for pc photographs, you possibly can comfortably use each Autopilot and Google Maps concurrently with none disruptions.